Review & Photography by Robert Barrett

Justin Timberlake’s returned to Birmingham’s Utilita Arena to prove his pop prowess amongst a tricky year for him.

The setlist prominently featured tracks from his latest album, Everything I Thought It Was, with songs like “F**kin’ Up the Disco” and “Selfish” offering a glimpse into his current musical direction. Yet, it was the inclusion of timeless classics such as “Cry Me a River,” “Rock Your Body,” and “SexyBack” that truly ignited the crowd, evoking nostalgia and solidifying his place as a pop icon.

Critics have been quick to praise the concert for its elaborate arrangements and high-energy performances. The Times described the show as a “precision-tooled spectacular,” noting Timberlake’s “tireless dance-bot moves” and the immersive “cinematic visuals” that elevated the experience.

Audience reactions echoed this enthusiasm, with one attendee commenting on the superior sound quality compared to his previous O2 Arena show in London, specifically highlighting the venue’s acoustics.

Timberlake’s Birmingham concert was a dynamic celebration of his musical evolution and exceptional performance skills, blending fresh tracks with cherished hits for an unforgettable live experience.