Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a River - 2002
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Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a River - 2002
Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a River - 2002
Cry Me a River is a song by American singer Justin Timberlake from his debut solo album, Justified (2002). Not only did the song receive widespread critical acclaim, but it also won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2004. The song's lyrics are famously interpreted as being about Timberlake's break-up with Britney Spears, although Timberlake has been somewhat ambiguous about the song's true inspiration.
Background and Composition
- Cry Me a River was written by Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Scott Storch, and produced by Timbaland. The song's distinctive sound features a mix of R&B with electronic influences and a haunting, echoing background.
- The song's music video, directed by Francis Lawrence, further fueled speculation about its inspiration, featuring a Britney Spears look-alike and a narrative of betrayal and revenge.
Reception and Legacy
- Upon its release, Cry Me a River was a commercial success, charting in the top 10 in multiple countries and becoming one of Timberlake's signature songs.
- The song and its video are considered pivotal in Timberlake's career, helping to establish him as a solo artist separate from his NSYNC roots.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
In what year did Justin Timberlake release "Cry Me a River"?
Which producer collaborated with Justin Timberlake on "Cry Me a River"?
What award did "Cry Me a River" win at the Grammy Awards?
Who is believed to be the inspiration behind "Cry Me a River"?
What is distinctive about the music video of "Cry Me a River"?
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which boy band was Justin Timberlake a member of before his solo career?
For which album did "Cry Me a River" serve as a single?
How many Grammy Awards has Justin Timberlake won as of 2023?
In what year did Justin Timberlake begin his solo music career?
Which song marked Justin Timberlake's debut as a solo artist?
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
Which line follows "You told me you loved me, why did you leave me"?
How does the chorus of "Cry Me a River" begin?
What theme dominates the lyrics of "Cry Me a River"?
Which emotion is primarily conveyed through "Cry Me a River"?
In "Cry Me a River," what does Justin Timberlake use as a metaphor for his tears?
Memory
ProducerGrammy AwardRelease YearBest Male Pop Vocal PerformanceTimbalandBritney SpearsInspirationJustin TimberlakeJustified2002
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore the Music Video: Watch the "Cry Me a River" music video and describe its narrative and visual style.
- Investigate the Breakup: Research and write a short essay on the impact of celebrity relationships in the media, using Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears as a case study.
- Song Analysis: Analyze the lyrical themes of "Cry Me a River" and discuss how they relate to the concept of heartbreak.
Standard
- Cover Version: Record your own cover of "Cry Me a River," focusing on expressing the emotion in the song through your performance.
- Compare and Contrast: Write an essay comparing "Cry Me a River" to another song that deals with heartbreak, focusing on lyrical content, musical style, and emotional impact.
- Music Video Reimagining: Create a storyboard for a new music video for "Cry Me a River" that offers a different perspective on the song's themes.
Difficult
- Timbaland's Production Techniques: Research and present on the production techniques used by Timbaland in "Cry Me a River," including how they contribute to the song's emotional depth.
- The Role of Music Videos: Analyze the role of music videos in artist branding, using "Cry Me a River" as a case study.
- Justin Timberlake's Career Evolution: Write a detailed analysis of Justin Timberlake's evolution as an artist from his NSYNC days to his solo career, highlighting key songs and moments.
Oral Exam
- Discuss the impact of celebrity relationships on public perception and media: How do personal stories like that of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears influence the reception of music and music videos?
- Analyze the transition from boy band member to solo artist: What challenges and opportunities does an artist face when transitioning from a group to a solo career, using Justin Timberlake as an example?
- Explore the role of producers in shaping the sound of pop music: Discuss how producers like Timbaland have influenced the sound of pop music, with examples from "Cry Me a River."
- Examine the evolution of music videos: How have music videos evolved over time, and what role do they play in the marketing and reception of songs today?
- Investigate the significance of awards in an artist's career: How do awards like the Grammy influence an artist's career, reputation, and influence in the music industry?
OERs on the Topic
Links
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MUSIC QUIZ
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