Post: On this album, you wrote every track. Can we assume the sentiments we're hearing are the real you?

Timberlake: Absolutely, completely. But the cool part about music is that anybody listening can interpret what I wrote in terms of their own life.

Post: Is this album about your life?

Timberlake: About half of the album is autobiographical; the other half is made up of experiences. I think every artist has to reveal little bit of their personal baggage on a record, but sometime when you are being creative, you take on a role. It's really up to the listener to put their spin on it.

Post: Is there a song on this album about a certain ex-girlfriend?

Timberlake: I wrote these songs from my heart, and people will take what they want from them.

Post: Is success important?

Timberlake: Listen, nobody does an album and says, "I hope this goes straight to No. 2." I'm ambitious, I have goals and big plans, but at the same time, I know this is my first album. I don't have any expectations.

Post: You really consider this your first album?

Timberlake: Yeah, I do. I was Justin before *NSYNC was *NSYNC. That's why this is my first album.

Post: Was that a shot at *NSYNC?

Timberlake: I'd never knock anything *NSYNC does. I like what we do as a group, but *NSYNC doesn't work without all of us - our individuality is our appeal. People are used to seeing me up front in *NSYNC, but I'm only one-fifth of the band. That's the difference: This is 100 percent me.

Post: Is 100 percent addictive?

Timberlake: To say I'm not going to do another solo album would be stupid. I'm definitely going to do another one. Just like we are going to do another *NSYNC record.

Post: It doesn't have to be one or the other?

Timberlake: There's no reason my solo career and *NSYNC can't co-exist in the same universe. *NSYNC is in no danger.

Post: So from what you say, this hiatus is a break, not a breakup.

Timberlake: The break we're on was a conscious move. We all wanted to do it, and we were ready to do it. Performing at stadiums every night for 50,000 fans takes a little out of you. I was 14 when we started, and we've been touring for the last seven years. The time was right; we were all in the same zone. This album is what I wanted to do.

Post: At your listening party, somebody said to me, "This is the record Michael Jackson should have made." What do you say to that?

Timberlake: You can't compare this to "Invincible." They are two very different albums. Michael Jackson is a legend. I'm not. I haven't earned that. You can say all kinds of crazy stuff about Michael, but never forget, he's a legend. It's undeniable. I'm a huge fan of his. The comparisons are flattering, but I don't see it. Good job, kid. Best of luck. By the way, 'NSYNC isn't a "band" - it's a vocal group.