Justin Timberlake releases new single

Justin Timberlake has released his comeback track Suit & Tie, featuring a guest appearance by Jay-Z.

The singer and actor made the new Timbaland-produced song – his first new music in six years – available at midnight ET (5am UK time) on Monday (January 14).

Timberlake wrote in an open letter posted on his official website that although he had expected criticism for “teasing” his fans with initial news of his musical comeback last week, it had been “a lot of fun”.

“This year is an exciting one for me. As you probably have heard through the ‘grapevine’, I’m gearing up for a big 2013. Back in June of last year, I quietly started working on what is now my next journey with that thing I love called music,” he said.

“The inspiration for this really came out of the blue, and to be honest, I didn’t expect anything out of it. I just went into the studio and started playing around with some sounds and songs.”

Promising further material, Timberlake continued: “It was probably the best time I’ve had in my career… Just creating with no rules and/or end goal in mind and really enjoying the process.

“What I came up with is something I couldn’t be more excited about! It is full of inspiration that I grew up listening to, and some newfound muses that I’ve discovered along the way. I’m calling it The 20/20 Experience, and it’s coming out this year.

“I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.”

Former ‘NSync member Timberlake has released two solo albums, 2002’s Justified and 2006’s FutureSex/LoveSounds.

Suit and Tie is available to download on iTunes now