It has been rumoured that Memphis, Tennessee’s very own Justin Timberlake is to release an album of country music. Timbaland – producer and regular collaborator with Justin Timberlake – has hinted that they have been working with country music over the last months. JT has teased fans by releasing photographs of himself via Instagram with Timbaland, Little Big Town, and Pharrell Williams.

Little Big Town has enjoyed country music success since the release of their eponymous debut album in 2002 and with recent album releases via the Capitol Nashville label. JT’s collaboration here offers strong potential to suggest his new move in musical direction towards country.

Last month he presented the award for Best Tour to Taylor Swift – an artist moving away from country music? – at the iHeart Radio Music Awards on 3 April.

This will be the ex-NSYNC star’s first album since the release of the two-part The 20/20 Experience in 2013.

JT releases the new song from the album on Friday 6/5 entitled ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’. Following this will be the release of the animated film Trolls: JT being the voice of one of the characters and executive music/soundtrack producer.

News of the album release and further genre-move speculation will follow once announced. Compare ‘Cry me a River’ (above) with the country sound of Little Big Town’s ‘Girl Crush’.