WHAT makes a hit? Is it the lyrics, the artiste, the hype at the time? Is it ‘something special’ about the voice or rhythm?

The TEENage Hitlist pinpoints the hits and the misses as soon as we hear both local and international releases.

Suit & Tie – Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z

In 2006, iPhones did not exist. That is how much the world has changed in the seven years since Justin Timberlake has released new solo music.

Sure, he has been featured on a number of singles by other artistes, but it was never quite enough to satisfy his fanbase until the unexpected release of Suit & Tie.

Suite & Tie is the Timbaland-produced first single for Justin Timberlake’s upcoming album 20/20 Experience, and features a verse by Jay-Z.

If listeners were expecting Timberlake to join the current European Dance Music craze, a craze he helped pioneer with Sexyback, you’re in for a surprise upon hearing Suit & Tie. The song is a mid-tempo R&B love jam, splashed with elegant horns and piano keys.

Vocally, Timberlake performs each verse in falsetto, a vocal style he first employed in his debut album Justified, but now more commonly synonymous with Robin Thicke.

Jay-Z deployed a verse relevant to the song’s chic arrangement, with a wealth-rap contribution dedicated to his love interest.

Suit & Tie sounds rich and lush in sound. The song is age appropriate for Justin Timberlake, as it shows maturity and growth for the now 32-year-old entertainer and entrepreneur.

TEENage Hitlist hopes that 20/20 Experience features more cuts of the high standard set by Suit & Tie when released.