Justin Timberlake turns his back on pop music

Singer Justin Timberlake is turning his back on pop to write country music.

The 26-year-old "Sexy Back" singer says that he wants to take some time away from the spotlight to go back to his Tennessee roots and explore other music genres.

He told the newspaper 'USA Today': "I've had a good share of the spotlight. I don't feel I need too much of it right now.

"I want to write country music, because I grew up in Tennessee, and soul music."

Timberlake- who has already penned tunes for the likes of Macy Gray and Rihanna - has grown tired of writing for himself and wants to concentrate on composing songs for other artists.

He added: "Sometimes I feel the only way to really express all those different sides, even just for myself, is through different people.

"To write for myself, I definitely have to recharge my battery. I can't just pump out 20 more songs and expect them all to be 'What Goes Around'."

Justin has recently taken a break from his music career to try his hand to acting. This year, he can be seen in 'Alpha Dog' and 'Black Snake Moan', and he has also lent his voice to the character of King Arthur for animated movie 'Shrek the Third'.