Is it possible to think of Justin Timberlake as something other than actress Cameron Diaz's boyfriend? Or to imagine a recent picture of Beyonce Knowles in which she isn't draped on the arm of rapper Jay-Z?
Besides keeping legions of star-stalking media in business, the mini-corporations known as Justin and Beyonce also produce music. Both are releasing their second solo albums: Knowles' B-Day (Sony) arrived this week, and Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds (Jive) is due Tuesday. They are crucial albums for a music industry in dire need of best sellers, and for two singers striving to transcend their youthful accomplishments.