Since it’s re-introduction into the music world circa-2005, the auto-tune has been a topic of constant debate. Some listeners (ahem, Kanye) herald the auto-tune as hip-hop’s most innovative instrument while some refuse to acknowledge its legitimacy. Still others don’t understand what all the fuss is about. At times, these debates grow to be so convoluted that they begin to overshadow the music itself.

But every couple of months or so, a song comes along that simply forces people to listen. Lil Wayne’s “Me and My Drank” is an arresting ode to Wayne’s alcoholic concoction of choice, Kanye West’s “Coldest Winter” is a beautiful rendering of Tears for Fears’ “Memories Fade,” and as of four days ago, it brings me much pleasure to add the following song to the Rolodex of auto-tune laden masterpieces: T-Pain and Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Believe It (Remix).” How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

First of all, T-Pain’s “Can’t Believe It” was a genuinely enjoyable song the first time around. It managed to have a smooth groove while remaining entirely danceable. It was light and catchy, and a little bit quirky thanks to Wayne’s borderline unintelligible verse. With all the animation, circus tricks and pyrotechnics, the music video was entirely merit-worthy in its own right.

Secondly, unlike the majority of its peers, this song is a genuine remix. It’s not a slipshod verse slapped onto an otherwise identical track, with intermittent DJ shout-outs a la any remix on virtually any DJ Khaled/Kay Slay/Clue mixtape ever made. Instead, the lyrics have been carefully re-worded, new harmonies have been introduced and the song has an entirely different vibe.

And I don’t know if you noticed, but this song has Justin Timberlake singing in a motherfucking auto-tuned falsetto. Of all the directions Justin could explore for his new project, using the auto-tune seems the least likely. But, once the initial shock at hearing his sensual verses dissipates, the listener has no choice but to accept this collabo for what it is: impeccable craftsmanship.