Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Album Review: Justin Timerlake's "20/20 Experience"


Justin Timberlake could be argued as one of the most talented people of our generation.  Starting in the Mickey Mouse Club and the boy band *N-Sync, Justin shined above the rest.  Then we saw him step in front and released two solo albums - Justified and FutureSex/LoveSoundsJustified gave us classic tracks like "Cry Me A River" and "Rock Your Body."  Then he followed that up with a new sound in the FutureSex/LoveSounds that people can't get enough of with tracks like "SexyBack" and "My Love."  Then Justin turned his back on the music and decided to venture out in other fields like acting and comedy.  Yet each time he was in one of these new ventures the question continuously arose - When will you make music again?  Justin finally answered back on January 10th with this small video:


The answer was clear, he was ready for a new album and the hype around the album grew with every day, week, and month.  Until he finally released the first track "Suit & Tie" featuring Jay-Z.  In my opinion the track displays exactly what we have missed from Justin Timberlake in the past 7 years since FutureSex/LoveSounds - real music and lyrics!!  The complete product was released today on March 19th, and I will now give you a full track-by-track review of the album:

1. Pusher Love Girl
This track was part of his Grammy performance - I loved it then and I love it even more now.  The track definitely focuses on Justin's vocals which we see that he clearly still has.  By far one of my favorite tracks on the album
2. Suite & Tie Ft Jay-Z

Nothing much to say about this track besides Justin, Jay-Z, and singing/rapping about dressing classy.  Also it sold over 350,000 downloads in the first week of release.

3. Don't Hold The Wall
I didn't like this track at first, but it grows on you over time.  The track starts out with a foreign type sound with Justin's somewhat whispering vocals and grows into a sexual song.  The song is decent, but I think it lacks a little bit on the chorus.
4. Strawberry Bubblegum
Besides "Pusher Love Girl" this is another one of my favorite tracks on the album.
The song starts slow and methodical and grows into a beautiful love song.  It was funny too, that throughout the song he adds in the word "Pop" with such flare that it is reminiscent of the song "Pop" by the boy band he was in *N-Sync.

5. Tunnel Vision
Another great collaboration between a Timbaland beat and Justin's vocals.  This track brings us back to some of his work on FutureSex/LoveSounds

6. Spaceship Coupe
A straight up love sing bringing women off of Earth and into space.  He asks women to show him their "alien" inside and take a ride in his spaceship coupe with only "room for two."  This track will definitely become a favorite for the ladies

7. That Girl
This track is another awesome one amongst many.  Each track really holds it weight in the album, and this one is no exception.  Similar with "Pusher Love Girl," the vocals are very few and the stress is clearly on Justin's voice

8. Let The Groove In
     Another high energy track on the album which is reminiscent of "Rock Your Body" or "Senorita" from previous albums.  The methodical drums in the background along with the accompanying instruments really set this track above the rest in energy and intensity

9. Mirrors
This was the second single released from the album and I instantly loved it after first listen.  It is completely comparable to "What Goes Around/Comes Around," yet with a lot more of a positive feel to it while he looks at the "other half" of himself.

10. Blue Ocean Floor
The final track is a complete sentimental track, which includes a long instrumental which meshes with Justin's vocals.  The track is slow throughout, and to those who don't like slower tracks this will be your least favorite track with the crawling of the vocals.  Yet, this track is growing on me with more time.
GRADE: A
Justin's work on this album has definitely shown people that he can definitely still bring great music to the public and it appears he is not done yet.  In a recent interview, Justin stated that The 20/20 Experience is one of two albums that he is going to release this year.  More news on that as it comes, and below is the download link:
DOWNLOAD

No comments:

Post a Comment