Why did I review the album? We all know about my JT obsession
Did I like it? Yes
Will I listen again? To some tracks
After six years and two albums of
Timberland influenced beats, I was hoping for JT to move in another direction.
Not that his current style is bad, but he’s proven that he can make great music
when collaborating with Timberland. So I wanted him to move to the next chapter
in his career. This album is less Timberland influenced than anything he’s done
in a while. It’s still there, especially in the beginning, but JT definitely
distanced himself from Timberland more than usual. I’m curious how far he drift
from Timberland in his next project.
This album is very much a
timeline though JT career. There are some flashes of Justified (You Got it On &
Pair of Wings) and something that might have found itself on FSLS (Cabaret).
But there are hints at some new twists he might try in the future (Take Back
the Night & Only When I Walk Away).
My Favs
3. Amnesia
2. Take Back the Night
1. You Got it On
Overall Rating: 75 with a recommendation to
listen then decide
True Blood- There are a lot of references to wolves and/or
vampires in this track. It describes a couple’s attraction to one another through
the lens of a vampire. The sound and
lyrics support the title. I felt a Thriller type vibe from this, but it’s a lot
more easygoing than Thriller. 3.5/5
Cabaret- For those that do not know (because
I did not) cabaret is entertainment carried out in a restaurant or nightclub
where the audience is allowed to eat or drink. I like this song because it’s
smooth and chill but still manages to have an edge. Drake’s verse was fine considering
the song. His flow was in top form and loved listening to it. He even managed
to integrate his singing without disrupting the flow of the song. 4/5
TKO- I wanted this song to be witty or toy
with the sound to make up for the straightforward and literal lyrics, but it
didn’t. It’s not a bad song, but it is disappointingly average. 2.5/5
Take Back the Night- I’m pretty sure True
Blood was an homage to Thriller, but this is clearly a tribute to MJ.
I loved every minute of it. It’s carefree, trades his trademark Timerland sound
for a conventional beat and repeats everything that I loved about Senorita.
5/5
Murder- I have the same issue with this
song as I did with TKO. I
have to admit, I preferred Jay-Z on this track more than JT. Despite its
relatively modest five minute length, the song is still two minutes too long. 3/5
Drink You Away- JT tries to drink his way through
his past relationship. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s actually a fun ride. 4/5
You Got it On- This song would fit
perfectly with the content on Justified. But, at the same time it wouldn’t; it’s
too polished. I originally positioned Take Back the Night in my #1 spot, but
this is too pretty. The beat is soft and smooth, and JT adjusts his delivery
accordingly to match the smoothness of the beat. The solo at the end was
delightful. The lyrics are great too. He’s
building up his woman while he’s telling her what makes her special to him. At
the same time he’s also seducing/sweet-talking her. It’s lyrical gold. The
definition of “grown folk” music. One of my favorite JT songs ever. 5/5
Amnesia- Uses amnesia to describe his
relationship with a past lover. It reminds me of Cry Me A River,
but it’s not as harsh and cold. In Cry Me a River JT revels in his harshness
whereas he is angry and drained in this version. The second half features a
beatswitch and JT tone changes. He wants her in his life again. He realizes
that they’ll fight and drive each insane, but he still wants her despite all
the pain she’s caused. Through it all they know they love each other. Amnesia
in this case has a different meaning. In the first half he’s so scarred by the
relationship he wants to forget about it completely as if it never happened (i.e.
amnesia). Now that he’s realized his error he wants to forget the hurtful things
he said to/about her (i.e. amnesia) 5/5
Only When I Walk Away- I wasn’t sure what
to think of this song at first, but I like it. The content and lyrics aren’t
that interesting, but he took some risks with the sound that work. He’s
incorporated a choir for the first time since Losing My Way. Also he’s featured
an electric guitar in his music for the first time. I wasn’t expecting the
change in sound, but I did enjoy it. 4/5
Not a Bad Thing- A nice song to end the
album with. It’s a happy feel-good song. The second half is a hidden track called
Pair of
Wings. I love this because it’s stripped of all the extra parts and only
keeps the essentials. Since the beat only relies on the guitar his voice and
lyrics take center stage. This song had the potential to be extremely “sappy” but
somehow managed to escape the trap.
The first song earns a 3.5 while
the second earns a 5
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