Did I like this album? Yes
Will I listen again? Already have
I didn't know what to
expect from this because I knew it was his first album and would be completely
different from the 20/20 experience albums.
Well... I LOVE this. I have to say though, if I had listened to
this at the time it came out I may not love this album as much as I do. This
album is like an in between. It has remnants of 90's R&B but it also has
flashes of the new direction that music was going in the early 2000's. Since
its 2014 I could actually appreciate this where I may not have in 03. That mix
of R&B and early 2000's vibe give the album variety that you do not usually
see in debut albums and JT executes them all very well. Also because I haven't
heard most of these songs in six or seven years they essentially had the
feeling of a new song, so I didn't have the antipathy that I normally do
towards singles.
If there is one thing wrong with the album, it’s the track listing.
The three singles are in the first four songs. If he spread them out it
would have been better because instead of having two average songs (10 &
11) you can spread it so that it doesn't make the album seem top heavy. It's
not, but when you place the only two average songs next to great songs it
certainty feels that way.
For a first album he seems really comfortable with his style. Most
people are still experimenting with it the first time, but he's not like that.
He knows what he likes to do and is comfortable enough to tweak it and take
risks with it.
If anyone knows the reason that singles appear in the first half
of albums (almost exclusively) let me know. Is it something I’m imagining or is
there an actual reason?
The slower tracks may scare away some listeners, but there are
enough upbeat tracks to give the album balance.
Most people say FutureSex/Love Sounds is his best album and it may
be, but it’s going to be hard to top this one.
My Favs
3. Like I Love You
2. Never Again
1.Senorita
Overall Score: 90 with
a Buy recommendation
