Justin Timberlake- 20/20 Experience Pt. 2 (2013)

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

Justin Timberlake- The 20/20 Experience (2013)

Why did I review the album?  Love JT

Did I like it? Yes…eventually

Will I listen again? Yes

I didn’t like this album at first, in fact, I hated it. But, that’s why I listen to albums at least two times before I start writing reviews. My first impressions of music is usually harsh because I’m exposing myself to the music for the first time, so I do not notice the nuggets of brilliance in songs.

My main problem is the track length. The songs are too long. They did not hold my interest as much as the tracks on FutureSex/LoveSsounds (FSLS). I felt the songs on FSLS were long with a purpose whereas 20/20 Pt.1 relied upon catchy production and charm to elongate the songs. In short there is a bit less substance than I’d like.

For Instance, on FSLS “What Goes Around Comes Around” turns a common phrase into the basis for a song. Also, it’s essentially the meaning of karma. Through the lyrics he is able to weave in a story about betrayal and the results of the betrayal (Karma). Add an interesting beat to tie it together and the song explodes with content and sound.  All of that is explored in 7:30,every bit was needed to fully explore the ideas he examined in the song.  

20/20 matches the production level of its predecessor but severely lacks the lyrical depth found on JT’s previous LP’s. Because of that, I originally found the songs boring and drawn out. 

The album excels at merging and concocting sounds and is carried by the charm and allure of JT

Although I did eventually find endearing qualities in the songs, I still believe it’s his weakest work to date. After a seven year absence I was expecting a bit more

My Favs

3. Spaceship Coupe

2. Strawberry Bubblegum

1. That Girl

Overall Rating: 73 with a recommendation to Listen then decide

Justin Timberlake- Future Sex Love Sounds (2006)

Why did I review the album? Justified impressed me, so I decided to try this one

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? Yes

My experience with this album is a bit odd. The only way I can explain it is by comparing J. Cole mixtapes. I had a conversation with my sister about her favorite J.Cole album/mixtape (we are both avid J. Cole fans). I said Warm Up, but she believed Friday Night Lights is superior (I now believe FNL is better). At the time the reason why I believed that is because The Warm Up had eight 5 star songs on it and the rest of the songs were good to very good. On FNL there were only 3 five star songs but another eleven received 4 stars. So while both are great and Warm up had many that I consider all-time favorites I respect the solidity of FNL more.

So in this case Justified is FNL and FSLS is the Warm up 

                                                                                                                                                   Justified                                                                  FSLS

5 stars awarded   5                                          5 stars awarded     7

4 stars awarded   5                                          4 stars awarded     2

3 stars awarded   3                                          3 stats awarded     4

The album covers all bases. From fun songs like SexyBack and Pose to serious cuts like Until the End of Time and Lost My Way. A few features to keep the sound fresh, but hosts plenty solo efforts to remind everyone JT can entertain on his own.The subject matter varies from eternal love and betrayal to drug addiction and a search for God. There's something in here for everyone.
Overall Score: 90, with a Buy recommendation 

Justin Timberlake- Justified (2002)

Why did I review this album? I've had this album for like 6-8 months and I was tired of looking at it, so... here it goes

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