Justin Timberlake – ‘The 20/20 Experience’
ItĢƵ refreshing to see and hear another Justin other than Bieber burning up the charts.
The man who successfully and stylishly managed to bring sexy back is at it once again. Formal wear is the appropriate attire and impeccably cool is the attitude featured on Justin TimberlakeĢƵ third studio album.
“The 20/20 Experience” is fronted by the infectiously radio-friendly lead single “Suit & Tie,” showcasing a little assistance from Jay-Z as Timberlake offers up Michael Jackson-esque vocals reminiscent of his first album “Justified.”
The entertainer extraordinaire teams up once again with producer Timbaland and the results are as stupendous as 2006ĢƵ “FutureSex/LoveSound.” A lush string arrangement makes for a grand entrance on the opener “Pusher Love Girl,” as Timberlake combines a throwback ’50s-glamour feel with a soulfully addictive vocal performance.
“Strawberry Bubblegum” is a funky, modern R&B number that evokes a Barry White-sounding opening with harmonious traces of the Brothers Johnson from 1977ĢƵ “Right on Time,” featuring the supercool “Strawberry Letter 23.” Introduced as JT and the Tennessee Kids (a cheeky nod to TimberlakeĢƵ birthplace of Memphis) on the opening of “That Girl,” Timberlake delivers a vintage Motown vibe that is as cool as the other side of the pillow possessing a hip bass groove and melodious brass section.
The tender vulnerability of “Mirrors” is an album standout outlining the testing and strengthening of a special relationship. While the songĢƵ video is dedicated to TimberlakeĢƵ grandparents, the impassioned lyrics most certainly could be a reference to his marriage to the beautiful Jessica Biel as Timberlake sings, “ItĢƵ like you’re my Mirror/My mirror staring back at me.”
The subdued feel of the absorbing ballad “Blue Ocean Floor” closes the album with experimental flare and memorable grace. With the average song length clocking in around seven minutes, Timberlake consciously follows the lead of mega bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Queen, leaving time for the music to engulf the senses.
After nearly seven years since his last release, TimberlakeĢƵ in no rush to bring the music to a voguish end. Rumor has it that Timberlake will release another new album this year to follow up the first leg of his splendidly satisfying escapade.