Justin Timberlake, The 20/20 Experience

Justin Timberlake

The 20/20 Experience

Reviewed by Dan Emmons

I may have to say that the seven years it took from the last album release from Justin Timberlake was almost how long it felt like I was listening to this album.   Please do not get me wrong, I truly enjoyed The 20/20 Experience.  It left an impression on me, but that might just be because I gave it a chance, and a full listen from start to finish. 

The album starts with “Pusher Love Girl”, a track that would be completely on point, if it ended three minutes earlier.  Instead, it is an eight-minute odyssey, where Timbaland just over-does his end of that songwriting contract.  Again, I would never discount Timbaland, he is one of the best producers of all time, but I expect the duo to come up with more cohesiveness in the album as a whole.  Tracks like “Suit and Tie” featuring Jay Z, “Tunnel Vision”, and “Spaceship Coupe” are the display of scope of talent that Timberlake has as a performer and recording artist. Tracks like “Mirrors” remind me of old JT, which is never a bad thing and the song “Blue Ocean Floor” sounds like a song Frank Ocean turned down.  Also not a bad thing, but who did you buy the record to hear?

My concern about the album is for the general audience.  That is because I thought it was a fantastic display of an absolute powerhouse of an artists.  This man has not released an album in SEVEN YEARS and then decides he is going to release, what I consider a concept album, simply because he is at that level.  He could have dropped an album full of smiley pop songs and everyone would have bought it, but instead, went into the studio and came out with a new married-man style.  Oh did I mention he won some awards and stuff for a small movie called The Social Network?

The fact is, we live in a time where people start listening to a track, but before they can stop it, out comes the phone to text, Facebook, or some other distraction that they fall victim to.   Unfortunately, that is why those with short patience will not enjoy “The 20/20 Experience”.  Of course you have seen the promotions on TV with Target, “Saturday Night Live”, and the Grammy performance with Jay Z, but that may not be enough to catch the attention of the youth these days.  However, if you are an adult JT fan, grab a bottle of good wine, some candles, and your significant other and let Justin treat you right.