It's been seven years since Justin Timberlake last released a CD. The last time we heard new music, JT was still establishing himself as a solo artist. FutureSex/LoveSounds was where people really started to take him seriously as a musical artist rather than just a former boy band member looking to cash in on his fame. It was a very well done disc, and it looked like he was really on the verge of becoming something huge. And then...he disappeared (From music, anyway).
This ended up being a really smart move, because the anticipation grew. It was like everyone believed they would be getting more music from JT, but it always seemed just a little farther off. Of course, it was also a bad move, because when he finally returned with a new single and the anticipated release of this album, well, expectations were high. Very high.
Personally, I would say expectations for The 20/20 Experience were just too high going in. I don't think this disc was ever going to live up to critical expectations. So let's step away from the expectations and take the disc for what it is.
This disc is best described as "high class," I think, which is an admittedly odd description of music. But it fits in this case. From the moment the opening song, Pusher Love Girl, hits, you can tell you're in for a different experience. The first 30 seconds or so sound like an old movie intro, and then you get into a very smooth groove that fits around that sound. It is a preview of what's to come on this disc.
Timberlake plays with the beats really well on this disc, wrapping them around unexpected sounds, whether it be the classic 1930's big band sound, a 1950's movie, even modern R&B sounds, these songs are smooth. Songs like That Girl bring in the mix a classic R&B sound with modern beats, while songs like Suit & Tie mix a classy style with a well-placed guest verse from Jay-Z. Mirrors is a perfect choice for a single, as is Let The Groove Get In, which brings in a very chant-driven chorus that will undoubtedly snag people and draw them in.
And don't let the track list fool you. These 10 songs clock in at close to 70 minutes. Each track is its own little experience. Some work better than others, admittedly, but this disc definitely gives you your money's worth.
Overall, this is a strong return to the music industry for JT. It's not a perfect disc by any means, but the mixing of styles leads to a sound that you can't really find in the industry right now, and that works in The 20/20 Experience's favor. A great effort for Timberlake's third solo effort.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
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