Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience Review

If I was forced to categorise The 20/20 Experience into one musical genre I would classify it as neo-soul with pop appeal. I agree with Rolling Stone€™s assessment that this album has more in common with D€™Angelo and Maxwell than Usher or Bieber. The themes of the songs stay resolutely on the topic of romance, be it the sex-as-drug metaphors in "Pusher Love Girl," the sex-as-candy metaphors in "Strawberry Bubblegum" or the sex-as-interstellar-force metaphors in "Spaceship Coupe." "Everybody knows that you're from outer space," he sings as Timbaland's synths surf waves of reverb. "But honey, I just wanna turn out this space with you." €“LA Times Standout tracks include the addiction themed €œPusher Love Girl,€ the mellow €œStrawberry Bubblegum,€ the big brass band tribute €œThat Girl€ and single €œSuit And Tie.€ If you want to a full track-by-track review check out The Inquirer. What have the critics said about the The 20/20 Experience? Rolling Stone called it:

'The biggest pop event of 2013 so far.' - 4 out of 5 star rating
The Telegraph:
'Feels at once sleek, spacious and expensive, but relaxed and intimate.' - 4 out of 5 star rating
Huffington Post:
'It's a brilliant piece of work that plays like a musical movement.'
I have found it difficult to identify weaknesses or flaws in this album. I have listened to it countless times, I have read critic reviews and I honestly can€™t fault it. You can tell that a lot of thought and care has been put into the order of the playlist and that the tracks cohesively merge. When you combine a genius production team and great vocals, add time to the mix and a strong music reputation - you end up with a polished, genuine, classic body of work. Album's of this calibre don't come out very often and I am certain this is one of those LP's that future generations will bump and praise. The 20/20 Experience is a mature album and it speaks volumes of his recent marriage to actress Jessica Biel. If FutureSex/LoveSounds was the courtship then The 20/20 Experience is the marriage. It's grown, sexy and classy, what's not to love? This album has given us a satisfying taste - however, there is more musical magic to come from Mr. Timberlake. He has confirmed that there is a second studio album to be released to complement The 20/20 Experience later in the year. Release dates are yet to be confirmed, but one thing I know for sure is that if The 20/20 Experience is an indicator of the calibre of what the second album will bless us with, I will be first in line in my "Suit And Tie" to secure a copy. What do you think of The 20/20 Experience? Share your thoughts below.

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