Arts

Music review

 

After seven years of a waiting, we finally receive the smooth jazz, soul-like sources of a musical genius/producer/ actor Justin Timberlake. 

With mastermind producer Timbaland behind JT’s third solo album, The 20/20 Experience, Timberlake reminds his musical audience and fans that the former boy band lead singer is still remaining relevant in the constantly changing music industry.

As R&B music reform to techno beats and a pop sound, Timberlake seems to keep the R&B feel going with sounds similar to those considered the kings of R&B and soul, such as Michael Jackson, Usher, Charlie Wilson, Avant and even Maxwell. 

It’s a sunny afternoon and you’ve just finished running errands, or cleaning up all morning and deciding to sip on some wine, The 20/20 Experience would give you the melodies, beats and grooves that would have you in the most joyous mood. 

Coming out with the albums lead single “Suit & Tie,” featuring Jay-Z, the song would give you a spring-cleaning feel with its up-tempo beats and angelic melody and lyrics. If a seat is what you choose to take as you listen to Timberlake’s latest album, by the end of the record you would be on your feet. 

The third-to-last track on the album, “Let the Groove Get In,” has the falsettos of a Michael Jackson record. In the single “Don’t Hold the Wall,” when the song comes on, the electric ad-libs throughout the song make for a current-yet-old-school Timbaland beat (when Missy Elliot was relevant) – and almost Arabian scene comes to mind. 

Critiques say the album has a FutureSex/LoveSounds sound. They believe is a replica of the multiplatinum Grammy-winning album, but I beg to differ. As Timberlake gets older, the level of maturity in his music is noticed.

According to Huffington Post.com, Timberlake’s inspiration was unexpected for the most part, since he spent time making movies like The Social Network as well as working on the shows Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

“I just went into the studio and started playing around with some sounds and songs,” said the Memphis, Tenn., native. “It was probably the best time I’ve had in my career. Just creating with no rules or goal in mind and really enjoying the process.”

With Jerome “J-Roc” Hamon (co-producer), producer Timbaland and songwriting assistance from James Fauntleroy, The 20/20 Experience is nothing shy of another classic album from this performer.

With 10 tracks on his comeback album, Timberlake has songs, some lasting as long as 7 minutes. Those 7 minutes will keep your feet tapping and mind focused on the words as the beat touches your soul. My favorite record on the album is “Strawberry Bubblegum.” 

The song’s message isn’t as strong, nor are the metaphors throughout   the record strong, but the melody and the idea of a “nickname” for a significant other is what comes to mind as you listen to this particular record. 

From beginning to end, you know the album for exactly what it is: a Timberlake/Timbaland production.