Review: Justin Timberlake, The 20/20 Experience

Let's face it. Justin Timberlake is probably the most successful and established male artist since Michael Jackson. Between being part of *Nsync, one of the most successful pop groups, and transitioning flawlessly into solo stardom, no one can get enough of Justin. After two hugely popular albums, the prince of pop left the music scene for 6 years, focusing on his acting career and other ventures (albeit his MySpace involvement was still focused on music); some thought he'd never come back to music. But early in 2013, he confirmed his revisit to what he called his first love. Now, we've got The 20/20 Experience, the long awaited return of JT.

Yes. I know that sounds cheesy and cliche. But it doesn't seem like many people understand the gravity of what Timberlake has accomplished. His solo career has boasted some of the best blends of R&B and pop, and 20/20 is no different. In fact, it takes the musician to another level. I was hesitant with the name of the album because I wasn't sure how someone like JT could put together an experience for his fans, but for sure, he did it. The album is not necessarily a concept album, but it's meant to be heard as a full volume. (Pun, since he confirmed yesterday he'll be releasing a second volume to 20/20 later this year). The tracks on 20/20 work together as a cohesive unit, even to the point of songs clocking in at 7-8 minutes.

Justin's previous albums have landed him multiple Grammys.

Many tracks, like the groovy "Strawberry Bubblegum" and the strings-laden "Pusher Lover Girl" are full 5 minute tracks, but then the beat transitions to another version of the same song, incorporating new elements and making for a brilliant chain into the next track. Other tracks use the same formula, but still keep JT's signature fast delivery over a beat that no one else could produce but Timbaland. The album reunites the two so well, and you'll be reminded why they're so good together on "Don't Hold The Wall", a deeply bass and clap focused track. There's a certain maturity as well through 20/20, like on "Tunnel Vision", another spit-fire vocal delivery track, and even the single "Mirrors", despite how pop-friendly it proves to be. "That Girl" is probably one of the best tracks here, and I only say that because it takes me back, and makes me feel like the track is a perfect soundtrack to Memphis, JT's home. Latin grooves abound on "Let the Groove Get In", and really usher in the evolution of JT in a way we've never seen before.

The Target edition of the album features two extra songs, and what's funny about them is that's exactly what they feel like: extra songs that were tacked on. They almost sound like they were left off the FutureSex/LoveSounds sessions. But they're great tracks, nonetheless. They just feel outside of The 20/20 Experience. What’s the most surprising about the album is the lead single “Suit & Tie” is probably the weakest track there, and yet it’s still catchy and gets stuck in your head, like the rest of the album. I know this review sounds like its putting JT on a pedestal, but think about who else has accomplished what this artist has: pretty much no one. And for it to be good quality, intelligent music in the current pop market, that's a rarity in and of itself. The 20/20 Experience is, for what it's worth, the future of pop/R&B, and I can't wait to hear what Part 2 sounds like.