Love changes everything and Justin Timberlake‘s The 20/20 Experience, only his third Solo Disc in a Music Career which has spanned an impressive 18 years, illustrates exactly this. Re-teaming with Mega-Producers Timbaland and Jerome Harmon, the Album best can be described as being subtle, lush, elegant and without a doubt his most musical to date. Those Fans expecting more Dance Floor-oriented material like SexyBack, Like I Love You or Rock Your Body, might be in for a bit of a shock here as the Singer/Songwriter/Entrepreneur/Actor truly grows into himself, focusing on his Art – creating extended moods and moments, rather than being Rhythm-centric.
The twelve-track Collection sets to Music his most intimate thoughts about his beloved Jessica Biel, Timberlake crooning his desires: “We can do it while you still got your dress on” (Dress On) and also his deepest challenges: “It was easy coming back into you and once I figured it out/You were right here all along” (Mirrors). The latter touches upon a brief and public rough patch the Couple had experienced back in 2011.
Timberlake sets the tone of the Disc metaphorically making Biel his own personal “Dealer” – that drug of course being their Cocaine, Heroine and Nicotine-like love: “I can’t wait to get you home and get you in my veins” (Pusher Love Girl); his sing-speak somewhat Prince-like. The hypnotic Don’t Hold The Wall incorporates Bhangra percussion and an East Indian-inspired hook to sublime results. The journey Eastward continues on the stunning Spaceship Coupe, pulling-out all the stops complete with Strings, Flutes, Carnatic Violins and a killer Electric Guitar Solo. The Lead Single (Suit & Tie) although drawing many Robin Thicke-esque parallels, perhaps isn’t the best indicator of what to expect here, overall nodding more to the Future than an era past.
The 20/20 Experience feels authentic and focused – exactly where a Megastar of his stature should be at this stage in his Career. With Tracks averaging a calculated 6.6 minutes each, Timberlake certainly is in no rush to go anywhere. Although we had our doubts about him after his extended foray into Film, the buzz we learn is justified with him showing commitment to his musical longevity here. Sony Music Canada releases on March 19, 2013 in Standard and Deluxe Editions. Order it on iTunes here.
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