Finally, I've had a chance to listen to The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake. All I can say is that it is most certainly a concept album. It won't be as welcomed by 'pop music' fans as his earlier albums and maybe that's fair enough but you should not feel disappointed. Taking risks and going against the grain are what make musicians stand the test of time. This album will prove to be that risk and demonstrates JT's admirable diversity.
All in all, it's a soul, swing, latin, pop, and chillout album. It's not high-octane material like we heard on FutureSex/LoveSounds but, that's ok. To be fair, considering the demand, and unyielding supply of, tacky 'dancefloor fillers', it's a great alternative work. Its standout tracks, "Mirrors", "Blue Ocean Floor", "Pusher Love Girl" "Let The Groove Get In" and "That Girl" are very easily listening. For fans of Sinatra, Cafe Del Mar and particularly Donny Hathaway, you are in for a treat. However, if you are expecting an album that parallels the current trends in music, you will be disappointed. That's unfortunate because this is an album that deserves a chance. The record's personality and peculiarity make me personally quite happy because a lot of what's being released at the moment, at least in my opinion, is generic soulless muppetry. That's not to take away from the Beibers, Minajs and Perrys of the world. They are supplying a gross demand for teeny-bop. And they do a good job at that. However, it would be wonderful to see them take heed of JT's example and take some chances and experiment with their music. And sadly, it seems very unlikely that any of these artists will take that leap of faith anytime soon. So, for this, we must applaud JT for being as cavalier and non-conformant as he seems to be right now.
Basically, if you enjoyed John Mayer's venture from 'cookie-cutter pop/rock' into more wholesome country and Southern roots music on his "Born & Raised" album, you might really appreciate what JT is doing with this album. Whether a JT or JM fan, it's difficult to look down upon those who seek to do something different or, to sound cheesy, follow their heart and current passions. If you like to see/hear a musician trying something new, reviving genres long forgotten and/or simply smacking the proverbial toothpick out of the mouth of the mundane trends of current pop music, you are in for a treat.
If I were to rate this album, I'd give it 4/5. Simply because it's nice to see JT back to form and writing lyrically/melodically sound music. Also, I'm one of those people who likes to see risks being taken. I'm simply deducting a mark because some tracks seem to appear as filler that do less for the album than just having a shorter album would do (see "Strawberry Bubblegum"). Also, I think the use of Timbaland is a bit dated and, well, I prefer real music instruments to be played rather than synth and sample overkill. These are forgivable because the album as a whole is a nice foray into unfamiliar territory.
Well done, Sir!
