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After teasing fans with a video implying there was a follow-up to his smash album The 20/20 Experience in the works, Justin Timberlake has since continued his creative onslaught by releasing The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2.
As one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers, proved furthermore when he won the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, Justin Timberlake is someone who, no matter your musical taste, stands as the perfect representation of what a modern day musical icon looks like. On top of that, his return to music has been received with open arms and open ears.
Teaming once again with super producer Timbaland, the second installment of JT’s comeback collection is a whirlwind of rapid beats met with sexually-driven stimulants. Add to this the occasional disco moment with Motown tendencies and you’ve got the sound of The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2 pegged. Continuing with their masterclass in extended play, only one of the 11 tracks featured sits under the five minute mark once again giving fans more bang for their buck.
Experimenting with varying sounds this time around, ‘True Blood’ offers a more euro pop feel, which proves similar in sound to the once dominant ‘SexyBack’, while first single ‘Take Back The Night’ hears JT pay homage to a time dominated by the likes of the Jackson 5 and Chic. Giving his all to the social acts of night, the funky riff sounds right at home under Timberlake’s laid-back flow, with the odd patter of intrusive trumpets sharpening its dance floor appeal.
Slightly dry in parts, ‘Not A Bad Thing’ comes off sounding like a generic love ballad comparative to Nelly’s recent ‘Hey Porsche’. Another moment that fails to appeal is ‘Drink Away’. Interrupting the album’s smooth undertone, the injection of a rock/R&B fusion disrupts listening pleasure. Sitting smack bang in the middle of the album, a few screw faces are to be expected when meeting this track due to its disruptive manner.
Refocusing the project, and ultimately giving fans the Timberlake they know and love, ‘TKO’ provides fans with an upbeat Hip Hopera that hears JT box his way through a story of deceit and distrust. With playful ad-libs courtesy of Timbaland, as well as an instrumental switch in tempos halfway through, the track is lyrically reminiscent to that of ‘Cry Me A River’.
Featuring a verse from Drake, ‘Cabaret’ hears Timbland lace the track with what sounds like an earlier version of his beat making talents - think Missy Elliott Supa Dupa Fly. Then continuing his working relationship with new BFF, Jay Z, ‘Murder’ plays like the Jiggaman classic ‘Jigga What, Jigga Who’ with less tongue twisting skills and a non- identical storyline.
Very reliant on Timbaland this time around it seems as if Justin Timberlake might have creatively exhausted himself this year. With a huge comeback, various accolades, shows, festivals, and new movies, he can now sit back, admire, and be proud of what a great year he’s had. By no means is The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2 poor, but by his standards it packs less of a punch than his previous efforts. Better than most, it’s cool and contains some standalone gems the iTunes generation will be quick to part with their 99p for.
