Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience Album Review

I am going to move a little bit out of my comfort zone on this post. I am in no way a professional musician, music industry professional, or even a writer for a music or pop culture publication. This review is purely from my perspective as a fan of music. Growing up in Oakland, CA much of my exposure to music consisted of R&B and Hip-Hop. Hip-hop was on the rise and I grew up right in the middle of it. I believe Sugar Hill Gang's Rappers Delight was the first record spun on my turntable. During that era you were either a DJ, a B-boy, MC, or a D-boy. Those were the days. 

My first love of music grew from singing acapella with my family in our living room during family gatherings, after dinner at the table, in the car on family outings, and even in the truck with dad on our way to work. My love for acapella music is still the same today as it was back then. My roots are rich with music. My love for the acoustic guitar came from listening to the men who surrounded the kava circle playing and singing with such passion and feeling.

Anyway, this post is supposed to be about Justin Timberlake's - The 20/20 album. We all know that Timberlake is far from that bubble gum pop singer of NSYNC. Even back in those days you could tell that his voice was something special. Justified, Future/Sex Love Sounds, movie appearances, SNL, various music collaborations, and now 20/20. It's been a long time coming and I'm glad it's finally here. Suit & Tie and Mirrors were about to get ejected it got played so much. My thoughts in general...it doesn't disappoint. And if you are not a fan of JT or this type of music then there is nothing left here for you to see...keep it moving :) One more thing...fiki, fiki, fiki (in Timbaland voice).

Pusher Love Girl  - The all so common theme of comparing love to a drug. "Since you came around, I've been living a different life, I don't want to come down from love I got on high..." The orchestra type accompaniment...the strings though!

Suit & Tie - Apparently Kanye had some words to say about this one. Not sure why. On SNL JT changed his lyric from ..."so sick got a hit and picked up a habit" to "My hit's so sick got rappers acting dramatic..." I would expect more hits from JT and JZ. It works. Tour coming. Get your tickets.

Don't Hold The Wall - At this point let's just say that anything Timbaland touches turns to gold. A Middle Eastern feel. It's too slow for a club jam but maybe it's meant to be for another type of dance. Belly dancing? Pole dancing? Who knows? Guess we'll have to wait for the video.

Strawberry Bubblegum - The picture that comes to mind when I hear this song is that girl sitting at the bus stop poppin' that bubble gum each time she opens her mouth. Got a pickle from the corner store in one hand and if you opened her purse she would have a green apple blow pop and some now and laters. When you walk by it all turns to slow motion...she says 'hey' while poppin' that strawberry bubblegum. That's what I see. Something to ride to.

Tunnel Vision - Not much to say here...Timbaland once again. Catchy, hypnotic tune. Enjoy the music.

Spaceship Coupe - This one reminds me of Prince...got that Prince feel. That piano and falsetto. It's a love (making) song. Get yo thang on.

That Girl - Remember when you were told that you couldn't go out, date, or even marry that person. "So what you from the other side of the tracks, So what the world don't think we match, I'll put it down like my love's on wax..." This song is for you. That nice smooth vibe. Old school R&B feel. Even got some bounce to it.

Let The Groove In - Had to get that Spanish flavor in there somewhere. Not much there lyrically but a catchy party tune. Coming to a party and club near you.

Mirrors - My favorite song lyrically. The beat, the arrangement and the extension of the song just worked for me. Probably my favorite song all together.

Blue Ocean Floor - Honestly, I don't get this one. Maybe if you're high this will take you on a journey. Have fun. Who knows? Sorry.

Dress On - Exclusive for Target - Another Timbaland hit. What else can I say.

Body Count - Exclusive for Target - Timbaland at it again. This one will show up in the club.

This album takes me back to the days of the 12" vinyl. Extended songs that could really be two songs. The music, the instruments, and again the strings and the horns! It all works. You got some old school, new school, love songs, club hits, and one to zone out to if you want.  If you haven't watched JT on the Jimmy Fallon show check it out - It's all much better live anyway. For now, it will be playing non-stop for the next few weeks until I get tired of it. The anticipation and the build up is over and we can all go back to our normal lives again. Well, maybe...I'd give it a few more weeks to soak up all of this good music.

If you haven't picked it up, check it out. You can get it on itunes or at Target - or burn it at your friend's house ;)

Overcome. Achieve. Victory. IKUNA. This guy definitely has.