Justin Case You Were Wondering

Image by Billboard edited by Naledi Sibisi

Boy did he test our patience. But boy, is he rewarding us for the wait. - Mesfin Fekadu (2013)

I know this album dropped over a week ago, but I wanted to give it a fair critique away from the Justin Timberlake just released his first album since 2006 hype.

The 20/20 Experience features the classical JT whom some of us have grown to love for putting together a consistent piece of work because let's face it, we are currently in an era where artists are focused on releasing catchy singles as though we wouldn't appreciate a good album from the first to last track - without having to visit the skip button. It makes sense that this is the case because the neo-soul sounding album was largely inspired by 1960s and 1970s music with extended song structures.

In attempts to avoid being too biased out of my affection for soul music, I must admit I wasn't too convinced this album would be a hit after the release of the first single Suit & Tie which hadn't aroused my ear until about 10 listens. The single did however make sense once I listened to the album as a complete unit because the puzzle seemed to come together. The smooth transition from one song to the next with the assistance of a jazzy feel and well tuned instruments made the complete work worth putting on repeat.

If you're an old soul who isn't intrigued by bubblegum singles, I'd definitely suggest listening to the album for the sake of it's almost ten minute long songs, high pitched vocals and lyrical content about the woman of his dreams, married with staccato beats which won't accommodate any lullabies. It may also make you feel as though you are part of a scene in a nouveau movie with a well tailored tuxedo on and a great bow-tie, getting chaufeurred around in a vintage rolls royce.

My favourite tracks would have to be Pusher Love Girl, Strawberry Bubblegum and Spaceship Coupe. 
Sidenote: The entire album was produced by Timberlake himself and Timbaland, the main producer on Timberlake's previous album FutureSex/Lovesounds. I must say, I do get rather excited when these two combine talents because they prove to make quite a powerful team.

The singer turned actor turned singer and actor released the album after settling from a seemingly successful movie career and plans to release the second half in November this year.

Looking forward to it.