More than half a decade later, smooth operator Justin Timberlake bounces back with a brand new album. We last heard from him in “FutureSex/Lovesounds” during the good old days of bringing “Sexyback”. It’s not an album that we’d immediately forget. So like everyone else, we’ve been waiting to hear what “The 20/20 Experience” will have to offer. Let’s not forget that Justin has set the bar pretty high for not only other R&B artistes – but also for himself.
We had the opportunity to review “The 20/20 Experience” yesterday, about a week before its official release. Did he or did he not succeed in being the man that every male would love to hate and every female would love to love, once again?
We’ll take it from the top.
In February, Justin performed a few of his new songs and we’re glad that now is finally the time to talk about some of them. For example, it was love at first sight for us when he pre-released the lead single off “The 20/20 Experience”, “Suit and Tie”. On its own, it’s the most slick and uncomplicated song you’ll ever hear from the entire album, but throw a little bit of Jay-Z into the mix and both Justin and Jay-Z have instantly struck gold:
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So smooth, it sounds almost effortless. But we don’t believe not for one second that Justin didn’t work hard on this one. It does have the “Sexyback” effect, after all.
When he performed “Pusher Love Girl” during the 55th Annual Gammy Awards last month, he single-handedly stole the show. We briefly remember Justin calling it, “The best Grammys ever!” and our reaction to that was, “Oh, but if only you could hear yourself sing!’. “Pusher Love Girl” is like a drug – you get addicted to it although you’re not quite sure why:
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The song opens like a typical intro to a black and white film before transforming into what we can now describe best as Justin’s very own brand of “soul”. It’ll catch you off-guard, puzzle you and make you wonder just what the hay is going on, before his crooning sucks you in. Then you listen to it again – wash, rinse, and repeat.
Oh, yes. The lyrics, we love:
Hey little mama, ain’t gotta ask me if I want to,
Tell me, can I get a light?
Roll you up and let it run through my veins,
Cause I can always see the farthest stars when I’m on you.
I don’t wanna ever come down from this cloud of loving you.
Cause now you got me hopped up on that pusher love,
So high I’m on the ceiling baby you’re my drug.
So gon’ and be my dealer baby, hook me up,
Cause all I want is you, baby.
Cause now you got me hopped up on that, pusher girl,
So high I’m on the ceiling baby, be my drug.
So gon’ and be my dealer baby, hook me up,
All I want is you baby.
You’re my little pusher love girl (Ain’t ya?),
Just my little pusher love girl.
Last but not least, maybe it’s because of the mere fact that Justin Timberlake is now a married man (much to the dismay of his strong following of female fans), “Mirrors” sounds like a honeymoon version of the post-Britney’s, pre-Jessica’s “Cry Me A River”. If there’s a way to describe having found a “forever, till death do us part” type of love, Justin’s definitely got in down pat with this semi-romantic epic love song. Yes, complete with “Cry Me A River”-esque beats:
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And one more thing – if putting “Pusher Love Girl” on repeat ain’t giving you enough soul then toss some of “That Girl” into your playlist. Just a suggestion. No pressure.
Welcome back, Justin.
Justin’s “The 20/20 Experience” is for keeps. We’re going to be bold with this one and say that if you don’t grab a copy, you’re most likely going to regret it. So go get “The 20/20 Experience” when it’s officially released on 18th March 2013. Alternatively, you could also pre-order it here!
For more information, visit Justin Timberlake’s official website.
