Justin Timberlake misses mark with latest release

Listen to the full audio story

Download the MP3

Justin Timberlake’s first two albums, established him as true solo artist.  Working with famed producer Timbaland, JT was able to craft songs that seamlessly mixed R&B, pop and hip-hop.   But the 20/20 Experience fails to build upon Timberlake’s prior efforts — and it seems the singer has lost his touch.

The title the 20/20 Experience suggests a state of clarity, — but here, Timberlake’s artistic intent is anything but coherent.  The album incorporates a wide range of genres: Pop, Bhangra, hip-hop and techno, which usually work in the singer’s favor.  However, at times it seems that the songs are overly-complex.   Couple this with the album’s average song length of 7 and a half minutes, and you’re left with a work that’s both overly complex and difficult to process.

Songs like “Don’t Hold the Wall” and “Tunnel Vision” are testament to Timbaland’s creative genius.   They feature intricate beats mixing musical styles from across the world with Timberlake’s easy vocals.  It is a sound that has yet to be matched in music today. 

The 20/20 Experience lacks lyrical depth, and the album’s detailed production can’t mask Timberlake’s cheesy prose.  It’s hard to take the singer seriously when he sings songs about“Strawberry Bubblegum.” 

At it’s core, the 20/20 Experience is a love album that lacks direction. After a few listens, every song begins to sound the same, simply becoming background music. Yes, Timberlake’s vocals are still as sharp as ever — but a nice voice can’t save this album from its faults.

It seems that Timberlake is trying to play catch up for all the years he’s missed in the musical world, instead of focusing on what made him a credible artist to begin with.