Perfect Vision From ‘The 20/20 Experience’

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This old adage, although true in its essential basis, can sometimes a hit or miss depending upon the situation. For example, the absence of certain family members may be more of a blessing than a curse. Conversely  the absence of the New England Patriots and football in general makes me miss it that much more.

Justin Timberlake’s music has the distinction of falling in the positive realm of what I’m speaking of.

I don’t know if any of you realize just how long we’ve been waiting for new music from the N’Sync alum. By my count it has been about six years since FutureSex/LoveSounds gave us such hits as “Sexy Back”, “What Goes Around…”, and the amazing “My Love”. So when I heard that he had a new album coming I was ecstatic and ready to see what he had for us..

Enter The 20/20 Experience.

Keeping to the tradition of a lot of JT’s catalogue, most (if not all) of the production falls to Timbaland. This album seems to have a different, cooler vibe to it. It borders between swagger and sexy in such a way that it instantly appeals to you.

As I go about telling you about some of the tracks I will leave out talking about “Suit & Tie” and “Mirrors” simply because both songs has gotten enough radio play. These two are equally amazing songs that needs to introduction. So we will move on.

“Pusher Love Girl” is an interesting track. It begins with a flourishing introduction that eases you in. The song uses a comparison between a woman and addictive qualities of certain drugs. The concept has been done before but rarely has it been done so melodically. Towards the end of the track, the beat changes. This is a trend on this album.

“Don’t Hold The Wall” starts with JT’s vocalizations and goes into a drum heavy sort of African influenced beat. It strikes me personally as a club track. The lyrics and the hook speak of a scene playing out in the club: two people meeting eyes across the club, an instant connection being made followed by provocative dancing and whatever else the night holds. My suggestion to listeners would be to close your eyes and listen. That story I described plays like a movie in your mind.

“Strawberry Bubblegum” is one of my personal favorites. The song speaks of how one woman ensnares him so completely with her everything that he falls in love. Here the title refers the lip gloss she wears,  flavored with strawberry bubblegum. This is a great love song that adds to all the others.

“Dress On” is my absolute favorite. This is sexualized without being too overt or even too disgusting. Justin finds a way to convey his desires for his lady companion well here, speaking of the things he’d do to her despite the fact that she still has her dress. Each verse reinforces this as syllable after syllable falls from his lips.

Also check out “Tunnel Vision” and “Let The Groove Get It”.

JT comes back with force on this album. Perfect vision from The 20/20 Experience. Be on the lookout for the second part of this masterpiece out later this year.   




Written by Lucius Black for Royalty Magazine