This highly anticipated second installment to Timberlake’s sensational album, The 20/20 Experience, provides both a perfect contrast and compliment. The first half of this hit album showcases light, funky nostalgic beats that remind us of his last album FutureSex/LoveSounds, which was also co-produced by the legendary Timbaland. After an almost 7 year musical hiatus, releasing another album only 6 months after 20/20 might leave some people thinking that 2 of 2 is nothing but a compilation of B-tracks that didn’t make the cut in the first album. Never have you been more happy to be wrong.
The best way to describe it is by comparing the albums to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Both represent the extreme duality of the same person. 20/20 is light, playful and signaturely sexy. 2 of 2 on the other hand shows us Justin’s mature, adult side, and as an adult he has certain needs. Forget about bringing sexy back, Justin brought in full on, unadulterated sex. He also brought some friends to help him showcase his new found interests.
Jay Z reprises his duet role with JT in “Murder”, a song about killer sex. There is also “Cabaret” featuring Drake, that’s about performance sex. One of my favorite tracks has a retro beat that is obviously inspired by old school R&B, and is currently on the radio. “Take Back The Night” is a perfect example of how JT is successfully putting the soul and sensuality back into R&B. Listening to the album straight through will require you to have at least one spare pair of underwear on hand.
This album is a testament to how far he’s come as the boy band vocalist from *NSYNC to a man who can sing the pants off any man or woman he wants to. Make sure to listen to The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2 on iTunes.
RATING: ★★★★★★★★(8/10 stars)
Advertisement