The 20/20 Experience Part 2 of 2 (Updated): Justin Timberlake’s Latest Album
You can stream JT’s full album on iTunes right now, before it’s official release on Sept. 30th! I’ve got this one on repeat all day errday. I feel like for some people, this album might be a little disappointing in comparison to Part 1 only because Part 1 was considered JT’s comeback and no one knew what he was going to do. After Part 1, they might expect even more for the Part 2 of The Experience. Regardless, JT continues to give us solid tracks and vocals, and as a live performer, not many can beat him.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these gifs.
Also, please remember that music is very subjective, this is just my opinion, based on my taste. :)
Gimme What I Don’t Know (I Want) — meh the first time around. the second time around, I like it a lot more, but not really as the opening track of the album (especially when compared to Pusher Love Girl in Part 1). I kind of get a “Don’t Hold the Wall” feel from Part 1. It’s not my favorite, but the beat is pretty cool, and it’s cool song. (7.5/10)
True Blood — I was really diggin this when he performed this at iHeartRadio concert, definitely heavily influenced by Michael Jackson’s Thriller, except alluding to vampires(?) rather than zombies. Still, I really like it, it’s a really really cool song (lots of awesome sounds, different beats, instruments used) (9/10)
Cabaret — ooooooh very nice, sexay song — JT sounds amazing on this song. WOAH DRAKE?????? SURPRISE! NICEEEEE. This is what happens when you’re listening to the iTunes stream and didn’t know there were going to be features. Two shmexy voices! Drake really helps take this song to the next level, really really digging it. This is definitely one of my favorites so far, even from Part 1. (10/10)
TKO — This song makes you just wanna… bounce bounce bounce. The little Timbaland in the middle was slightly unnecessary, but overall, gooood song, catchy, bumpin beats, yesssss. Definitely like what JT is coming up with this time around. (10/10)
Take Back the Night — His first single from Pt.2 of the 20/20 Experience; nice old school feelin’ jam. It was a solid first single, but I think TKO could fair slightly better on the charts. (9/10)
Murder — OOOOH THAT GIRL IS MURDER. A catchy song, with a solid beat. The hook is pretty awesome — Watch it get down Watch it get down Watch it get down MURDER. OH WASSUP JAY Z. It’s very exciting! I’m a big fan of the recent JT and Jay-Z collaborations (now if only he’d collaborate with Beyonce…) (9.5/10)
Drink You Away — a lil gospel feel. Givin’ us some of that Memphis soul! I REALLY LIKE THIS ONE. This song shows off his voice the most so far, I LOVE IT. Take us to church Justin! WOOOO HE SOUNDS AMAZING :) (10/10)
You Got It On — This one is all about JT’s falsetto. And damn does it sound good. A nice and slow song, a little motown or classic R&B feel to it. A little BeeGees which we know JT loves. (9.5/10)
Amnesia — Oooh I like this one too. For me, it kind of sounds like something *NSYNC would come out with. And I LOVE NSYNC. A little like I Drive Myself Crazy, maybe Gone, or something. I don’t know, I just really like this one. Wow, this album is pretty awesome so far. Wow. Oh, interlude and breakdown, classic JT. The interlude is so good too. I can’t really get over how good his voice sounds on this album so far. (9.5/10)
Only When I Walk Away — A nice little change up from the couple of songs preceding this. Using the same effect on his singing/on his mic as he did in SexyBack. But since he already brought sexy back, this time he’s letting us know about his lady problems. Slightly rock influenced with the guitar melodies.This is pretty rockin’. The song does seem a little too long for me. After listening to it a couple times though, this is turning into one of my favorites. (8.5/10) (9/10)
Not A Bad Thing — a pretty simple song, but it’s like really sweet and cute, I REALLY LIKE THIS TOO. A little like “[Another Song] All Over Again” from his FS/LS album — which is one of my most favorite JT songs of all time. I could also see this one as something that *NSYNC would sing — a JC verse would’ve totally worked haha, and the backups definitely sounded a little *NSYNC-y to me #nostalgia (but that is probably just the *NSYNC fangirl in me that hasn’t really calmed down since the VMAs). This one is a little more pop than the other songs, but it is a beautiful song. Oh it definitely is not such a bad thing to fall in love… with you JT. And then you think it’s over, but it’s not, and you hear Pair of Wings and IT WILL MELT YOUR HEART!!!!! The acoustic guitar and strings for this part just …. Ughhh so pretty! What a beautiful way to end the album :) I guess that’s how JT likes to ends his albums — with a sweet ballad d’awwww (i.e. Blue Ocean Floor (Pt1), Never Again (Justified), (Another Song) All Over Again (FS/LS), and now Not A Bad Thing (Pt2)). (A BIG 10/10)
So many emotions after listening to this album. A few more sweet and soulful songs than on Part 1, and they really showcase JT’s voice. I can definitely see the similarities it has to his FutureSex/LoveSounds album with the variety of songs and influences…
I’d say my absolute favorites after my first listen are (in no particular order):
- Cabaret
- Not a Bad Thing
- Amnesia
- Drink You Away
- TKO
- True Blood
- Murder
- Take Back the Night
- Murder
- Only When I Walk Away
That’s 10 out of the 11 songs… I really like this album.
In my opinion, I like Part 2 a lot more than Part 1. Part 1 seems a little more experimental than Part 2, which I can definitely appreciate, and I really liked Part 1, I just like Part 2 more. Regardless, JT is legendary, and most definitely THE President of Pop. A true entertainer.
(These gifs are mine btw).
I highly recommend this album to JT fans young and old, it has a just the right combination of both his older stuff and his newer stuff. Overall, the whole 20/20 Experience compilation is one of my most favorite albums, especially recently. Thank god, JT is back in the music biz. Hopefully I can see him on tour when he comes to San Jose in January! (fingers crossed)