(Updated) The 20/20 Experience: Justin Timberlake’s New Album

After 6 long years, Justin Timberlake is finally releasing some new music.

Justin Timberlake’s new album — The 20/20 Experience is available to stream on iTunes today! YAY!
10 songs — but the CD is a little over an hour long — meaning that the songs are probably extended on this album with interludes and awesome beats! Yesss.

First, his “I’m Ready” video announcing his new album, then the performances at multiple venues including the Grammys, then SNL, and no, two days right after that, streaming the full album on iTunes. I wonder what’s coming up next before his official album releases! A music video for “Mirrors”? Yes please. He will be performing on Jimmy Fallon all this week though! Woot woot.

ETA: JT just announced at his album release party on iHeartRadio that there is a SECOND HALF to The 20/20 Experience that will come out later this year! YAYAYAYAY!

Pusher Love Girl
Finally! I have been waiting for the studio version of this song to come out since I saw a video of him performing it at a show before the SuperBowl. It’s a little different from his live performances, but it works. Definitely a soulful, slow jam-type of song, and I really dig the melody. JT’s voice and falsetto sound really great in this song. I do wish that he could have included his Grammy performance version on the album (with the Tennessee Kids backing him up). Regardless, a solid way to start off the album.
WOAHHHH, just when you think the song’s over, JT BREAKS IT DOWN with one of his signature interludes. 9.5/10

Suit & Tie (feat. Jay-Z)
This song has been out and playing on the radio for a while, he’s also performed it a lot of times on TV and at events. Suit & Tie has definitely grown on me after many listens and watching him perform in numerous times — I was not a big fan when it first came out, but now I really like it (especially when HOV gets outta his seat). 8.5/10

Don’t Hold the Wall
Dance, don’t hold the wall. The beat sounds sick through stereo headphones. This sounds like a song that could have come from FutureSex/LoveSounds. An interesting song, catchy with a nice beat, but I will probably need to relisten to this one a couple of times. Futuristic, definitely a Timbaland-produced song. It seems like Timbaland experimented with different types of beats, taking inspiration from different cultures. Tough to describe this one. ANOTHER BREAKDOWN! WOOOOO! This one is very futuristic. 8/10

Strawberry Bubblegum
Relaxing, chill, soothing sound. Could have done without the really deep voice that kept appearing throughout the song. I really like the breakdown of the beat in this song. The second half of the song is more poppy — kind of reminiscent of ‘NSYNC for sure (aw right in the feels), especially when he says I’m gonna love you till you pop. I REALLY like the second half of the song. 8.5/10

Tunnel Vision
A really nice song, with sweet lyrics, kind of like Mirrors. Is this one also about Jessica Biel? Possibly, if it is, it’s super cute how she has influenced his music, and how he let’s it be known the love he has for her. “I got that tunnel vision for you” and “Everything I see is beautiful, because all I see is you.” CUTE. 9/10

Spaceship Coupe
Really digging this song’s hook. A sexy song with an old-school melody and a beat that does make you feel like you are in space. The deep and long bass in the background definitely adds to a more depth to the lyrics of the song. And then the bridge, when he actually sounds distant and “in space”. The end gets kinda weird with the gasps of air and warped screams. That was kind of unnecessary. But besides that, really solid song, a nice/different way of expressing love. 8.5/10

That Girl
Begins with JT and the Tennessee Kids being “introduced” as if they were about to perform at a show. Justin throws it back, with this classic old-school R&B. The horns, beat, and melody, very soulful. A lovely tune where JT professes his love for his “number one girl.” 9/10

Let the Groove In
Ooh, some african drums in the beat, with a latin flare. An upbeat and fun song. Probably one of my faves on this album. A very different song compared to the others on the album thus far, in a good way. This song makes you wanna get up and dance. A great song and change of pace from the rest of the album. 9.5/10

Mirrors
I LOVE this song. It is definitely a top favorite of mine on this album. I could listen to all 8 minutes of it all day. Everything about this song is so right — the lyrics, beat, bridge, melody. The breakdown during the last hook gets me every single time. Also, JT’s voice sounds SO GOOD in the interlude. 10/10

Blue Ocean Floor
Woah, a 180 flip from Mirrors. Another song that is very different from the other songs on the album. Actually, this song is really different from any of JT’s old stuff too. A slowed up song, that really shows off the purity of JT’s voice. Incredibly subdued, but the imagery and emotion created by the lyrics is breathtaking. This song is simply beautiful. One of the best songs on the album. 10/10

Overall Thoughts:
A very solid album from JT. For my taste, I LOVE IT. I can imagine he will get a good share of nominations at next year’s Grammys. For those who have been aching for Justin to return to music, they will not be disappointed. It doesn’t have an incredibly mainstream sound, but I think it’s nice that JT didn’t really go for an album full of “hits” in today’s industry. He just wanted to release music that he really likes. :) you go JT!
I’m so excited to see him perform these songs live! (July 26th at Candlestick Park, anyone?) He’s a true entertainer and I’m sure watching him perform these songs live will make the album seem even better than it already is. I will probably be listening to the iTunes stream repeatedly for the rest of the day, and will come back to update my opinion on some of the songs after multiple listens.

What are your thoughts on JT’s new album?

Sidenote: The Target Edition of this album is supposed to include two extra songs. So once I get my copy on March 19th, or if it’s leaked earlier, I’ll do a review of those as well.

Another sidenote: Being subscribed to his mailing list, JT has some super sweet Limited Edition Album bundles on his website JustinTimberlake.com. Check them out if ya dig.