Justin Timberlake actually set the bar when The 20/20 Expertise arrived in 2013 with standouts like “Go well with & Tie,”“Pusher Love Lady” and “Strawberry Bubblegum.” Truthfully, the 43-year previous has been setting the tone for transcending pop and R&B since his 2000s run with producer Timbaland. Now the pop star is embarking on a distinct artistic path.
A brand new chapter of acoustic and introspective items distinguished his final album, 2018’s Man of the Woods, impressed by intimate reminiscences of Tennessee, his spouse, and their two sons. JT’s sixth studio album The whole lot I Thought It Was expands on this newfound sound — a sound that admittedly flopped with followers used to the previous NSYNC star’s vibrant, soul-filled beat alternatives and extra complicated love songs. On this newest album, there are extra dance-inducing tracks however total the guts of the album nonetheless appears to lie near dwelling the place he appreciates intimacy greater than the chase of a success document.
“So please, in the event you’re penning my eulogy, simply say I attempted/ And that’s phrase to Phineas, Jess and Si,” he says on opening monitor “Memphis,” the place he faces the uneasy conversations of life’s errors and the truth of demise. The message rings clear however the simplistic manufacturing and awkward rap break falls flat.
There are fairly just a few factors on the album that plateau, just like the ballad “Technicolor.” Reverbed vocals and a gentle one-two drum kick don’t appear to chop it and go away the listener eager to be entertained. The identical could be stated for “Love & Warfare,” a solemn monitor extra becoming for the soundtrack of a Love Is Blind transition scene. It’s nice to see the NSYNC boys are again collectively on “Paradise,” and “Alone” carries a ravishing piano word, however, once more, each match into this class of not understanding what to do with the track besides take pleasure in the truth that Justin Timberlake can specific the extra hidden sides of his music.
These low factors do underscore the highlights of the album like “Infinity Intercourse” that includes a fab bassline, inviting chords and immaculate vocals from JT that ignite the dancefloor. Not like Man of the Woods, this album does characteristic extra thumping 808s and movement-fueled alternatives relatively than precise think-pieces.
“Creativeness” isn’t any completely different and appears to teeter between industrial pop and real enjoyable Home music. “F**kin’ Up the Disco” isn’t a lot Disco as it’s Home. Fortunately it doesn’t sound as industrial as “No Angel” which may very well be the backdrop for a tacky Goal advert. “My Favourite Drug” feels extra genuine as JT goes excessive soprano over fast-paced drums and escalating piano chords. The decision-and-response and breakdown on the finish solely add to the monitor’s enchantment.
The whole lot I Thought It Was isn’t wanting sultry R&B tracks like “What Lovers Do,” the place JT interchanges heartfelt sentiments amidst distinct Timbaland ad-libs and intriguing percussion. It opens with a cool four-count beat simply distinguished as being produced by his longtime good friend and collaborator. “Not a distraction tonight, supplying you with my undivided,” he sings above synths and popping drums. “Drown” is blended and mastered properly sufficient in order that Timberlake harmonizes completely along with his personal background vocals. Crushed drums and misty vocals make for a blast from the 2000s previous.
“Situations” encompasses a comforting bass, clap, and coddling acoustic. His pitch is in key and the lyrics are relatable: “If I lose myself and I am going missin’/ Make a pair hundred unhealthy choices/ Do some shit I do know gained’t be forgiven/ Might you like me beneath these circumstances?” he asks an imaginary lover. The monitor might function an interlude with a feel-good essence that’s palpable.
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Undoubtedly, the obvious veer from his trodden path is the Afrobeat alternatives on The whole lot I Thought It Was. Over the previous few years, the funky rhythms of the favored Nigerian artwork type have taken America by storm and has been a topic for experimentation for non-Afrobeat artists. It’s a shock to see the star carry out his personal tackle “Liar” the place his vocals mix properly with Nigerian singer-songwriter Fireboy DML, which serves as a very good co-sign and maintains the monitor’s authenticity.
“Flame” additionally options an Afrobeat aptitude: “Bear in mind, ‘member, ‘member once you stated/ You’d love me ’til I die, love me, love me ’til I die.” The repetition, shifty excessive hats and the distinct softness of Justin Timberlake’s voice pair properly to create an acceptable mimic of true Afrobeat alternatives.
The whole lot I Thought It Was appears to be one other department on this new artistic tree Justin Timberlake has planted. Whether or not he planted it for himself or for followers will not be too clear. The album’s not a timestamp or something remotely as riveting however could be an attest to how the singer’s creativeness goes past pop and R&B.
Sarcastically, although, the excessive factors on the album are the songs that sound like previous JT. This isn’t to say the brand new artistic path he’s on gained’t sprout new favorites for brand new followers and new generations, however for longtime followers, it’s exhausting to see how this may have any replay worth.
RELEASE DATE: March 15, 2024
RECORD LABEL: RCA
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