Justin Timberlake launched The 20/20 Experience in 2013 and truly set the standard with such standouts as Suit & Tie, Pusher Love Girl and Strawberry Bubblegum. Honestly, the 43-year-old has been setting the tone for transcending pop and R&B since he teamed up with producer Timbaland in the 2000s. Now, the pop star is embarking on a different creative path.
His last album, 2018’s Man of the Woods, began a new chapter of acoustic and introspective compositions inspired by intimate memories of Tennessee, his wife and two sons. JT’s sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, expands on this newfound sound—and for fans accustomed to the former NSYNC star’s energetic, soulful beat choices and more complex love songs, it’s This sound is undoubtedly a failure. There are more dance tracks on this latest album, but overall the core of the album still seems to be close to home, with an appreciation for intimacy rather than chasing hit records.
“So if you’re going to write my eulogy, say I tried / That’s what I’m saying to Phineas and Jesse and S,” he says on opening track “Memphis,” in which he Facing uncomfortable conversations about the mistakes and realities of life. die. The message sounds clear, but the simple production and awkward rap breaks fall flat.
There are a lot of places where the album is stagnant, like the ballad “Technicolor.” The reverbed vocals and steady one-two drum kick don’t seem to dull it and leave the listener wanting to be entertained. The same goes for “Love & War,” a solemn song more suited to the soundtrack of Love Is Blind’s transitional scenes. It’s nice to see the NSYNC boys back together on “Paradise” and “Alone” with its beautiful piano notes, but, once again, they both fall into the category of not knowing what to do with the song other than enjoying Justin Beyond the facts, Justin Timberlake can express a more hidden side of his music.
These lows really highlight the album’s highlights, such as “Infinity Sex,” which has a groovy bass line, seductive chords, and JT’s flawless vocals that set the dance floor on fire. Unlike Man of the Woods, this album does contain more thumping 808s and dynamic selections than true think pieces.
“Imagination” is no exception, seeming to waver between commercial pop and genuinely interesting house music. “F**kin’ Up the Disco” is more house than disco. Thankfully, it doesn’t sound as commercial as “No Angel,” which could be the backdrop for a cheesy Target ad. “My Favorite Drug” feels even more real as JT sings a soaring soprano over up-tempo drums and escalating piano chords. The call and response and breakdown at the end only add to the song’s appeal.
Everything I Thought It Was features sexy R&B tracks like “What Lovers Do,” where JT communicates heartfelt emotions over unique Timbaland riffs and fun percussion. It opens with a funky four-beat rhythm that’s easy to tell was produced by his old friend and collaborator. “No distractions tonight, giving you my wholeness,” he sings over synths and pop drums. “Drown” is mixed and mastered well enough that Timberlake is in perfect harmony with his own background vocals. Broken drums and hazy vocals create a powerful atmosphere from the 2000s past.
“Conditions” features soothing bass, claps, and delicate acoustic effects. His tone is key and his lyrics are relatable: “If I lose myself, I’ll be lost / Make hundreds of bad decisions / Do something I know I won’t be forgiven / In which case you can Love me?” he asked an imaginary lover. The song serves as an interlude and its essence is palpable and feel-good.
Undoubtedly the most obvious departure from the path he has taken is the afrobeat selection on Everything I Thought It Was. Over the past few years, the trendy rhythms of the popular Nigerian art form have taken the United States by storm and become the subject of experimentation by non-Afrobeat artists. Surprisingly, the star performed his own version of “Liar”, his voice blending perfectly with Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML, which was a great co-sign and kept the authenticity of the song.
“Flame” also has an afrobeat feel: “Remember, ‘member, ‘member, when you said / You’ll love me ’til I die, love me, love me ’til I die.” Justin Timberlake Vocals The riffs, unpredictable high hats and unique soft vocals are perfectly combined to perfectly emulate a selection of authentic Afrobeats.
Everything I think about seems to be another branch on this new creative tree that Justin Timberlake has planted. It’s not clear whether he planted it for himself or for his fans. The album isn’t a time stamp or anything spectacular, but it serves as a testament to how the singer’s imagination transcended pop and R&B.
But ironically, the album’s highlights are the songs that sound like the old JT. That’s not to say that the new creative path he’s taken won’t bring new favorites to new fans and new generations, but for long-time fans, it’s hard to see how this will have any replay value.
Release date: March 15, 2024
Record company: RCA
Hear what I think everything is about below:
