He is finally back. After seven long years the international, multiplatinum, six time Grammy Award-winning, and four time Oscar-winning entertainer Justin Timberlake has finally launched himself back into the music industry with his third full length studio album The 20/20 Experience, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.  From start to finish The 20/20 Experience keeps the audience enthralled and completely caught up in not the overly synthesized beats but the greatly emotional and intellectual lyrics woven throughout perfect fitting instrumental arrangements and unique electronic effects complementary of Timbaland.

With 10 songs and a running time of 70:05 The 20/20 Experience was released on March 19 in the United States. The album seamlessly melds Timberlake’s voice with the slick, smooth production that is signature of Timbaland who produced the album. The album has a robust running time considering that a mere ten songs were included in the album however this allows Timberlake to completely express himself in each song as the songs averaged around 6 to 8 minutes long each.  Aside from the hit “Suit and Tie” there are also many other hidden gems on the album that really give an insight on Timberlake’s life and relationship with his family.

The album sets itself light years apart from Timberlake’s previous works and shows just how much he has grown as an artist and a person.  Every song on the album was co-written by Timberlake, and he also dedicated every song to his own wife.  Timberlake’s previous works showcased his ability to lend vocals to a song with a catchy beat and a shallow message, however in The 20/20 Experience Timberlake doesn’t seem to be looking for radio hits with catchy beats, just the opposite, in fact.

In “Pusher Love Girl” the audience is treated to an unexpected symphony of instruments in the intro, the opposite of what one would expect in a pop classified album.  However Timberlake makes the song his own and shows how deep his love runs for his wife evident in lines like “All I want is you girl.”  The fact that the song is 8:02 allows Timberlake to completely explore and expand upon every thought he has and to lyrically send the message home.

The 20/20 Experience is Timberlake’s most ambitious album to date and blows away all expectations. With the release of his third full length album Justin Timberlake further dissolves the boundaries between pop and R&B music with The 20/20 Experience and it is an absolute must-buy for anyone of any age.

by TYLER KIM