First let me send out an apology. Amanda and I are putting
in some hard work these days and that means sometimes things fall to the side. Like
the blog. But never fear good and faithful reader! I am here with something
good!
Now usually my posts have been about my life. You all have
gotten a peak at my grad school experience (which is the MAIN thing that keeps
me from you), my dating life, and even what it is like to be born on a highly
commercialized holiday. But in this post, you will be getting a look into my
creative mind; how I think about things in popular culture and such. Today’s “and
such” is a review of Justin’s new album. And I hope and pray you are not
wondering who Justin is because that means you have already failed. But because
I am generous I will tell you that I am referring to Justin Timberlake of
course, who’s new album, The 20/20
Experience dropped Tuesday.
I have been anticipating a new album from JT for the
longest. Simply because his last 2 albums were that good. That great. That musically
pleasing that I was touched in my soul. Anyways Justin (or JT as I sometimes
refer to him because we are that close) decided 7 years was a good length of
time. I wonder if he is very religious and decided to go with the cycle of
completion like in the bible. Well finally there was news of a pending album. Then
dropped the single
Suit and Tie.
Now
I was feeling this cut from the album, but as any smart consumer of music
knows, the single is not usually the best the artist has to offer. It’s usually
the song that will gather the most listeners and have them on the edge of their
seats for what is next. So I already had high expectations since the single
makes me wanna move a lil something. After this, I discover that the album is
up for pre sale on ITunes. I pre-order of course because I hate going to target
after work only to discover that it is sold out at every target in a 20 mile
radius of me. Well with my pre-order I receive
another song from the album,
Mirrors.
I don’t feel the instant connection like I do with
Suit and Tie, but it grows and me. And more importantly, in classic
JT style
Mirrors is like 2 songs in
one and I am all about the second part after he switches up the melody.
Finally Tuesday is here! The album comes into my iTunes so
it is on my phone promptly and I am listening that morning. And let me tell you
it is worth whatever you may have sacrificed to get the album (read: lots of
trips to different targets). The first song,
Pusher Love Girl although not my favorite cut, surely does have me
movin form jump. I find myself singing that one the most, but I am sure it is
due to the simple 3 note scale Justin uses for the chorus (it’s been a long
time since I’ve done music theory, so don’t judge me if the terms are wrong).
Suit and Tie is next up and I already
know most of the words and even in the midst of listening to the other songs
which are newer to my ear, I still want to hear this one. THAT’s a good single.
Suit and Tie also makes me want to dress
up and hit a fancy shindig, and get my two step on; since that’s the only dance
I do anyway. Next up is what may be one of my favorite songs,
Don’t Hold the Wall. Something about the
beat and the melody makes me happy. And the song is a little sultry, which I
like as well. Makes me want to go to some dark club with a slinky dress on and have
some hot guy ask me for a dance. Ok maybe not so much the slinky dress, but you
get me.
Strawberry Bubblegum comes
next, and I like this song a lot. I think it’s pretty cute. Not only that but I
love the melody JT changes the song too in the second half. Definitely a fav of
mine and a must listen. The more I listen to the cd, the more mixed feelings I
have about
Tunnel Vision, which is
the next song. I will get back to you on that one and see of it grows on me. Or
maybe dies on me, I’m not sure yet. Number 6,
Spaceship Coupe, is probably my favorite song. I LOVEEE this
one. It’s got sweet lyrics and a sweet
beat. The first part of the song reminds me of some really great 90’s slow jams
(like on late night radio with Kevin Nash for my LA peeps). My favorite part is
when he says “Sing to me”. Can’t put my finger on it, but I think it’s his
phrasing. I hope that at the concert Justin does some Dru Hill/ Ginuwine type
moves just to set the mood right (which is another JT favorite of mine by the
way). The song is all kinds of sexy in my eyes. And not that wanna be sappy
sexy like in the Notebook. That come get me and grab me up sexy like in Django.
That Girl is next, and it is such a cute song! I wanna change the
words to that boy and serenade someone every time I listen to it. And I love
the background vocal harmony going on. I just love me some good harmony and
sneaky little backgrounds that really complete a song. Now here comes a tricky
song, Let the Groove get In. All I
can think of is Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, or some lil salsa
night club on south beach when this song comes on. But nevertheless I start
dancing every time. And then when JT really pounds the beat later in the song,
I really start moving! Mirrors comes
on after I really get groovin, and I feel like I am back when NSYNC was really
hot and they were making music that was just a little less poppy (yes I made up
a word here. I can do that because I am a graduate student). However, when JT
changes the melody and it becomes this very sweet melody over the beat I fall
in love. I absolutely love it. And to be honest I love what Justin is saying in
this song. It’s pretty deep to tell someone they are a reflection of you and
you see them in everything you do, and they have inspired a song, and all. I am
waiting for someone to hear this joint and think of me. But that’s me getting
sappy on you. The last song is called Blue Ocean Floor. It’s a ballad, and this
cd does not include songs I consider ballads except this one. Like his other
albums, Justin ends on this soft note. It’s a beautiful song that likens the
relationship to ocean animals and how they communicate (frequencies, ocean
floors, etc. Get your Marine biology on here folks). That metaphor in itself
makes me happy because I think you have to be talented to write like that.
Overall, this is a great album
and worth the wait and I can’t wait to see JT in concert (because I WILL be
there). I keep it on repeat. I figured it would be great because his other
albums were and I can listen to those even though they are older. I consider
Justin somewhat of a genius because he usually throws in some complex harmony,
background, etc in his songs. I do feel like this cd lacked in that area, but
nothing normal people would notice. And more importantly, it’s complex so I may
not have discovered it yet. I am still hearing more and more in terms of
complexity in Justin’s last two albums. If you are slacking on your pimpin and
do not have this go get this. If you are a single man, get this. The ladies
will appreciate that you respect JT like they do. If you got a girl, get this
and play her that
Spaceship Coupe cut
and watch her blush a little. She knows sexy when she hears it. If you are
woman, you probably got this. Or you are searching every day for your copy. I’m
not worried about you. If you don’t like Justin, why are we friends? I’m
playin, but seriously, you will be a sucka in 20 years when your kids ask you
who JT is and you have nothing to show them or let them hear. That’s like not
liking the Beatles or something. Don’t let that be you.
Alright good people. Stay tuned.
It’s March and BBG is putting some work in so stay tuned for updates on the
company and our lives. Because our lives are that interesting. Seriously.
Xoxo,
Lasondra
P.S. I know Justin has some bonus tracks. I will get back to y'all on those. For anyone who thought I was slippin.
