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.
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