In Timberlake’s Case, Junior Album Slump?

Back when I would watch ‘N Sync on Dutch TV, I always thought that JC Chasez was the breakout star in the group: great voice, great dancing and looked manly. But alas, Justin it was. Justin really proved himself in my opinion. He could dance, sing ok and had stage presence.

His freshman album, Justified, is an instant classic. Still can’t believe that came out 11 years ago. That album started strong with “Senorita” and ended with a wonderful song “Never Again”. Yes it had some fillers but 11 years later I can still sing a chorus, eight bars, or the whole song of that album. Some of my all-time favorites include the aforementioned “Senorita”, “Take It From Here”, “Cry Me a River”and “Last Night”

With such success from the first album, he needed to prove himself with his second outing. But there is the “sophomore slump” – failure of the 2^nd album living up to the standards of the first album. Luckily for him and all of his fans, “FureSex/LoveSound” surpassed “Justified”. Unfortunately for me as an ‘N Sync fan, there was likely not to be a reunion tour. Unlike the first album which was primarily written and produced by both The Neptunes and Timbaland, his sophomore effort was solely a Timbaland production (apart from one Rick Rubin and Jawbreakers production).

Unlike the first album, this album could be left to play from start to finish without skipping any tracks. Just like “Justified”, “FutureSex/LoveSound” sounds super strong with the same titled track. How can you forget the bass line and percussions?! I went to the tour that promoted the album “FutureSex/LoveSound” and it was the perfect way to start off the show. I confess that the song is still heavily played on my iPod to this day.

 

The sophomore album is filled with so many gems it is truly hard to pick a few. Even the prelude to “My Love”, “Sexy Ladies/Let Me Talk To You” still stands out to me. “FutureSex/LoveSound”, “My Love”, “LoveStoned/I Think She Knows”, “Chop Me Up”, “Until The End of Time” and the closing song “(Another Song) All Over Again” are songs that still get me excited like the first time I heard them in 2005.

Thus it pains me to say that his Junior Album, “The 20/20 Experience”, is such a disappointment! It’s been 8 years since his sophomore album so I was really looking forward to this. I was expecting the same strong start and smooth finish. I cannot say that for “Pusher Love Girl” and “Blue Ocean Floor”. I do like the intro to “Blue Ocean Floor” but then it loses me. I also have an extremely hard time choosing a song that really stands out to me; something I have never struggled with on Timberlake album.

“Suit & Tie” – Timberlake and Jay Z could have found a better song to collaborate on. “Mirrors” – It highlights Timberlake’s weak voice. Yes people, he’s not the best singer; something we should all have known by now. But he’s thoroughly entertaining and used to choose songs that could stand the test of time and made this dancer want to get up and move. The closest he gets to that with this album is “Spaceship Coupe” and “Don’t Hold the Wall”. Even with that said I believe these 3 songs will not stand the test of time. Could this have been the reason for the release of “The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2” or weak sales?

Granted, “The 20/20 Experience” has gone double platinum but compared to his previous releases and his increased fame and popularity, more was expected. I will say that “You Got It On” off of 2 of 2 will be replayed constantly on iPod. That song is smooth, sexy, laid back and has me day dreaming. Very single worthy! Yes Justin, it sounds like falling in love. Bring more of this on the fourth album and my love will be renewed.