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The 20/20 experience part II Review

Justin_Timberlake_-_The_2020_ExperienceJustin Timberlake had clearly outdone himself with The 20/20 Experience Part 1, inherently setting the bar high for part II.

This album features a lot of classic JT with a modern twist. Sexy, but not overly sexual and pop with R&B influence. The opening record, “Gimmie What I Don’t Know (I Want)” may be one of the album’s best tracks although very similar to “Don’t Hold the Wall” of part I.

The album doesn’t feature many guest artists. The only two guest rappers are Drake in “Cabaret” and Jay Z in “Murder”.

Although both acceptable additions, their verses didn’t add to or take away from the song. The record would have been just as good without them.

The album was produced in part by Timbaland, who wasn’t at all shy about making his presence known.  In fact, the tune “TKO” features a 60 second long “trademark Timbaland” beat-box toward the diminuendo at the end.

Although this album had many hit records, there were still a few misses. “Drink You Away” and “Not a Bad Thing” don’t seem to fit well with the other records. But overall part I and II clearly work together for a classic yet modern JT experience.

The 20/20 Experience Part 1 was JT’s first album since ’06. It sold more than two million copies and launched a string of sold-out stadium shows, but there wasn’t nearly as much hype about part II. Perhaps releasing the album in two parts is what made the overall experience rather anti-climactic.

A final observation worth mentioning is that each song is a painfully extended version of itself.  Every song ends on and entirely different beat and/or rhythm than which it began, causing listeners to wonder if they are still on the same groove or if the record skipped.

The album seems to be less about the vocals of JT and more about the gentlemanly theme and spunky Timbaland-produced beats, a minor let down for classic JT fans.

Written by Dominique Barrett

Dominique was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She moved to San Diego her freshman year and started off high school as a Sundevil. She's played volleybal for the school since she's been here and is now on Varsity, she also joined staff as a sophomore. By her junior year she was appointed to the News editor. Another accomplishment would be when she was chosen to be a Sundevil Standout her sophomore year. Dominique has had a colorful Sundevil experience and looks forward to many more.

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