Many an eyebrow was raised when Justin Timberlake announced his return to music recording after a much-publicised hiatus, during which time he furthered his game by becoming an actor of some repute, as well as dabbling in various entrepreneurial ventures with mixed success. Would Timberlake 2.0 be able to repeat the success he enjoyed almost a decade ago? Well, it turns out JT wasn't looking to retread old ground whatsoever and that's what makes The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2 so refreshing.
There was further eyebrow-raisery when we learned that Timberlake's return would be in the form of not just one but two extended albums to be released within a few months of each other. Not only that, the 3 minute pop songs with which he made his name would be moved to the side in favour of experimental, nu-soul musings with an emphasis on musical exploration rather than radio-friendly pop songs. Okay, JT, we're listening.
His comfort zone has been well and truly left behind and that's what makes The 20/20 Experience Part 2 eminently more listenable than the majority of anything Timberlake's peers have put forth in recent times. Songs like the excellent 'Drink You Away' are among the best work that Timberlake has ever done and while the album verges on self-indulgency on a few different occasions, it's this loosening of the creative shackles that allows Timberlake and his producer Timbaland the room they need to really stretch their legs.
Review by John Balfe | THREE POINT FIVE STARS
