2008 Woodie Awards
Justin Timberlake CD Review
Rachel Lennon
Issue date: 10/2/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Justin Timberlake does indeed bring Sexy Back with his sophomore CD, "FutureSex/LoveSounds." Collaborating with big-time producer, Timbaland, along with Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am.
"FutureSex" is a nice mix of hip-hop, soul, R&B, and pop. "Justified," Timberlake's 2002 solo debut album, received rave reviews and exceeded platinum status, but still contained major pop influence from the sounds of *NSYNC. Second time around, he takes a step away from the bubblegum pop of his past and produces a different tune.
The CD has many songs with synthesized beats and progressive rhythms which will make you want to get up and shake your booty. But, with a title like "FutureSex/LoveSounds," you can expect sensual, love making music to the core. The whole album is devoted to the art of sexing: lots of passion, seduction, and domination
If Justin Timberlake mirrored the sounds of the King of Pop on "Justified," then you may be surprised to find that he channels Prince (by way of Purple Rain) on "FutureSex/LoveSounds."
Containing 12 tracks, the album opens with a slew of songs which sound most appropriate to take into the bedroom. The opening song, bearing the same name as the album, is straight-up enticement. The mellow track beckons girls to "give me a moment alone/ to give you my tongue and get you out of control." Quite suggestive, Justin, no?
Timberlake continuously exercises the word "girl" in practically every song - at least the crooner has his priorities straight! Following is the first single off the album, "SexyBack," containing a complex sound with voice synthesizers and mechanical beats. The song was released in July and shot to number one in August, marking it as his most successful single yet.
Track four, "My Love" has catchy, but borderline sappy vocals, a strong hook, flowing keyboards and twisted beats. Additionally, the song boasts a surprising cameo from hip-hop artist, T.I.
"Lovestoned/I Think She Knows," my personal favorite, contains unique lyrics and an up-beat tempo. The song transitions into a softer interlude that has a sincere, relaxing quality about it. "What Goes Around...," track six with the "Comes Around Interlude," sounds reminiscent of "Cry Me A River" straight off "Justified."
Just like the progress of any artist, this is Timberlake's pseudo-sequel expression of his growth and strength. We get the message: he has replaced crying with love-making. "FutureSex's" track 10, "Until the End of Time," has the most Prince-y flavor, with futuristic strings and old-school soul. "Losing My Way," a song about the life of crack-head Bob, is the one pitfall to "FutureSex's" theme of sexiness. The only saving aspect to this song is the back-up choir that busts out with deep sounds. The last song, "(Another Song) All Over Again," produced by Rick Rubin, is a ballad evocative of old soul and piano blues.
Even if you have the premonition that Justin Timberlake's music is not your cup of tea, this is not the same pop-tart from the boy band days. His sound has transformed from pop into urban, with R&B soul. "FutureSex/LoveSounds" is worth listening to if you're interested in hearing the beats of something fresh and different.
"FutureSex" is a nice mix of hip-hop, soul, R&B, and pop. "Justified," Timberlake's 2002 solo debut album, received rave reviews and exceeded platinum status, but still contained major pop influence from the sounds of *NSYNC. Second time around, he takes a step away from the bubblegum pop of his past and produces a different tune.
The CD has many songs with synthesized beats and progressive rhythms which will make you want to get up and shake your booty. But, with a title like "FutureSex/LoveSounds," you can expect sensual, love making music to the core. The whole album is devoted to the art of sexing: lots of passion, seduction, and domination
If Justin Timberlake mirrored the sounds of the King of Pop on "Justified," then you may be surprised to find that he channels Prince (by way of Purple Rain) on "FutureSex/LoveSounds."
Containing 12 tracks, the album opens with a slew of songs which sound most appropriate to take into the bedroom. The opening song, bearing the same name as the album, is straight-up enticement. The mellow track beckons girls to "give me a moment alone/ to give you my tongue and get you out of control." Quite suggestive, Justin, no?
Timberlake continuously exercises the word "girl" in practically every song - at least the crooner has his priorities straight! Following is the first single off the album, "SexyBack," containing a complex sound with voice synthesizers and mechanical beats. The song was released in July and shot to number one in August, marking it as his most successful single yet.
Track four, "My Love" has catchy, but borderline sappy vocals, a strong hook, flowing keyboards and twisted beats. Additionally, the song boasts a surprising cameo from hip-hop artist, T.I.
"Lovestoned/I Think She Knows," my personal favorite, contains unique lyrics and an up-beat tempo. The song transitions into a softer interlude that has a sincere, relaxing quality about it. "What Goes Around...," track six with the "Comes Around Interlude," sounds reminiscent of "Cry Me A River" straight off "Justified."
Just like the progress of any artist, this is Timberlake's pseudo-sequel expression of his growth and strength. We get the message: he has replaced crying with love-making. "FutureSex's" track 10, "Until the End of Time," has the most Prince-y flavor, with futuristic strings and old-school soul. "Losing My Way," a song about the life of crack-head Bob, is the one pitfall to "FutureSex's" theme of sexiness. The only saving aspect to this song is the back-up choir that busts out with deep sounds. The last song, "(Another Song) All Over Again," produced by Rick Rubin, is a ballad evocative of old soul and piano blues.
Even if you have the premonition that Justin Timberlake's music is not your cup of tea, this is not the same pop-tart from the boy band days. His sound has transformed from pop into urban, with R&B soul. "FutureSex/LoveSounds" is worth listening to if you're interested in hearing the beats of something fresh and different.
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