Categories
CD Reviews

Album Review From the Archives: Justin Timberlake’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds”

I remember getting a lot of criticism for this review, specifically for giving Justin Timberlake a B+ when everyone else thought it deserved better. In actuality, B+ is a pretty decent rating for any album review. I really did like the album at the time, just didn’t find it A worthy. Let me know what you think! Feel free to read below for yet another blast from my writing past.

No More Bubblegum
With high expectations, Justin almost fully delivers

‘N Sync who? Justin Timberlake, formerly known for being a member of boy band ‘N Sync, has finally established himself as a talented solo artist with his sophomore solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds. Timberlake’s album has had high expectations from everywhere — comparisons have been made to both Michael Jackson and Prince.

Although he hasn’t reached that level just yet, the new album is still impressive. While each song is completely different from the next, they flow into each other smoothly. His current hit single, “Sexy Back,” is the second song on the album, segueing nicely from the first track, “FutureSex/LoveSound.”

Many of the tracks have interludes after each song. “What Goes Around” is comparable to his previous single, “Cry Me a River,” while this interlude and many of the others portray Timberlake’s slower rap style. “Chop Me Up” has a slow, rap feel and features Timbaland and Three 6 Mafia. “Losing My Way” sounds similar to a gospel song. Many of his tracks feature Timberlake’s high falsetto singing range, such as “Damn Girl” and “My Love.” Admist all the club anthems are mellow soul ballads, such as “Until the End of Time.”

Timberlake has moved on from the teeny-bopper icon that he used to be and this album portrays how much of an all-around artist he is.

Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds
Label: Def Jam
Sounds Like: mix of urban, rap, club, R&B;, pop and gospel
Best Songs: “SexyBack,” “My Love,” “Losing My Way”