RATING: 2 out of 5
Justin Timberlake has returned to the music industry after a six-year hiatus with his pop and R&B album “Everything I Thought It Was.”
With tracks that remind listeners of his original NSYNC roots along with a new R&B sound for Timberlake, the album is an experimentation of original pop style, along with a more funky style.
Though Timberlake experiments with new sounds such as electronic funk beats and synth music, some of the tracks feel forced and incohesive.
For instance, “Technicolor” and “Play” feel awkward with poorly executed electronic beats and slow drums that make the songs definitely skippable.
There seems to be no deeper meaning, and the lyrics and music don’t complement each other and are not enjoyable to listen to.
On the other hand, tracks such as “Liar” are catchy and execute a new, almost Afro-Beat style with a memorable chorus that compliments Timberlake’s upbeat style of music.
Similarly, “Imagination” is an upbeat, fun song with electronic instrumentals that make sense in the context of the song.
The lyrics are cliché and basic, but the catchy nature of the song makes up for its lack of meaningfulness.
However, despite the upbeat tune and beats, I don’t find myself emotionally affected by the music compared to how other Timberlake songs evoke more of an energetic response.
Whereas previous songs of Timberlake such as “Can’t Stop the Feeling” make me want to get up and dance, the songs on this album feel more hollow and not as impactful.
“Selfish,” is the lead single for a reason. The entire song has a romantic and soothing melody with lyrics that showcase Timberlake’s vulnerability.
The chorus is catchy and spotlights Timberlake’s harmonies, which shine through the catchy electronic beats throughout the song.
The bridge of the song, with Timberlake’s falsetto vocals, communicates the vulnerability of the song and has a memorable melody.
Breaking away from the upbeat theme of the entire album, “Alone” features piano instrumentals with Timberlake’s lead vocals stealing the show.
The violin instrumentals halfway through the song add to the emotion of the song.
This track feels a bit out of place on the album, as it portrays a sudden shift to a more sad place in Timberlake’s discography.
Continuing with the sadder songs, “Paradise,” featuring Timberlake’s previous band, NSYNC, elaborates on the sad note “Alone” begins.
This track features more meaningful lyrics about working through a difficult relationship with a lover.
Although the song is pleasant to listen to, it doesn’t offer anything revolutionary to the album. Considering NSYNC is featured, I was expecting something more original that would make listeners reminisce on the band’s earlier pop hits.
Overall, the album disappointed me, as I was expecting more of the original pop tracks that Timberlake is famous for.
The entire album was not great but not terrible, just an in-between that does not do much for Timberlake’s career.
He did not have much to lose with this album, especially since his return was unexpected.
Thus, I think he could have made more bold choices instead of producing, at best, some temporary radio songs that will quickly be forgotten.