JT (aka Justin Timberlake) is back with his new album ‘Man Of The Woods’ and David’s all over it with his critical ear.
But will he cedar good in its singles thus far (including ‘Filthy’ and the current hit ‘Say Something’) or might he pine for his earlier work? Pour yourself a Jarrah… David maple some punches.
Finding his way out the wilderness some five years since his last album was released, Justin Timberlake has made a return to more soul inspired roots for his fifth album ‘Man Of The Woods’.
Sadly, I am not sure this album was quite ready, as I have really not enjoyed it.
I am a big fan of nostalgia like many other music fans, but production on this album feels like it’s straight out of the early 2000s; it’s immaculately done, but just so dated.
It all feels a bit recycled with similar drum loops you’d hear from an earlier Neptune’s album (not surprising since they did a lot of the production alongside Timbaland).
There are some decent songs here but unfortunately the bad outweighs the good.
‘Filthy’ failed to fire at radio and listening to it a few times you completely understand why.
Songs like ‘Flannel’ and ‘Montana’ are just a mess and honestly have no business being on a major star like JT’s album.
There are some good tunes though… With an odd fiddle appearing in it, ‘Midnight Summer Jam’ is surprisingly catchy and is something you can easily enjoy.
Trying to save the album, the Alicia Keys feature on ‘Morning Light’ is a welcome addition. She just needed to feature on a few more songs – duets album for the next one perhaps Justin?
I know I’ve been harsh but I do need to give credit where credit is due, Justin is trying some different lyrical things and that’s never easy as an artist.
I have a lot of respect for everyone involved too, but JT is not quite at Beyoncé levels of popularity and reverence to get away with it here.
If you have a streaming service, give it a go.
But don’t waste your hard earned dollars on purchasing this album outright.
VERDICT : 2/5.
MUST LISTEN : Morning Light, Midnight Summer Jam.
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