The Three Rs: 17: 54 - Justin Timberlake "FutureSex/LoveSounds" Album Review

17: 54 - Justin Timberlake "FutureSex/LoveSounds" Album Review

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Written by: Dee4leeds

Off the back of successful reviews of Slipknot and DragonForce I though maybe it's time to show that the Three Rs is not as metal skewed as those reviews show. So now, I've delved into my iTunes and decided to review 2006 album FutureSex/LoveSounds.

Off the back of "Justified" mega star Justin Timberlake released FutureSex/LoveSounds, which promised to bring Sexy Back... The Three Rs reviews.

The album begins with title track FutureSex/LoveSounds, evident in the song is the lack of jump from his first offering. The bass of the song is well constructed with the chorus, making sure that during the verse the chorus is infectiously remembered. Adding another element to the song.

Early in the album comes the strongest of the album, Sexy Back. A simple repeating bassline with a catchy spoken hook which has broke the gimmick stage and become a common phrase in our everyday life: "I'm Bringing Sexy Back." The song does warrant a purchase of the album.

Though the standard is dropped for third track Sexy Ladies/Let Me Talk To You Prelude. Not too far though, but the chorus just simply lets the song down. Something Mr. Timberlake must learn is that people don't like bragging when it's clear it's not in jest. I have no care that he "has Sexy Ladies all over the floor" to be honest if he didn't I would of been shocked.

Luckily the pace is recaptured in My Love which is just as well built as Sexy Back. However what Sexy Back excels in, My Love staggers behind. Though the chorus is well written, the "Drop it Like it's Hot" clicking of fingers and clocking of tongues makes it feel dated. It's this reusage of previous ideas is what is killing the pop/R&B genre.

My criticism of My Love is made hypocritical as LoveStoned/I Think She Knows Interlude reuses the human sounds idea but makes it feel fresh, which is the mark of a true music genius. But the genius of this song is in the latter half where the pace is dropped for a Coldplay inspired melody. This drop in pace is well placed with a guitar entering the album occupied with violins. The song drips in credibility with JT's ability as a singer.

What Goes Around.../...Comes Around Interlude doesn't try to hold it's own but rather showcase other more slow tempo work. A smart move. Though it does layer JT's voice the effect works with the lyrics, connoting the idea that cheating happens to many people all the time. The "Cry Me a River" of FutureSex. Unfortunately it's not all good news, the last 3rd is ruined by a spoken word rap.

Three 6 Mafia spoil the party. Next is Chop Me Up a horribly clichéd rap song, something Timberlake has done well to dodge for this long. However not only is this a decline in song standard but it marks the start of the decline for the rest of the album.

Damn Girl is soaked in mid 20th century funk but lacks any chorus except for the repetition of "Damn Girl" 10 times. And with a guest spot for Will.i.am whose words are said at a completely different pace to the music. Messy to say the least.

If Chop Me Up is the clichéd rap song then Summer Love/Set the Mood (Prelude) is the clear clichéd pop song. Disappointing that the album has dropped in standard this much. It's clear that all the creative juices went of the opening half of the album, leaving this half to scrap for the little left.

He goes on to explain how long this album feels at this point Until The End Of Time. The opening lyrics give the feeling of an R. Kelly Trapped in the Closet before moving into everyone's-going-to-die lyrics. Despite an opening explaining he has "Sexy Ladies" being preached to was the last thing I thought I would be hearing.

If the creative juices analogy is correct then Losing My Way must have stolen the remaining liquid. Ironically the title explains the songs around it, not it's self. The song is a simple melody with a simple chorus and simple structure creating a simple song which is honestly pleasant without being patronising.

Leaving finally (Another Song) All Over Again which begs the question was Timberlake listening to Alica Keys during the writing of this song as it's basically every one of her songs mushed together. The song leaves very little to walk away from the album with except the knowledge that the skip button is needed to enjoy the album.

Most people knew Justified would be a tough act to follow, and the opening half of the album makes you genuinely believe the album is going to be bigger and better but alas the second half destroys the hope. What's next for Timberlake? A mini-album may be better for him next time.

Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds: 2.5/5 - Maybe time to drop Timbaland and hire the Neptunes again.

Album Picks
- Sexy Back
- My Love
- LoveStoned/I Think She Knows Interlude

What did you think of FutureSex/LoveSounds? Tell Us at Res3.net!

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