My Top 5 Albums of 2013 – #2: The 20/20 Experience

NOTE: This ranking is specifically for Part 1 of JT’s 20/20 Experience. Part 2 was sub-par in comparison to Part 1.

Since his humble beginnings as a Mouseketeer, Timberlake has been bred to be a pop star. Throughout the program he was surrounded by future stars, including Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, and Britney Spears, but there’s no doubt Timberlake has emerged as king of the Disney hill. Post-MMC, he captivated teenage girls with his boy band N Sync, went on to have an equally impressive solo career through his first two albums, and then took a musical hiatus to show off his acting chops on the big screen. With his first album in seven years, pop had high expectations for JT and The 20/20 Experience. Needless to say, he didn’t disappoint.

With songs averaging around seven minutes, Timberlake’s vocal harmonies take you through literal pop symphonies utilizing either full orchestral accompaniments or Timbaland beats with the perfect dash of experimental sounds. From “Suit and Tie” and “Mirrors”, to deeper cuts like “Strawberry Bubblegum” and “Spaceship Coupe”, every song makes you want to sing along. Even when you’re not singing along, you are an engaged listener. The album is truly an experience to listen to, and that’s why it’s #2 on my list.

If you want to read my impression of The 20/20 Experience from spring, making it EMMIE’s top album pick for the season, you can right here. I pretty much reiterated my thoughts. JT is awesome. What else more is there to say? Great arrangements, better vocals, ’nuff said. #1 TOMORROW!