Review by Staff Writer Signe Trewyn

Over the years, I haven’t been an avid listener of Justin Timberlake, but his new album changed that. It was an enjoyable record and one of my personal favorites from Timberlake.

“The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2” was one of the best-selling albums of 2013, and is Timberlake’s third album to date.

This is Timberlake’s second record released this year following “The 20/20 Experience.” It was released on Sept. 30, 2013, in the US, and the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts.

At first listen, the album sounds like classic Timberlake. His high voice and seductive lyrics label him as an instant party-starter. With 11 tracks total, listeners know they are in for a good time with Timberlake in their headphones or stereo.

When I first listened to Timberlake’s new song “Take Back the Night,” I knew it had some Michael Jackson elements in it, and it’s the album’s most popular track.

Another standout song is “True Blood.” The backup vocals add a haunting vibe to it, and the song seems to be the new “Thriller,” one of Jackson’s most popular songs.

“True Blood” came out just in time for Halloween, and I think it would sound perfect in a haunted house. It even features a laugh similar to the one Vincent Price provided for Jackson’s “Thriller.”

“Drink You Away” is one of Timberlake’s slower songs off the album. It adds drums to compliment his voice, and the listener may be reminded of a country song with the title and lyrics.

In the song “Amnesia,” Timberlake’s seductive voice lulls the listener into the song as he speaks directly to them.

The song “TKO” leaves listeners wondering what it stands for while Timberlake fills their ears with his lyrics. It has a brassy, almost spacey sound compared to “True Blood.” He’s back to being himself again in this song, and it features back-up vocals to boot.

The song “Murder” starts off with a bouncing beat and features a rap solo by Jay-Z, while the song “Carbaret” features a rap solo by Drake and Timberlake’s sexy vocals and vibe.

Overall, I’d consider this a traditional pop album, and it does a good job of bringing together a lot of what I hear on the radio today.

I liked this record, and am glad I reviewed it, but true Justin Timberlake fans would be better at judging the album quality, and I’d encourage them to listen for themselves.

3.5 out of 5 stars.