The 20/20 Experience

Let me start by saying, this is one of the most refined albums I've ever heard. 

The production deserves all the credit it's due; it's memorizingly full, but never too busy. Timbaland's organic, almost tangible (not stock) sounds fill whatever frequency void that particular song may have in a way that simultaneously deepens the soundscape and eases noise distraction. And it's mastered so well you hear new sounds every time you listen. In a way it's reminiscent of classical music inhow every song sounds composed rather than assembled, and half the story is in the movement of the undertones. It's a beautifully crafted piece of a work by some folks with a rare mix of creative yet seasoned excellence whose breadth of experiences has lent itself to an LP full of multi-culturally infused, category-evading mastery. 

I would, however, say that this album is pop (if someone made me choose) by virtue of most of the lyrics, but that doesn't restrict it from pulling from a gang of different genres. You'll find definite references to funk, soul, hip-hop, lo-fi, samba, and then some, all with R&B overtones. It goes to show how much having someone that can just plain croon blurs the boundaries and turns all this categorization into simply music. Nonetheless, it is pop. It’s mostly light-hearted (save for Blue Ocean Floor), directed toward a general audience, and shallow, for lack of a better term - and that’s how it should be. Imagine if these lovely love songs had some corrupting Weekndesque lyrics attached to them, or if they were politically motivated. Would people listen to them on dates, or at parties, or while driving with friends? Maybe some weirdos would, but in general na. The topical nature makes it perfect for any occasion; you could put 90% of these tracks in a playlist with the Drifters and Michael Jackson and the dance floor wouldn’t skip a beat. It’s groovy dog. Let the groove get in. 

Among the top distinctions from the blasé blasé that is american pop is the amount of music you get per song. 82 minutes for 12 tracks puts your average track length at nearly 7 minutes, which is one of my favorite things about the album. Each song has a definite intro, body, and end, so not only do you get the part you sing along to, you get a warm up and cool down period. It’s like the Gatorade G series of music. And as a pretty neat side-benefit, this structure coerces the 4-minute-attention-span generation into sticking with the song for the time it deserves (and when you’re JT and you’re audience is everyone on Earth, that effect isn’t negligible). Each track has no more and no less than it needs; they all leave you satisfied. 

This album right here, is what I wish all pop music sounded like. It proves that something can be both topical and well thought out. It fully displays the musical prowess and historical depth of the (primarily) 2 people who created it. It’s music that makes you feel good. And it’s due all the praise it receives. The first installment of The Twenty Twenty Experience gets a perfect 20/20, which translates roughly to... 

Rating: 10

Favorite Song: Let the Groove Get In