“Everything I Thought It Was” - Justin Timberlake Album Review

Justin Timberlake is back with a new album for the first time in six years.

“Everything I Thought It Was” was released only a few months after the release of Timberlake’s most recent cinematic masterpiece “Trolls Band Together.” Clearly, the singer, songwriter, record producer and actor is trying to stay on top and relevant.

The first two tracks on the album seem out of pocket when listening for the first time.

“Memphis” starts the album off and is a bit of a different feel for Timberlake. He has always been the “Prince of Pop” focusing on Pop R&B as his style of choice, however, this song has a stronger R&B presence and seems like it could almost be rap.

The concept of “F**ckin’ Up The Disco” is dumb. The epitome of 2000s music was describing different ways that men and women “dance together” when in reality they are vaguely depicting sex. Timberlake cracked the case and found another one, f**cking up the disco.

For as cliche and boring as the topic of this song is, it is super catchy.

A memorable line from this song is “Got my Gucci Crocs on right now, but we can slide like sandals.”

The Gucci Crocs flex is so reminiscent of the hit song “Gucci Flip Flops” by BhadBhabie.

The most iconic aspect of this song is the recording from a radio show that is included at the beginning of the song. This is not always an additive to songs that sit well, but with JT it works.

“Technicolor” is seven minutes and 17 seconds long. This song being longer than necessary is reflective of some of Timberlake’s other well-known songs like “Mirrors.”

The verdict is still out, however, it does not seem like anything off this album will be nearly as popular as his already prominent songs.

After this section comes a three-song span of songs that are strictly about sex. “Infinity Sex,” “Love & War” and “Sanctified (feat. Tobe Nwigwe). To be honest, they all sort of blend together, with the most memorable being “Love & War.”

The most fire song on the album is “Flame.” (Haha wordplay.)

“Flame” is about a relationship/situationship ending. It is filled with an aggressive metaphor relating a relationship dying out to a flame dying out.

The metaphor may be overdone, but the song is well done. The beat is unique to the album and stands out. Classic JT pop R&B style.

“Selfish” was the only single released prior to the whole album dropping.

This banger is JT’s version of Nick Jonas’ “Jealous,” which no one is mad about. This song has a great beat and words that flow very well.

A song that stands out from the rest on the album is “Alone.” The intro to this piano-led song is a stringed instrumental.

Upon first listen, you may think your Spotify is acting up and you are suddenly listening to a “Bridgerton” cover, but then Timberlake’s euphonious voice pipes in.

This song is literally beautiful and features Timberlake’s higher vocal range. Definitely one of the slowest and saddest on the album.

Of course, there is an NSYNC feature towards the end of the album. “Paradise” is a sweet singable little moment.

It is hard to say if this album has any tracks that will gain a lot of popularity, but as a whole, the album exceeded expectations showing Timberlake’s undeniable talent.

Album Rating: 5/10

Reviewer's favorite songs: “Flame,” “Alone,” “Paradise”

Reviewer's least favorite songs: “Memphis,” “F**ckin’ Up The Disco”

Savannah Swartz is a third-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.