Justin Timberlake announces new album, "The 20/20 Experience"

After a week of suspense and anticipation in lieu of leaking a teaser on his website, Justin Timberlake finally dropped his new single. The title of the new track is "Suit & Tie" and it features a throw back Jay-Z verse that echoes "Excuse Me Miss". The track is an ensemble piece that changes tempo and seems to be somewhat of a variety type effort aimed at displaying Justin's versatility. The track is a departure from the current pop sound but what would expect from arguably one the generation’s best songwriters? Timberlake's signature crooning is on display as his vocals seem to float perfectly over the jazz centered track.

What comes to mind is the production from Watch The Throne, which at times seemed almost like a jazz opera hinting at something epic but never quite delivering. It makes perfect sense that Jay-Z would be featured. However, the track also leaves a question of why Jay chose to step back in time to his pre American Gangster persona and perspective. Jay-Z's effort feels like a dusted off un-used verse from Blueprint 2. It's not a bad verse but it just seems less in the moment than some of his more recent verses. "Suit & Tie" is a solid effort and if anything it puts the music industry on notice that Timberlake's talent has not waned over his six year hiatus. Timberlake actually demonstrates his uncanny versatility as a singer/songwriter that is among the best of this era.

The single was released on his website justintimberlake.com, where you can listen to it now. However the biggest announcement comes in an open letter written to his fans. Timberlake writes:

“The inspiration for this really came out of the blue and to be honest, I didn’t expect anything out of it. I just went into the studio and started playing around with some sounds and songs. It was probably the best time I’ve had in my career…Just creating with no rules and/or end goal in mind and really enjoying the process…What I came up with is something I couldn’t be more excited about! It is full of inspiration that I grew up listening to and some newfound muses that I’ve discovered along the way. I’m calling it “The 20/20 Experience”, and it’s coming out this year”

That's right Justin Timberlake will be releasing a full length album called "The 20/20 Experience" Stay tuned for the release date here and for now go to justintimberlake.com and listren to the new single.

-Eric Montgomery @E_MONT_3