The 20/20 Experience

Did You Know?

• The album's lead single "Suit & Tie" features rapper Jay-Z and was released on January 14, 2013.
• Timberlake's second studio album FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006) was a commercial success and spawned three US number-one singles.

Development and title

In 2010, Timberlake's music manager Johnny Wright approached him about returning to music, noting that physical record sellers had declined and suggesting alternative promotion methods such as a software application or monthly song releases. Timberlake was not interested at the time and continued focusing on film. In late May or early June 2012, Timberlake invited Wright to dinner and revealed he had spent two nights in a studio with Timbaland working on new material. Wright was surprised, and they began planning the album's promotion and release, agreeing on a seven- or eight-week gap between singles and the album. Wright told Billboard that such a short window required a big impact. In August 2012, producer Jim Beanz reported Timberlake had started work on a new music project, though Timberlake's publicist initially denied plans for a new album, stating he was working on Timbaland's Shock Value III. Wright noted that keeping the project secret was difficult, so codenames were used. The album was originally planned for October 2012 but was postponed due to Timberlake's wedding to Jessica Biel. Timberlake explained the title came from a friend's comment that the music was "something you can see."

Composition

Timberlake described The 20/20 Experience as going in many directions, incorporating elements reminiscent of his first and second albums along with new material. He cited Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Queen as inspirations for the album's long songs, asking why they could not also create ten-minute tracks. The album is a neo soul work partly inspired by the expansive song structures of 1960s and 1970s rock, with songs averaging seven minutes in length and featuring vamps, abrupt key changes, and unexpected rhythms and harmonies. Music journalist Jody Rosen noted an emphasis on rhythm and flow rather than catchiness, calling it "not quite a pop album." The music incorporates samples of piano, distorted voices, and buzzing electronic sounds, along with soul elements such as resonant voiceovers, lush string and horn arrangements, high-pitched guitar solos, and squelching analog synthesizers. Critics compared the production to Quincy Jones's work on Michael Jackson's Off the Wall. The lyrics deal mostly with romance, using metaphors for sex including drugs on "Pusher Love Girl," candy on "Strawberry Bubblegum," and outer space on "Spaceship Coupe."

Promotion

In September 2012, Timberlake and Wright met with RCA Records heads Peter Edge and Tom Corson to plan release strategies. In November, Wright and RCA began discussions with Target and other corporations for marketing. Timberlake, part-owner of Myspace, placed "Suit & Tie" on the site's splash page during its January 2013 relaunch, allowing streaming or download in exchange for joining or signing in. Timberlake and Jay-Z performed "Suit & Tie" at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013, and again during Timberlake's hosting of Saturday Night Live on March 9, 2013. Timberlake debuted the live performance of "Mirrors" at the Brit Awards 2013 at The O2 Arena in London on February 20, 2013. He sang "Pusher Love Girl" and "That Girl" during Super Bowl XLVII weekend. A preview concert was held at Roseland Ballroom on May 5, 2013, and a one-off concert in Dublin at Phoenix Park on July 10, 2013. On February 22, 2013, Timberlake and Jay-Z announced the Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour. Timberlake headlined the 2013 Yahoo Wireless Festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on July 12 and July 14. On May 5, 2013, he announced The 20/20 Experience World Tour, promoted by AEG Live, which began on October 31, 2013, in Montreal.

Critical reception

The 20/20 Experience received generally positive reviews from critics. On Metacritic, it scored 75 out of 100 based on 39 reviews. Sputnikmusic's Sobhi Youssef called it expertly written and produced, citing it as a profound manifestation of recent innovations in R&B. Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times found its elaborate structures ambitious in the tradition of Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Andy Gill of The Independent viewed it as diversely enjoyable with solid production. Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone said the album's multidimensional music eventually sinks in. Jordan Sargent of Spin called it a sonic wonder. Pitchfork's Ryan Dombal commended Timberlake for shamelessly extolling the joys of music and marriage. Kitty Empire of The Observer found it mostly terrific, lush, and quirky. Helen Brown of The Daily Telegraph said the music feels both grandiose and intimate. Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club called it an exercise in sophisticated sexiness.