megstar's Full Review: Justified by Justin Timberlake
Okay, so, my plan was to review “Justified” when I found a solid ground to stand on in regards to whether I actually like it or not. After two straight weeks of it being in my own little personal music rotation, I realized there is no solid ground to be found. First let me start by just saying, and I’m sure this won’t go over well with ‘Nsync fans, but Justin comes from a musical group that without slick production, superstar collaborations, over hyped publicity, and the boy band production line, would never have made the impact they did. They’d be somewhere hanging out with LFO talking about the good old days when they had that one hit, or was it two? LFO who? Exactly. Now, somehow along the way the Memphis, Tennessee boy who performed on Star Search in a cowboy hat, tight jeans, singing some Garth Brooks song (I think it was Garth) and later on MMC performing some of the cheesiest music of the late 80's and early 90's, evolved into an incredible multi-talent. Yes, I said multi-talented in regards to Justin Timberlake. Wow, huh. I can already feel the negative energy from people wondering if Whitney and I have the same “pharmacist”. Oh well. Anyway, for years, it was a matter of not knowing if this was because he was smack in the middle of four guys who seriously leave much to be desired, that caused him to be horribly overrated and nowhere near as multi talented as he seemed. So, this album was a welcome opportunity to see Justin placed in a big shark tank of limitless talent. If the singing, dancing, writing, producing, and all other aspects of his talent still stood out, then it was the real thing and not just because he was on stage next to Lance.
It’s just too bad that he kinda screwed up his big shot. What Justin should have done with “Justified” was trust his own talent like he did with “Gone” and some of his other contributions as an ‘Nsync member. But he truly doubted himself. And for that, it became a Justin Timberlake featuring “whoever wasn’t busy the day we recorded this song” album.
Senorita Chad and Pharell (Neptunes), as well as Justin, are responsible for the lyrics and the fact that three people as talented at this collectively put their heads together and came up with(On that sunny day/Didn't know I'd meet/Such a beautiful girl/Walking down the street) is not only sad, but probably the weakest way to open an album, lyrically. What they do manage to do is get their hooks into you via production, which is pure Neptunes contribution. I actually like the way Pharell has layered his and Justin’s vocals into the production and well, I fall completely victim to it being so well produced. As catchy and upbeat as you find the song to be you can’t help but hope the entire album isn’t like this. It’s gotta get interesting at some point, right? It’s can’t be this over produced, right? ......Right?
Like I Love You Okay, obviously we’ll have to wait for interesting. But, what this is is the first single to come from the album. Same writers and producers as above and yes, same slickly produced sound. The lyrics are once again as basic as they can be (People are so phony/Nosey cause they lonely/Aren’t you sick of the same thing) but once again it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t even matter when Clipse appears in the track to offer a couple rap verses. Who’s listening to what they’re saying ... no one cause the listener is too distracted and caught up in the beat, which is a good thing if Justin wants to limit himself. I do have one thing to say about the vocals of J. Timberlake though.... they’re decent until he attempts an Aguilera range. He should really stop doing that.
(Oh No) What You Got Oh, for the love of music. You can tell this is a Timbaland track by the sound of the background production, the fact it opens with Timbaland repeatedly saying “Mr. JT now what you got for me” and then offering additional vocals of himself throughout the rest of the song. The background music reminds me of something from Aaliyah (wonder why?) But thankfully Aaliyah was always able to add depth to just about anything she did. Justin on the other hand, lyrically, tells the girl he’s dancing with to keep rubbing her hands on him. The end has way too many “oh oh oh oh” verses and I guess this is what Justin thought would make great “filler” for the album.
Take it From Here His first shot at a slow song. His vocals are backed by orchestra strings as he presents wordy lyrics, but this time his lyrics do show signs of more depth. Not a lot but it’s a step in the right direction. It’s a softly performed song, as the Neptunes help Justin out again. I really love the way his voice sounds on this track as he settles into the range he sounds most comfortable using. The talking he does at the end is a little corny. Lyrically, it’s about wanting to be “everything” to someone and take them through whatever they must deal with in life.
Cry Me a River I have to admit this is one of my favorites. The first thing that needs to be said about it is Scott Storch is one of the writers/producers. He usually gets listed for being a part of the whole Dre/Eminem camp but he has had a hand in so much musically that to list his contributions would take forever. His more recent work is a great deal of Christina Aguilera’s “Stripped”and now this album, where he worked on a couple tracks. Enjoy his work now because soon every mainstream artist will be borrowing his sound til he’s overused and overplayed. Speaking of which, Timbaland not only co-produces but is vocally in this track also, but it’s a better use of his voice than the previous song. This is the second single from the album and of course, most of us have seen the video, with a Britney lookalike cheating on Justin and well, we know the story. It’s well produced and lyrically interesting as Justin depicts how he got cheated on by a girl who can cry all she wants, but it’s over. (You don't have to say, what you did/ I already know, I found out from him/Now there's just no chance, for you and me/ there'll never be)
Rock Your Body Justin, Chad, and Pharell team up to do the next few tracks. I actually love this song in a smooth upbeat dance track kinda way. Neptunes really do know how to find a musical sound that blends well with the vocals of Justin. Vanessa Marquez adds her voice to the chorus in an early Ashanti kinda way. It’s a nice blend of vocals, production, and yes, the lyrics are meaningless but they go well with the theme. He’s basically asking a girl to join him on the dance floor. ( See it appears to me/You like the way I move/I'll tell you what I'm gonna do/Pull you close and share my groove)
Nothin Else This is by far one of the worst tracks on the album. It’s a slow song that goes on forever and after giving it a few painful tries to find something to “hook” me....I skip it. (You're out of this world/Except you're not green) Lyrically, oh god, just skip it.
Last Night Up tempo and another favorite. Lyrically, it’s about being dumped by a girl one night (another song that’s said to be directed at Britney) who now wants a second chance and even though he still loves her, he can’t give her that chance right now. (Knowing that I would have walked across the ocean for you/ Saying you're young and confused / Well that's a lame excuse/ That's why the only one to blame is you) It’s well produced as he again is backed by an orchestra.
Still On My Brain Finally, a song on this album that can be described as a “beautiful” slow song. Produced and co-written by The Underdogs. Lyrically, Justin tells a girl that he can’t pretend he doesn’t still care about her because she’s still all he thinks about. (Now when your in love it takes time to heal/When someone’s broken your heart and changes how you feel/Girl I thought that you’d never do me that way/But even after all I still think of you that way)
And She Said (Take Me Now) A waste of a Janet Jackson cameo. Basically, she starts the song out with a whisper of a couple of lines and then gone. Timbaland , however, doesn’t miss his chance to appear throughout the entire song. In addition to Timbaland, Scott Storch co- produces. It’s the same line up (minus Janet) as on “Cry Me A River”, but this time the track is pointless mid tempo filler. Lyrically, it’s lacking also ( I'm hot just like an oven/Hot just like an oven/And she said/So take me now )
Right For Me Produced by Timbaland, featuring Bubba Sparxxx. Justin attempts throughout every verse to do the Bubba/Missy Elliot (some songs)/Timbaland southern slur. Yeah, I don’t know why either. I didn’t jump on the Bubba Bandwagon when it came through the first time and maybe I missed something by not doing so, but I think I’ll take that chance again. It’s the typical choppy Timbaland backdrop and nothing really to hook the listener into it. Especially not the vocals on Justin or the lyrics. ( Little baby with the sun dress on/ Looking so damn right you're wrong/ Make me wanna write my own little song for you)
Let’s Take A Ride Chad, Pharell, and Justin team up again to provide us with another filler. (Let’s take a ride /on the country side/Let’s just get away) It’s mid tempo with a relaxing, care free feel, which would fit the theme of the lyrics. But it fails to hold any interest and I tend to skip it.
Never Again A beautiful, slow, soft song co-written with Justin, by Brian McKnight, who also produces the track. Lyrically, this is by far the best track on the album. Justin puts just enough emotion into the message and keeps his voice in the proper range, accompanied by softly played instruments. It’s simple production and all about the lyrics and voice. In the lyrics, he’s telling a girl that he’s been hurt by her more than she’ll ever understand and she won’t be able to love him ever again. (Sadness has me at the end of the line/Helpless watched you break this heart of mine/And loneliness only wants you back here with me/Common sense knows that you're not good enough for me)
Overall, I don’t love and I don’t dislike the album. I do recommend it though because there are some really bright spots: “Cry Me A River”, “Like I Love You”, “Never Again”, “Rock Your Body”, “Last Night”, “Still on my Brain”, “Take it From Here” that the not so bright spots can be easily avoided and still leave you with a quality freshman album. His biggest downfall is too much Neptunes and Timbaland to know what exactly is Justin’s potential in the industry as a solo artist. For his second album he should concentrate on his own talent and not worry about working with big named artists, producers, writers, etc.... and who knows, maybe after doing this album he’ll actually attempt a true solo album. Or officially just go ahead and become a member of the Neptunes.
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