In its best songs, Justin Timberlake’s first new album in six years, “Everything I Thought It Was,” brings back the style that made him famous. When his unmistakable high voice blends into a familiar kind of futuristic funk, it works. In other parts, it feels like longing for the past at the wrong time.
Once known as one of the top performers of the 21st century for his clever R&B-pop, JT has had an extraordinary career: from the star-making “The Mickey Mouse Club” to leading one of the most successful boy bands, *NSYNC, to evolving as a solo artist. His solo career is especially impressive — from 2002’s “Justified” to 2006’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” and his acting in “The Social Network,” to his successful return to pop music with 2013’s “The 20/20 Experience” and “The 20/20 Experience — 2 of 2.” If only it had lasted longer.
Timberlake’s public image declined in the years after that. The album between that time and this one, 2018’s “Man of the Woods,” embraced a return to roots and Americana folk sounds, which was controversial. In the early 2020s, as the “Free Britney Spears” movement gained momentum, Timberlake was portrayed as a villain in her story, especially with the release of her 2023 memoir “The Woman in Me.” The book includes personal details about her relationship with Justin Timberlake, including a pregnancy, abortion, and a painful breakup.
Timberlake faced criticism for his role in the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, during which a wardrobe malfunction exposed Janet Jackson’s breast, negatively impacting her career. He did not face the same consequences and was invited back to perform in 2018.
To understand the larger-than-life Justin Timberlake in 2024, it’s important to consider his history. The 18-track “Everything I Thought It Was” doesn't erase the “Man of the Woods” period, but it reminds listeners of Timberlake at the peak of his talent, from the heartfelt track “Drown” to other standout moments like “No Angels” and “Sanctified.” The pop song “Paradise” features all of *NSYNC — a reminder of their success, if only a reunion was permanent.
Then there’s “Selfish,” the first single from the album, an R&B ballad that sounds similar to Nick Jonas’ “Jealous” (the irony being that “Jealous” also draws inspiration from JT’s early work — it seems much of Jonas’s solo career was meant to mirror Timberlake’s successful transition from his boy band days. Circle of life, right?)
Any reconciliation with his past self and his current public image happens in the opening track “Memphis”: “I pray for peace within myself/And no more regrets with it,” he sings. “’Cause when I looked at my soul in the Mississippi/It reflected it.” The rest of the album seems to focus on love and the strength of his relationship with wife Jessica Biel.
Before releasing “Everything I Thought It Was,” Timberlake mentioned that it took four years to make the album and he wrote 100 songs for it. The influence of this effort can be heard on tracks like “Infinity Sex” and “F——- Up the Disco,” which are brassy, self-referential songs that remind us of JT’s prime. Although they may not have the same impact as his previous records, they are still enjoyable.
The truth is, while “Everything I Thought It Was” holds nostalgic appeal, Timberlake’s work is unavoidably affected by a return to the music scene at an unfortunate time.