HIDDEN GEMS: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
5 Tracks From The Seductive Triple Threat
We covered Michael.
We covered Bruno.
This week, we cover Justin Timberlake.
From Disney to NSYNC to the Super Bowl, the career of JT is varied and well-documented. With his many different ventures in television and film, the artist rose to prominence with his music. One hiccup aside (apologies to Janet Jackson), his performances have captivated audiences for over two decades. Like many before him, he has a collection of classics. Yet few have underrated songs that would make careers for other artists.
We pay tribute.
Justified – Never Again
In his debut album, we saw elements of where he was in NSYNC to where he is now. His earliest collaborations with Timbaland on display, Timberlake showed what was to come, winning two Grammy Awards along the way. “Rock Your Body” and the timely single, “Cry Me A River” (hello Britney) were the pillars of that first album. A gem that gets lost in the annals of his first album is “Never Again” and it’s a melodic song that could’ve ended up in any 21st-century romance film.
Future Sex/Love Sounds – Summer Love
The now acting, Super Bowl performing artist became an icon with his 2006 album. Timberlake could do no wrong, and his album was no different. Every song was a hit; performed at shows and hitting the Billboard charts so often that the actor/singer could rest on that album’s laurels for years. It is tough to pinpoint a hidden gem from the classic. Still, one record that any other artist would kill for is “Summer Love.” There is no need to explain why this summer anthem should get more recognition than it received. Just press play and vibe!
The 20/20 Experience (1 of 2) – Let the Groove Get in
Picture this song in a Madagascar movie in a fast-paced chase scene. The horns are glaring as the beat heightens then drops. The drums accentuate the chaotic, violent, rhythmic beat. It’s a seven-minute adrenaline rush of a song that should be featured in films, commercials, even your local dance competition. There are also honorable mentions for “That Girl,” “Blue Ocean Floor,” and “Don’t Hold The Wall.”
The 20/20 Experience (2 of 2) – Amnesia
“Gimme What I Don’t Know (I Want),” Murder featuring Jay Z, and “Cabaret” featuring Drake, are gems of the highest order! This entry was possibly the hardest to choose. But if you wanted to merge Timbaland’s stylistic beats with Justin’s vocals, you get this classic. From the first second to the last note.
Man of the Woods – Midnight Summer Jam
Promoting Man of the Woods, Justin explained that this album leaned into his roots more than any other project he had done before. In “Midnight Summer Jam,” you hear elements of every single sound from his entire discography. Borrowing from legends like Prince, David Bowie, and Michael Jackson, the five-minute album opener makes you move in ways the Tennessee kid did long ago.
