They should perhaps have held back on calling Michael the King of Pop. Justin Timberlake hits another album into the nosebleeds with Man of the Woods.
I'm not going to lie I was a little bit worried when I saw him change the formula a little by not having a hip-hop artist on the album. He's previous albums all featured one artist from the other side of genre spectrum. Justin however more than justifies the exclusion with tracks such as Sauce and Supplies.
The one little knock against the album is the Alicia Keys assisted Morning Light. There's nothing wrong with the song itself or with either of their vocals, I was just expecting a little more from both. I just think they played it a little too safe and close to home.
The one thing that everyone and their dog expected from this album was incredible world class music and that's what this album delivers tenfold. Despite the aforementioned Morning Light (it's still a great song) & hip-hop omission, there's not a bad song on the album. Justin even does a little experimentation with lead single Filthy. That style definitely came out of left field.
Justin's music now shows an elevated sign of maturity since fatherhood. He's no longer just about serenading females with he's voice and moves. He's now a family man and it shows in the music. He's matured much like he's fan base has. It's no more clearer than on the last track of the album, Young Man.
I have a feeling not many people are going to like the new Justin Timberlake and even call this a step in the wrong direction. He's a Pop icon and this release just solidifies that.