• Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Feb 2, 2018
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 765 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Feb 2, 2018
    2
    Dear Justin Timberlake,

    What in the literal AND figurative hell were you thinking with this new album? Same goes for you, Timbaland, Pharrell, and all other pop titan producers involved in „Man of the Woods“. Seriously, that album name alone. The title track sounds like the music one would stick in the background of diaper commercial and the rest like songs SNL skits use to satirize
    Dear Justin Timberlake,

    What in the literal AND figurative hell were you thinking with this new album? Same goes for you, Timbaland, Pharrell, and all other pop titan producers involved in „Man of the Woods“. Seriously, that album name alone. The title track sounds like the music one would stick in the background of diaper commercial and the rest like songs SNL skits use to satirize current events or trends. I could (to a certain degree) understand the whole 70s/funk infusion into pop music people are going for these days… but country music is one thing and one thing only: It’s (for better or for worse… and let’s be real: for worse) country music. Not pop. Not trendy. Not something one should try to incorporate into the daily lives of average, innocent listeners.

    I recently read that this album was largely inspired by your wife, your son, and your upbringing in Tennessee. Is your marriage this unfulfilling? Is your son such a massive letdown? I’ve been to Tennessee several times, and while it’s far from my favorite state (no offense, my TN friends), did your time there burn you so badly that it warrants such an awful „tribute“? I mean… come on, son. You did „FutureSex/LoveSounds“. „Cry Me a River“. Hell, even most of „The 20/20 Experience“ was genuinely great or, at the very least, fun. You’re clearly talented. But latest by now, it’s evident that you ALSO smoke a lot of weed, possibly crack. And I’m sorry weed - you deserve better than that. Crack… you, too, I think…?

    This is probably the meanest, most scathing „review“ of any release I have ever made public, but as one who was curious and suffered through the vast majority of the unmitigated disaster that is „Man of the Woods“ (again… really? ), I felt it was my duty to warn the rest of you. This, my friends, is what happens when you are in a musical rut and turn to drastic measures in the hopes that it will inspire something worth releasing. Also, pressure from major labels - something I imagine RCA sincerely regrets at this point.
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  2. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    This album shows no artistic growth compared to his other albums. This hyped release was supposed to be a body of work worthy of being remembered to the upcoming generations but failing miserably. Outdated production, bad lyrics, heavy autotune all this confirms how bad this pile of nothingness is.
  3. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    The album is absolutely awful and Justin Timberlake has once again produced something that will make your ears bleed. JT needs to retire as he will forever be known as the face of white privilege
  4. Apr 14, 2018
    0
    This album is super weird. Did he listen to these songs? Is he just **** around making stuff only he likes? The production is weird.

    Mostly the songs are just not good. I wouldn't say they're bad, just boring and uninspired. I expect hooks from Justin Timberlake. This had none. Lyrics were meh. Just stunning. No wonder they're giving away tickets to his tour everywhere.
  5. Feb 6, 2018
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Britney pisando como sempre no escorado, Glory, In The Zone e Circus felizmente melhores Expand
  6. Feb 2, 2018
    1
    No mama, this album sounds tired and dated. It's like someone tried to remake FS/LS but failed terribly. He should stick to kind of acting in mediocre films by alleged child abusers. NEXT.
  7. Feb 3, 2018
    3
    what the **** is this album?? i've never been a big justin timberlake album but this album is horrible i only liked 2 tracks and pretty much disliked every other song like wtf is the production and some of these vocals are terrible ,justin's worst project yet
  8. Feb 3, 2018
    0
    It’s really bad! a failed and sad attempt for a futuristic sound by JT. Wasted a full hour on this album I’m so mad.
  9. Feb 3, 2018
    3
    A very messy album the only good song is the new one with chris stapleton. So sad that JT gets the promo of the superbowl. This is a bad album!
  10. Feb 4, 2018
    3
    This album is such a dissappointment, it's a uncoherent, forgettable, not-fun, sometimes bad produced and mixed album that tries too hard to be meaningful when the lyrics are just straight trash (usually I don't listen to Justin Timberlake for their lyrics, but in previous eforts at least the albums were fun). The 20/20 Experience was a pretty enjoyable experience for almost all theThis album is such a dissappointment, it's a uncoherent, forgettable, not-fun, sometimes bad produced and mixed album that tries too hard to be meaningful when the lyrics are just straight trash (usually I don't listen to Justin Timberlake for their lyrics, but in previous eforts at least the albums were fun). The 20/20 Experience was a pretty enjoyable experience for almost all the record, and now we got songs that probably would fit into a commercial or in a background to a commercial; it's shallow, it feels more long that it really and, again, it's 66 of loose and adrift ideas. There are highlights but most of the songs overshadow these few.

    FAV TRACKS: "Higher, Higher", "Say Something", Breeze Off the Pond”.

    LEAST FAV TRACK: "Filthy" or "The Hard Stuff".
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  11. Feb 5, 2018
    0
    This album is just a bad joake. It's maybe the worst pop album of the decade
  12. Feb 3, 2018
    1
    It's disappointing when an artist like JT sells out to the sound of a performer like Bruno Mars who undeservedly sweeps the Grammy's. I would say "avoid this album" except we all know that can't happen since Justin Timberlake will be using the single largest television event of the year to push this corpulence on us.
  13. Feb 5, 2018
    0
    Um álbum extremamente sem identidade alguma bem como sem canções que possamos definir como memorável ou ao menos a altura de um artista pop sério
  14. Feb 5, 2018
    0
    Com certeza o pior album do Justin, esperava muito mais devido aos trabhlos anteriores.
  15. Feb 5, 2018
    0
    Album muito enjoativo, teve musicas que não conseguir nem terminar de ouvir.
  16. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Man Of The Woods sounds iike a over disaster. Sorry Justin, but after The 20/20 Experience i just can't accept this
  17. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Hiroshima e Nagasaki.
    Não preciso de mais palavras para descrever o quanto esse álbum é horrível
  18. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Justin reaches a new level of mediocrity with this album. Definitely one of the worst albums of 2018 already.
  19. Feb 2, 2018
    3
    Como fã esperava que Justin trouxesse o bom pop que ele apresentou no 20/20, porém infelizmente o álbum soa como demos descartadas e não algo completo a sua altura...me decepcionei
  20. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Letras fracas e melodias nada inovadoras fazem do novo álbum de Justin Timberlake algo totalmente esquecível
  21. Feb 3, 2018
    0
    This album is just a Joanne wannabe. It's maybe the worst album I ever listen
  22. Feb 2, 2018
    2
    It left me with very high expectations and I am very disappointed. I hope your music gets better, because this album is going to be a failure and if the next one is worse, I do not know what will be of the.
  23. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    плохой альбом, плохая лирика и плохие постановки. снова Джастин Тимберлейк оказывается родовым, датированным, бездушным поп-художником, которому нужно постоянно возрождать полемику, чтобы остаться в СМИ ... несчастным.
  24. Feb 3, 2018
    0
    Way too convoluted and not interesting enough. You can skip this, you aren't missing much except a cluster of clashing sounds and corny lyrics. Shame.
  25. Feb 2, 2018
    1
    I used to love Justin Timberlake so much, FutureSex/LoveSounds still holds up, but this is hot garbage.

    "Haters gonna say it's fake....so real...." yeah, real crap.
  26. Feb 3, 2018
    0
    bomba sonora. uma mistura de sons completamente confusa e incoerente. Justin deveria ter pensado melhor antes de lançar isso. até porque até o presente momento ele tinha uma boa reputação.
  27. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    this album is purely autotune and lyrics not so interesting, justin can do better
  28. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Justin i really love you and your job but Man On The Woods sounds very bad, so get back to studio and drop a new album.
  29. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Justin continúa intentando y tratando de agradar al público heterosexual con su estilo "hombre blanco barbudo" ahora adquiriendo el predicado "del campo", forzando esa inspiración proveniente de Nashville que nadie creyó, teniendo incluso que reclutar a Chris. El álbum suena poco cohesionado, las canciones no llaman la atención individualmente y será, seguramente, uno de los peores showsJustin continúa intentando y tratando de agradar al público heterosexual con su estilo "hombre blanco barbudo" ahora adquiriendo el predicado "del campo", forzando esa inspiración proveniente de Nashville que nadie creyó, teniendo incluso que reclutar a Chris. El álbum suena poco cohesionado, las canciones no llaman la atención individualmente y será, seguramente, uno de los peores shows de Super Bowl ya vistos. Expand
  30. Feb 2, 2018
    1
    This album is such **** trash; don’t listen to it. There are far superiors albums released that you could spend your time listening to [POPPY; POPPY.COMPUTER, TINASHE; NIGHTRIDE, and IRRESISTIBLE; JESSICA SIMPSON] Please do not waste your time on this slow, meddling pop music! If you are a JUSTIN TIMBLERAKE stan, or fan, go listen to FUTURELOVE/SEXSOUNDS because that’s his only album thatThis album is such **** trash; don’t listen to it. There are far superiors albums released that you could spend your time listening to [POPPY; POPPY.COMPUTER, TINASHE; NIGHTRIDE, and IRRESISTIBLE; JESSICA SIMPSON] Please do not waste your time on this slow, meddling pop music! If you are a JUSTIN TIMBLERAKE stan, or fan, go listen to FUTURELOVE/SEXSOUNDS because that’s his only album that achieves EXCELLENCE. Good day people who read METACRITIC reviews. Expand
  31. Feb 2, 2018
    3
    Another medium-sized album anchored in Timbaland and The Neptunes, Timberlake proves once again that he does not deserve the title of pop prince, having inherited this one just for singing pop and for dating Britney.

    Best song: Say Something
    Worst song: Supplies
  32. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Deplorável, fraco, confuso, difícil de digerir, um álbum totalmente descartável e imemoravel de um artista que já foi bom um dia
  33. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Somebody lied to him several times and told him that this album was fly, hot, and sexy and beautiful and it's nothing like that. It's nothing of the sort.
  34. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    não precisa nem explicar o motivo da nota né? álbum puramente comercial sem QUALQUER canção minimamente pessoal ou interessante...vergonhoso
  35. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Who is the audience for this? That's one of the main problems with this album, or as one reviewer put it, a collection of songs released at the same time. That's what this is and that's all it is. Some songs will appeal to Timberlake's early audience but not the country/Southern audience he's trying to pull in with this album. And vice versa. This is by far Timberlake's worst album. It isWho is the audience for this? That's one of the main problems with this album, or as one reviewer put it, a collection of songs released at the same time. That's what this is and that's all it is. Some songs will appeal to Timberlake's early audience but not the country/Southern audience he's trying to pull in with this album. And vice versa. This is by far Timberlake's worst album. It is at times laughable, juvenile, fake woke, fake country, and just all around confusing. Justin seems to have confused not just us, but himself as well. He seems lost, not just on this album but in his life. Mid-life crisis?

    Songs like Livin' Off The Land and Breeze Off The Pond have a nice flow, chorus, and story. The Neptunes production is reminiscent of their hip hop and R&B work on the Justified album with the addition of a folk twist from Justin. Flannel is smooth; you can easily see him performing this at the Country Music Awards. The Hard Stuff has surprisingly meaningful lyrics which Justin is not known for. I think people were expecting the album to be more like these songs, which could have worked and stayed true to the concept Justin advertised this album to be. Unfortunately, Justin is unable to keep it up throughout the album.

    Songs like Waves and Midnight Summer Jam could have easily been on Justified; jam is a good word for the latter as it is reminiscent of Marvin Gaye's Got to Give It Up. Morning Light could have been on FutureSex/LoveSounds; it's this album's Until The End Of Time.

    Montana is a throw away track. Just filler. The lyrics are about getting a girl and letting her body tingle. What does that have to do with Montana? Again, more juvenile songwriting from Timberlake. Young Man comes off like Justin was just trying to check off a box, like "Here's my father/son song, y'all!" Typical. Will Smith did it better on Just The Two Of Us. The chorus for Higher Higher is weak; the best thing about this song is the production. Sauce is a mess. Again, who is the audience for this? Justin's juvenile penmanship shows up here again with the lyrics "I like your pink; you like my purple." OK, man of the woods.

    Now the singles. The video that introduced the album mentions outside, the woods, etc., and in the making of video Justin himself mentions country. Yet the first single Filthy is a futuristic sexual song. The second single Supplies is a juvenile concept ("I'll be the generator, turn me on when you need electricity") with a fake woke video to accompany it where Justin decides to cash in on current movements like Black Lives Matter and Time's Up; the problem is that he's simply not believable since many in the black community consider him to be a culture vulture and many in the #metoo movement have called him out for his hypocrisy for working with Woody Allen. The third single Say Something is the best so far yet the message of it being better to say nothing at all when it comes to controversial matters is a direct contradiction to the message he attempted to present in the video for Supplies. The fourth single Man of the Woods has a creative video to accompany it; the song however seems like a try-hard.

    Timberlake is wearing flannel and camouflage to promote this album. It's contrived. His attempts at country and the redneck lifestyle come off as him just trying them on like costumes. He wants us to believe that this is his roots, which is strange considering on his previous album he wanted us to believe R&B was his roots. For the most part, the Neptunes and Timbaland produced the hell out of this album. This album fails because Justin wasn't able to pull his weight. Apparently his suppli-i-ies are merely costume flannel, juvenile lyrics that prevent him from really saying something, and a man of the woods imitation that no one is buying.
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  36. Feb 5, 2018
    0
    his worst album... so far.........................................................................
  37. Feb 5, 2018
    0
    This album is such **** trash; don’t listen to it. There are far superiors albums released that you could spend your time listening to [POPPY; POPPY.COMPUTER, TINASHE; NIGHTRIDE, and IRRESISTIBLE; JESSICA SIMPSON] Please do not waste your time on this slow, meddling pop music! If you are a JUSTIN TIMBLERAKE stan, or fan, go listen to FUTURELOVE/SEXSOUNDS because that’s his only album thatThis album is such **** trash; don’t listen to it. There are far superiors albums released that you could spend your time listening to [POPPY; POPPY.COMPUTER, TINASHE; NIGHTRIDE, and IRRESISTIBLE; JESSICA SIMPSON] Please do not waste your time on this slow, meddling pop music! If you are a JUSTIN TIMBLERAKE stan, or fan, go listen to FUTURELOVE/SEXSOUNDS because that’s his only album that achieves EXCELLENCE. Good day people who read METACRITIC reviews. Expand
  38. Feb 3, 2018
    0
    Yet another amazing album by Timberlake, his first in over 4 years and he still delivers. The album is really solid and there are no skips. The highlights of this album are definitely Breeze Off The Pond and Morning Light with Alicia Keys.
  39. Feb 3, 2018
    0
    Terrible album. Most of the songs either feel empty, hollow, shallow or the sound just don't really work.
  40. Feb 13, 2018
    0
    It's pretty clear that Britney's ex can't make good music anymore, the whole album is a mess.
  41. Feb 19, 2018
    0
    sem sonoridade inovadora, composições fracas e totalmente sem identidade, Justin lançou de longe o pior álbum de sua carreira e, pasmem, do ano
  42. Feb 2, 2018
    0
    Inacreditable como cada álbum desde su debut Justin Timberlake consigue llegar a ser peor y peor. Con el fracaso golpeando la puerta, la necesidad de colaborar con la estrella country Chris Stapleton parece ser el único rayo de luz en medio de ese enmarañado de ruidos y voces por lo menos perturbadores.
  43. Feb 5, 2018
    0
    pesimo, el album es realmente aburrido, como toda su musica, no me gusto para nada,
  44. Feb 5, 2018
    1
    Many expected better but 5 years after his last LP he is a different man (husband/father) and that reflects in his music. Biggest issue with me was lyrically is 'cringy'. 'I love your pink, u like my purple'...... ok justin TMI.
    favorite song: Montana ,least fav: the hard stuff
  45. Feb 7, 2018
    2
    One of the worst albums I've ever heard. I'm not sure why people think he's talented. Songs like "Filthy" are exactly that (ugly, awful, etc.) and "Supplies" might have the most annoying chorus since "Umbrella." The only half-listenable track on this album is "Montana," which is still pretty mediocre. (P.S. If you want a laugh, check out the video for "Supplies." It's gold.)
  46. Feb 12, 2018
    3
    The musical elements on this album don't mix, the songs are quite forgettable, Justin's singing is forgettable... it's just a drab album. Anyone who claims that this is a masterpiece or is saving music clearly has never listened to an album that was even properly produced, but what do I expect from today's culture anyway? The first half is fine enough, but the second really **** up anyThe musical elements on this album don't mix, the songs are quite forgettable, Justin's singing is forgettable... it's just a drab album. Anyone who claims that this is a masterpiece or is saving music clearly has never listened to an album that was even properly produced, but what do I expect from today's culture anyway? The first half is fine enough, but the second really **** up any dignity this album still had left to carry. And the lyrics... bleh... it's good that he's hot because he'd be told how much these lyrics make him look like a **** if he wasn't. If you want to listen to Justin Timberlake or check out his discography... I don't know, just listen to his old stuff. It's bound to be a **** ton better than this.

    Overall Score: 3/10
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  47. Feb 3, 2018
    3
    This album must be one of the worst this year even if it just started. The album sounds offbeat, incoherent and dull it's a sort of a Frankenstein who never asked to be born, the mixture of a futuristic R&B sound and traditional country led to a sort of an abomination it's neither R&B nor country. plus Justin advertised this record for what it isn't I was expecting an organic matureThis album must be one of the worst this year even if it just started. The album sounds offbeat, incoherent and dull it's a sort of a Frankenstein who never asked to be born, the mixture of a futuristic R&B sound and traditional country led to a sort of an abomination it's neither R&B nor country. plus Justin advertised this record for what it isn't I was expecting an organic mature record, not some comic and goofy don't know what yet if only that was the worst part with songs like sauce, wave, flannel etc... packed with cringy ,what that fu**k lyrics it feels like if you walked on your dad and mom having sex . I am hugely disappointed and I was very excited for this record. Expand
  48. Feb 3, 2018
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. álbum muito confuso, sou fã do JT desda era N'sync maaaas dessa vez me perece que ele não sabia o que fazer e colocou um pouco de tudo. confuso apenas confuso. Expand
  49. Feb 3, 2018
    0
    Acho que ele compôs o disco em período de caganeira, mesmo que deitar em um rio de fezes fosse mais agradável que escutar esse disco.
  50. Feb 5, 2018
    0
    This album is a MESS !! I couldn't even finish.JT go back to the woods and don't ever come back
  51. Feb 7, 2018
    1
    A complete disappointment. Once a pop star whose albums were a groundbreaking music event is producing absolute boring rubbish. There is one good track on an album of 16. The lead single should've been enough of a warning, however, as a true fan, bought the whole album and it is the first time I have ever wanted a refund on music that I have bought. JT - get back to doing what you do well.A complete disappointment. Once a pop star whose albums were a groundbreaking music event is producing absolute boring rubbish. There is one good track on an album of 16. The lead single should've been enough of a warning, however, as a true fan, bought the whole album and it is the first time I have ever wanted a refund on music that I have bought. JT - get back to doing what you do well. Inject some poppy excitement back in to your current dreary noise. You have moved in to smug middle-age marriage and family life too early! Expand
  52. Feb 12, 2021
    0
    Awful disgusting piece of crap. Total white trailer trash. It's so bad it's shocking
  53. Apr 4, 2018
    3
    Literally THREE good songs on this album. I've never been a fan of Timberlake but this was the worst record to start with.
  54. Feb 18, 2018
    1
    I get that JT was attempting to blend electro pop and Americana, but, IMO, Pharrell and Timbaland's production don't serve the songs and the songs themselves lack any pop hooks, lyrics, or vocal performances that are memorable. "Filthy" is unlistenable and "Supplies" is dumb. "Midnight Summer Jam" is fun though. I also enjoy "Say Something" with Chris Stapleton (the best song on theI get that JT was attempting to blend electro pop and Americana, but, IMO, Pharrell and Timbaland's production don't serve the songs and the songs themselves lack any pop hooks, lyrics, or vocal performances that are memorable. "Filthy" is unlistenable and "Supplies" is dumb. "Midnight Summer Jam" is fun though. I also enjoy "Say Something" with Chris Stapleton (the best song on the album) and "Flannel". "Montana" is okay. I would enjoy the title track more if he didn't rip off the guitar groove from "Walk On The Wild Side" by Lou Reed. Aside from those, the album is a fair disappointment. If he wanted to be hip and maybe turn in a decent album, he should've gone full Americana and worked with Dave Cobb. Expand
  55. Feb 13, 2018
    3
    Wow. WOOOWWWW!!!! This was not a good album at all. I honestly thought that I would enjoy this album. But, I only enjoyed maybe 3 songs out of the 16 on the project. Yeah, it was bad, didn't enjoy it at all. 3/10 for me.
  56. Apr 6, 2018
    3
    WHEN I heard filthy I was really Excited and the length shorter so I was thinking that he would go back to justified sound.say was good while they while her singles were singles only filthy, say, something something that sauce song were the songs I liked. this I set. th8s album umm even here just in tries to make mainstream music but it’s doesnt turn out well at all.
  57. Jun 24, 2018
    2
    An album so poorly produced it is in parts physically painful to listen to. The melding of country/folk and electronic r and b does not work on any level. Timberlake vocals are still good though, and his lyrics are Ok, but the production makes this album unlistenable.
  58. Jun 11, 2018
    3
    FutureSex/LoveSounds was one of the best Pop/RnB Albums of the 2000s. And now we are at the point where I can not listen to him for only one song. Sad.. Why doesnt he want to work with Timbaland anymore? That duo was awesome as f...
  59. Aug 16, 2019
    1
    It is quite uncertain what exactly Timberlake tried to achieve with this Album, he failed whatsoever.
  60. Jul 15, 2021
    0
    I didn't like it I thought it was horrible Sorry kshsksbsksbdkdjsjdjkanekebdkenskskskdn
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 29
  2. Negative: 3 out of 29
  1. Mar 30, 2018
    60
    Although he’s not really mixing musical genres as originally promised, he’s mixing up some music and lyrics that shouldn’t really go together, which makes this one crazy peanut butter cup of an album.
  2. Feb 14, 2018
    40
    Man of the Woods is not an outright disaster but it is a significant disappointment--a record too preoccupied with image, volte face and forced “REAL” to fully engage as a coherent piece of craftsmanship.
  3. Q Magazine
    Feb 13, 2018
    80
    Throughout, Man Of The Woods seesaws brilliantly between pop and country. [Apr 2018, p.116]