The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2
by Justin Timberlake
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 2013
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 10, 2013
    70
    While the second release may not live up to the first, it’s hard not to hope for a third.
  2. Boston Globe
    Oct 1, 2013
    70
    Although he still goes on a bit long in places, with help from producer buddies like Timbaland, Timberlake--channeling his usual suspects from Michael Jackson to Prince--nails a more cohesive vibe on this follow-up.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Oct 1, 2013
    75
    In a world of quicker, faster, harder, it’s intriguing when songs spread out, taking their time to get to the point or create landscapes beyond the hook.
  5. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Oct 1, 2013
    80
    Timberlake throws every influence he’s ever touched at the canvas here, and he somehow gets away with it.
  6. The A.V. Club
    Oct 1, 2013
    83
    Timberlake reined in his musical vision just enough to make this album more focused and engaging--but didn’t lose sight of his desire to take chances.
  7. Chicago Tribune
    Sep 30, 2013
    63
    Artistic ambition is a wonderful attribute, but so is the ability to self-edit, and it’s in short supply. There’s a snappy single album of sharp pop music tucked inside the two 20/20 Experience bookends, but it’ll take listeners some work to find it.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    Sep 30, 2013
    75
    A 12-song sequel that comes on stronger than its ingratiating predecessor.
  9. PopMatters
    Sep 30, 2013
    70
    Surprisingly enough, however, The 20/20 Experience (2 of 2) is quite the step up from the first part. Even when it plunges into excess—which it does quite often—the basic pop structures underneath remain far more compelling than anything off of Part One.
  10. Pretty Much Amazing
    Sep 30, 2013
    83
    Sure, there may be a shorter classic buried somewhere within the project’s 145+ minutes. Alas, this mythical album merely exists in my mind. 2 of 2, however, comes tantalizingly close to that ideal on its own.
  11. Rolling Stone
    Sep 30, 2013
    70
    Even if this stuff is willful, it's dazzling, too.
  12. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 26, 2013
    75
    Apparently the producer saved his haymakers for round 2, because he's in full classic-Timba mode here.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2013
80
#80 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 348 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 348
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 348
  3. Negative: 31 out of 348
  1. elouis652012
    Oct 1, 2013
    10
    This is very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very veryThis is very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very good. JT is a master. He truly loves what he does and it is evident in his work.… Full Review »
  2. monbee
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    Great album created by amazing artist who doesn't follow trends and has his own musical path. Don't get why it wasn't such a success withGreat album created by amazing artist who doesn't follow trends and has his own musical path. Don't get why it wasn't such a success with critics but seeing some work they prefer over this I wouldn't worry much about them.… Full Review »
  3. screamshout
    Sep 30, 2013
    10
    What a great album it surprised me i didnt expect this way better than i thought i liked part 1 but this one is even better than that JT'sWhat a great album it surprised me i didnt expect this way better than i thought i liked part 1 but this one is even better than that JT's vocals and the production are awesome it's very dark and entertaining it is JT at his best cant expect more for sure … Full Review »
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