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. AllMusic
    Sep 30, 2013
    40
    The second half is a laborious crawl, a variety of glorified and slow bonus tracks.
  2. Pitchfork
    Oct 1, 2013
    45
    The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2 is not only superfluous, it actually erases some of the gains made by its predecessor as it plays into the worst trappings of self-indulgence.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 30, 2013
    40
    It's a bit of a mess.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Oct 3, 2013
    50
    This feels like an unnecessary and slightly cynical afterthought, much like a lot of pop music. It isn’t necessarily all bad in terms of quality. But it is utterly dispensable.
  6. The Guardian
    Sep 26, 2013
    60
    The fact that they are the strongest efforts here suggests that, despite his admirable ambition, perhaps he should focus on what he does best.
  7. Exclaim
    Sep 30, 2013
    60
    The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2 includes a few pop gems, but as an album, it pales in comparison to its older sibling.
  8. Spin
    Sep 30, 2013
    60
    As it stands, with its insistence on aggressive polyrhythm and bumping bass, 2 of 2 is most certainly a funky record, but it's hardly a deeply soulful one. That's not a distinction without a difference.
  9. Consequence
    Oct 1, 2013
    50
    The indulgence that fit the designer Suits & Ties of Pt. 1 colors this record’s jungle sex openings and hidden “Hey There Delilah” endings, and it hamstrings an otherwise great singer into making a mediocre record.
  10. Slant Magazine
    Sep 30, 2013
    60
    Ultimately, 2 of 2 doesn't so much eclipse its predecessor as it settles into the format more believably.
  11. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Oct 2, 2013
    60
    Pared down and stripped to its primal rudiments, the latest Timberlake saga could have been something truly epic; instead, it just feels unnecessarily immense.
  12. NOW Magazine
    Oct 3, 2013
    40
    Cabaret with Drake has a catchy hook and gorgeously cheesy lyrics only Timberlake can pull off. The countrified Drink You Away almost works. The rest is forgettable.
  13. No Ripcord
    Oct 4, 2013
    50
    Part 2, by comparison [to Part 1], simply feels like an inessential cash grab, and it's strong evidence that everyone’s favorite pop star might be overstaying his welcome.
  14. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 30, 2013
    60
    This is a tighter record than the first volume, particularly the come-to-bed cheek of Cabaret, featuring his current chart competitor Drake. Things get slushier towards the end with Only When I Walk Away and Not a Bad Thing.
  15. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 27, 2013
    40
    Comprising as it does outtakes from the sessions for The 20/20 Experience, it's hardly surprising there should be a drop-off in quality for this follow-up; but it's a pretty steep fall.
  16. HipHopDX
    Sep 30, 2013
    60
    It’s obvious Justin had quite a bit to say but sometimes, some things are just better left unsaid.

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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