Man of the Woods
Justin Timberlake · 2018
66 min · 16 tracks · contemporary R&B
A blend of contemporary R&B and pop, infused with earthy themes and layered electronic textures that reflect personal journeys.
Top tracks — play these first
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Filthy Start here — Opening the album with an infectious groove, this track exemplifies Timberlake's fusion of funk and modern production techniques while setting a bold tone for the record.
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Say Something — Featuring Chris Stapleton, this track blends genres beautifully, showcasing Timberlake's versatility while addressing themes of communication and connection in modern life.
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Wave — This song stands out for its atmospheric production and introspective lyrics, echoing Timberlake's exploration of emotional vulnerability amidst a polished soundscape.
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Higher Higher — An uplifting anthem, it combines soulful vocals with a vibrant arrangement, reflecting the album's overarching themes of resilience and hope.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends contemporary R&B with personal themes but lacks strong cohesion and distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements or interludes, creating a narrative flow that connects personal reflections with broader themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album features a departure in sound and themes, exploring authenticity and vulnerability.
- Themes
- Southern roots· digital age connection· personal growth journey
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Man of the Woods marked Justin Timberlake's fifth studio album and his first since The 20/20 Experience in 2013. This album represented a shift towards a more roots-oriented sound, coinciding with his growing family life and desire to connect with his Southern heritage.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Usher· Bruno Mars· The Weeknd
Tracklist
- 1 Filthy Start here 4:54
- 2 Midnight Summer Jam 5:13
- 3 Sauce 4:05
- 4 Man of the Woods 4:04
- 5 Higher Higher 4:19
- 6 Wave 4:24
- 7 Supplies 3:46
- 8 Morning Light 4:03
- 9 Say Something 4:39
- 10 Hers (interlude) 1:01
- 11 Flannel 4:50
- 12 Montana 4:40
- 13 Breeze Off the Pond 4:11
- 14 Livin’ Off the Land 4:54
- 15 The Hard Stuff 3:15
- 16 Young Man 3:46
What to play next
The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2
2013
Continues the exploration of pop and R&B with rich production and thematic depth.
The 20/20 Experience
2013
Sets the stage with similar sonic elements and themes, leading into 'Man of the Woods'.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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