The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2 cover

The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2

Justin Timberlake · 2013

74 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B

A seamless blend of R&B grooves and pop hooks, layered with lush instrumentation and introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gimme What I Don't Know (I Want) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    TKO — With its pulsating beat and metaphorical lyrics about love as a boxing match, TKO encapsulates the album's exploration of complex relationships.
  • →
    Take Back the Night — This track combines an infectious groove with themes of liberation and nightlife, serving as a vibrant anthem that showcases Timberlake’s pop sensibilities.
  • →
    Not a Bad Thing / Pair of Wings — As the album's closing piece, it blends heartfelt reflections with intricate melodies, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and contemplation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and composition but lacks the depth to stand out significantly over time.

What we noticed

  • The album features several tracks that exceed six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental sections and vocal improvisation.
  • Each song typically employs a verse-chorus structure, but often includes bridges that introduce unexpected shifts in melody and rhythm.
  • The production layers multiple instrumental elements, including strings and synths, creating a rich soundscape that supports Timberlake's falsetto.
  • The final track combines two distinct songs into one, blending their themes and musical ideas seamlessly.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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
  • layered dense sonic textures
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry that expands on the themes of its predecessor but isn't a standout for new listeners.
Themes
late-night escapades· neon-lit romance· urban nightlife allure
Career context
This album is Justin Timberlake's second installment following his critically acclaimed comeback record, The 20/20 Experience, released earlier in 2013. By this time, Timberlake had firmly established himself as a solo artist after transitioning from his boy band roots with NSYNC, showcasing his artistic evolution and confidence in blending genres.
Stylistic neighbors
Usher· Bruno Mars· The Weeknd

Tracklist

  • 1 Gimme What I Don't Know (I Want) Start here 5:15
  • 2 True Blood 9:31
  • 3 Cabaret 4:32
  • 4 TKO 7:04
  • 5 Take Back the Night 5:53
  • 6 Murder 5:07
  • 7 Drink You Away 5:31
  • 8 You Got It On 5:55
  • 9 Amnesia 7:04
  • 10 Only When I Walk Away 7:05
  • 11 Not a Bad Thing / Pair of Wings 11:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata