Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there is some strong language (a few "motherf--ker"s) and whole lot of sexual innuendo and steaminess here. In fact, the CD is pretty much all about sex. The song "SexyBack" has a very steamy and stylish video to match.
Families can talk about what it might be like to be in a boy band and then strike off on your own. Would it be liberating or scary? Is there something to be said for finding safety in limits? How hard do you think Timberlake is working to make you forget he once looked as innocent as Joey or J.C.?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Justin Timberlake is a terrific singer, there's no doubt about it. He also appears to be a guy with something to prove. Once a sweet-faced boy-band rocker, he's made sure his solo career involves, along with a cadre of carefully selected producers and arrangers, a whole lot of songs about sex. Timberlake wants to make sure we know that our little boy's grown up. OK, we get it already.
Yeah, it must be especially fun to say that "motherf--ker" word and sprinkle your lyrics with kinky-sex imagery when you grew up in the squeaky-clean boy band world. But when the wink-wink-nudge-nudge factor gets in the way of good songwriting ... well, maybe that's when it's time to get over yourself.
FUTURESEX/LOVESOUNDS is just what the title implies: a collection of mostly danceable, occasionally romantic songs about the art of the chase. Timberlake's wonderful voice is mixed inconsistently on these tracks, which is a shame. The songs themselves tend to be repetitive and a bit tedious, although once again they're performed beautifully.
But Justin's obsession with proving himself to be tough, sexy, and -- you know -- a man ends up working against him. All Timberlake ever has to do is sing well-written songs with his gorgeous voice and some simple, no-frills arrangements. Maybe one of these days we'll get to hear him do just that. Meanwhile, he'll keep posturing as long as his fans will listen.
For some great male vocalists of another era, check out Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Al Green.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThe album as a whole is pretty much all about sex. Sexy lyrics in the popular song "SexyBack" include something about getting whipped "if I misbehave," all delivered with a wink. |
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LanguageSome four-letter words that will be offensive to many parents ("motherf--ker," for example). |
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Social BehaviorSome sexist imagery among all the sexy imagery. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA couple of references to drinking. |
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