Music is a language that influences our emotions, deepens our feelings and touches our senses to express our soul. In some cases, our bodies can’t help but react.
I can’t recall a time when “Can’t Stop this Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake has played and my kids and I haven’t broken into a dance party in our home or car. Justin’s words, “I got this feelin’ inside my bones. It goes electric, wavy when I turn it on…I can’t stop the feelin’. So just dance, dance, dance.” We can’t help but move with the music and sing along – so that’s what we do.
That’s also what I did on Feb 15 when Justin was in town for his Man of the Woods tour. It was a very last-minute decision fueled by my best friend who just arrived back in the city. An hour before showtime we purchased our tickets.
I love concerts. I have been to JT before – long before in 2007. What I remembered most was at one point it was just him on stage. This solo person wearing these white shoes dancing and singing. Almost floating across the stage were these little white shoes in a mesmerizing display of art. A stadium crowd captivated and glued to this one person – all in awe.
As a mom of two and running my business now, I have to admit I’m out of touch with most things happening in the world around me. So as much as I like JT, I really haven’t been keeping up on him or his artistic launches. Honestly, Can’t Stop this Feelin’ is a hit in our home because of the repeat, almost daily Netflix viewing of Trolls. From my past experience, his endless talent that has been so openly applauded on SNL, the tonight show and huge music successes from his Trolls involvement, I didn't need to know his new album. I knew he wouldn’t disappoint.
Think Bring on Down to Wrappinville - SNL…
…and Dick in a Box - SNL
…and #hashtag.
JT is an entertainer! Maybe one of the best of this era.
The show didn’t disappoint. Without reiterating what is better said by professional media, this review by Stuart Derdeyn captures a true vibe of the show Justin performed. It was a spectacular stage design, visual effects and choreographed to perfection. However, I have to say there were moments of flat, dull and rather boring segments. Old songs I wasn’t sure if he really wanted to sing – the heart didn’t seem to be there, and new songs that my heart didn’t feel like it was right for him. I could have been off that night, but when I read this review from Chris Morgan from Toronto’s March 2018 performance, I don’t feel so out of touch.
There are some really new edgy songs that have come out from his new album including:
Say Something ft. Chris Stapleton
and Filthy, which I recommend watching the video. It brings the digital undertones of this song to life in a concept interweaving technology with performing arts.
But, man, I’m stumped with Supplies. What is that?!
At the show, it was awful – I recall saying to myself, "what the h-e-double hockey stick is this?" (I may have used more descriptive or explicit words at the time). Having seen the video now, I can firmly confirm, I don’t like it. I don’t expect to like everything JT puts out, but this seems so far off the mark – regardless of whatever point he is trying to make.
It was bad enough, I started to read the comments, which gave me a few good laughs. I share with you some of my favorites:
And my personal favorite…
BUT, I have to catch myself. Justin has to take risks or be willing to share all pieces of himself if he wants to continue to evolve and push himself forward. Every successful person has to. Not all things we produce will be perfection or win the hearts of everyone. I appreciate Justin for his willingness to put whatever he feels is part of who he is out for all to see. I believe he would have never included ‘Supplies’ if it wasn’t something he didn’t believe in.
His talent and artistic nature show in all the work he produces, one of his newest being his book, “Hindsight: & All the Things I Can’t See in Front of Me”. A collaboration of storytelling and personal portfolio. This release along with his Man of the Woods tour speaks to where he is today and how it is so deeply connected to his roots, a proud boy of Memphis who could harmonize.
I leave you with a partial video clip of “Mirrors” sang at Rogers Arena on Feb 15. In Derdeyn’s review, he eloquently states, “Timberlake’s fans are extremely devoted and get the distinction for being the most in tune and on the beat crowd in a singalong in all of pop music. Mirrors was like freaking choir practice.” Derdeyn was speaking about the Feb 14th date – seems as Justin can make any crowd a choir when they sing along with him. He is a master of one of the most beautiful languages of the world – music.
