This is a two-parter:
Part One:
So the new Justin Timberlake album hit stores last week, and because I am a faithful lover of all things JT ( minus 901 tequila--ick), I arrived at work early to snag The 20/20 Experience.
By the end of the first listen, I was content, but the complete awe that immediately consumed me with FutureSex/LoveSounds was nowhere to be found. I have to admit, I felt that sinking disappointment one gets when you made the wrong choice at Taco Bell. It was good, obviously, but it just didn't hit the spot. But unlike TBell where I can go back, I had to power through with the only new JT album to be had. Life is rough, y'all.
So, the second listen was actually 100 times better than the first. I even had favorites at the end! (Mirrors, Let the Groove Get In, Dress On). Now, the CD is in my car, and each time I make it through, I find so many things to like about it, and the bottom line is that JT grew up. In the best of ways. It's like Frank Sinatra and a beat machine had the ultimate baby. I dig it. I'm letting the groove get in (yuk, yuk, yuk).
Because I can't just let music be music, Justin's growing up has reminded me of my own. I was but in High School when Justified came out, and a freshman in college when FutureSex/LoveSounds hit the airwaves. FS/LS is pretty much my freshman year anthem. I attach so many memories to that album, most of them being Oxford and my best friend Nikki, (In fact we saw him a year later in Memphis during his tour). It was a lot of partying and being young, and let's face it, stupid. Now, I'm what people call an adult, a successful one at that, also mimicking Justin's transition. He's not just a former 'NSYNCer; he's made his mark on many things, (thought please take it off that damn tequila--yikes). So his album, like wine and Hugh Jackman, gets better with time.
Part Two:
Reluctantly, the goopiest song on the album happens to be my favorite: Mirrors
Aren't you something to admire, 'cause your shine is somethin' like a mirror, and I can't help but notice, you reflect in this heart of mine.
This would have been me two months ago, "Oh love, sweet non-existent love, bless your heart."
'Cause I don't wanna lose you now. I'm lookin' right at the other half of me. The vacancy that sat in my heart, is a space that now you hold. Show me how to fight for now, and I'll tell you baby, it was easy coming back into you once I figured it out. You were right here all along...
But now, I believe it. I believe that people can feel this way about one another. And no, I'm not in love. In fact, I'm as un-in love as someone could possibly be. I just happened to meet a couple that exemplifies the very companionship I feel that so many people in this world are searching for. I was becoming a cynic, convinced that my expectations were too high for attainability and maybe I needed to tone myself down, and behave the way girls are meant to behave. I WAS AN IDIOT. DO NOT DO THIS, BOYS OR GIRLS. I REPEAT, DO NOT. That person does exist. It's a reality. There is someone (possibly multiple someones), on this planet that will complete you, that will love you for your flaws and not in spite of them. It's real. It's out there. It's going to happen for you, for me. I know this because every time I hang out with them, they remind me of it, and it fills me with so much hope.
I can't ever change without you. You reflect me, I love that about you, and if I could I would look at us all the time.
