Justin Timberlake returns after a four-year hiatus with “Filthy,” the groovy, sleek promo single from his fifth studio album, ‘Man of the Woods.’

“I said, put your filthy hands all over me / Ya know this ain’t the clean version.” Hello! The musical outlook for Winter 2018 became a lot brighter when it was announced to the world that Justin Timberlake would return with a new album. Man of the Woods (February 2, 2018) marks the first new JT effort since The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2, which arrived in September 2013. It marks his fifth studio album. Leading the charge for Man of the Woods is promo single, “Filthy.”

“Filthy” is your typical Justin Timberlake single. The production is sleek and modern, dominated by a sick beat, and a variety of synths.  Stylistically, Timberlake maintains his urban-pop sensibilities, slated somewhere between the soul of old and modern pop.  That said, with his chanted, tongue-n-cheek vocals, there’s elements of hip-hop without the ‘bars’ of course.  “Filthy” isn’t as focused on throwback vibes, but it’s comparable to some of the songs and sounds off of Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic.

Final Thoughts

Production: selling point.  Check. Justin Timberlake’s vocals = solid as ever.  Check. The big rub with “Filthy?” It’s a fun record, but, there’s not much legit songwriting where depth and lyricism is concerned.  How big is the rub? Depends.  If you like your songs to possess more meaning, this isn’t the song for you.  If you don’t mind a record that’s groovy, modern, and sleek, sacrificing lyricism, then “Filthy” just might appease you.  Good, but by no means the second coming or best work by Timberlake in his long career.

Justin Timberlake • RCA • Man of the Woods • Release: 2.2.18

Producers: Justin Timberlake, Timbaland & Danja

Photo Credit: RCA