Album: Man of the Woods

Introduction
"Man of the Woods" is the 5th studio album by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake, launched on February 2, 2018. The album features a mix of different music genres, consisting of pop, R&B, rock, and electro-funk, while also including components of country and Americana. It marks a departure from his previous albums, as it possesses a more organic and earthy noise. The album got mixed reviews from critics, who praised its production and Timberlake's singing performance however criticized its irregular quality and lack of clear instructions.

Background and Production
The album came five years after the release of Timberlake's previous work, "The 20/20 Experience" (2013), marking the longest gap in between albums in his career. During that time, Justin took a hiatus from music to focus on his acting profession and invited his first kid, Silas, with other half Jessica Biel. The birth of his son played a considerable function in Timberlake's motivation for "Man of the Woods", as he wanted to produce music that represents his new phase in life.

"Man of the Woods" was produced by Timberlake, together with his long-time collaborators, Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, while also working with other producers and writers, such as Max Martin and Shellback. The album was taped primarily in studios in California and Tennessee, reflecting its blend of pop and country sounds.

Music and Lyrics
The album showcases a more individual and reflective side of Timberlake, as he draws upon his experiences as a husband and a dad. The title "Man of the Woods" was inspired by Timberlake's youth in rural Tennessee, in addition to the translation of his kid's name, Silas, indicating "Man of the Woods" in Latin.

The album includes a diverse mix of styles that vary from pop and R&B to rock and nation. For example, "Filthy" is a futuristic funk track, while "Say Something" is an acoustic guitar-driven partnership with nation singer Chris Stapleton. Other standout tracks consist of the easygoing "Midnight Summer Jam", the country-infused "Flannel", and the pop ballad "Higher, Higher".

Thematically, the lyrics explore numerous aspects of Timberlake's life. Tunes like "Morning Light", including Alicia Keys, and "Breeze Off the Pond" discuss the pleasures of love, marriage, and parenthood. All at once, other tracks, such as "Sauce" and "Supplies", dive into more sensuous and provocative subjects.

Reception and Commercial Performance
"Man of the Woods" got combined evaluations from music critics, who praised its production worths and Timberlake's singing efficiency however criticized the album's disparity and lack of cohesion. Some critics likewise pointed to its underwhelming lyrical material and disjointed exploration of various music designs.

Despite the mixed reception, the album debuted at primary on the United States Billboard 200 chart, with 293,000 album-equivalent units offered in its first week of release. It became Timberlake's 4th successive number-one album in the United States and was licensed Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Internationally, "Man of the Woods" had a strong launching, arriving 10 in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Conclusion
"Man of the Woods" stands as a curious entry in Justin Timberlake's discography, representing his effort to create a deeply personal and diverse album. While its combined reception and rather incoherent sound might not position it among Timberlake's finest offerings, it still showcases his willingness to experiment and take dangers as an artist.