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Online Review:
Justin Timberlake @ The O2 Arena
Emmanuel BoyWonder Ezugwu
3/5
Justin Timberlake opened his last show with less of a bang and more of an underwhelming fizzle and so concluded his four night residency in London's O2.
By the time Justin Timberlake sung the first note on FutureSex/LoveSounds, its worth noting that he had been living in a suitcase for the past six months as part of his unrelenting world tour that has seen Tennessee native throw his musical seeds as far a field as Buffalo to Leipzig (Germany). His birthday was celebrated with 21, 273 screaming fans in Montreal and with the tour officially ending in September (though more dates are expected to be added) it's been a definite test of endurance for the former mouseketeer.
With just four years 'til Timbalake reaches 30, the other night's concert marked not only his 80th show milestone but also his eagerness to shed his teenybopper 'entertainer' status for more mature pastures. And therein lied the glaring problem with his FutureSex/LoveShow.
There was a noticeable conflict between Justin Randall Timberlake the 'artisté' and Justin Timberlake the 'pop pin-up', which made the show feel hopelessly mis-matched, as if it was catered for two different markets. Audience-wise, the gig was definitely a battle between the pretentious music connoisseurs vs. the fickle pop music herd (although which is a lesser of the two evils remains to be seen). Perhaps the greatest indication of his varying personas was his lack of dancing in favour for more instrumental experimentation. Justin beatboxed on Lovestoned performed Senorita on the piano, Sexy Ladies on a keyboard, and What goes around. with a guitar despite having an energetic troupe of dancers. Indeed the only distinguishable dance routine in the first act was My Love which was a definite highlight of the set.
Following a sub par intermission from the annoying Timbaland, Justin further continued his identity crisis; exhibiting his fancy footwork on Damn Girl and his instrumental prowess via the guitar on LoveStoned. The second half was far better then the previous thanks to Losing My Way. The track highlighted the full potentiality of the 02 Arena, which beamed celluloid images of a full choir and orchestra while Justin performed unaided.
The 02 Arena is almost certainly catered for big production gigs with singing, dancing and dizzying pyrotechnics the likes of which Justin half-heartedly supplied. The other bits of the FutureSex/LoveShow where Justin indulged in his matured musician side lacked the necessary gravitas to command the huge venue and would have been better suited in a smaller intimate setting.
With everyone from Mary J. Blige, Beyonce and most recently T.I indulging in their alter ego's, Justin, it seems, is the latest wanting to have the best of both worlds. Yesterday, it proved to be a step to far! Even for the Trousersnake himself!
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