The Crate
Justin Timberlake
The 20/20 Experience
The 20/20 Experience is Justin Timberlake’s third studio album, released March 19, 2013. Conceived as a two-part project with The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 following later in 2013, it became a landmark comeback that emphasized extended, groove-forward songs and a cohesive, neo-soul-inflected sound crafted with Timbaland and friends. ([musicbrainz.org](https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/deae6fc2-a675-4f35-9565-d2aaea4872c7?utm_source=openai))
2) Recording History
- Recording studio/location: Larrabee Studios (North Hollywood), EastWest Studios (Los Angeles), and Jungle City Studios (New York City). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_20/20_Experience))
- Producers/engineers: Primary production by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, with Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, Rob Knox, and The Tennessee Kids; engineering by Chris Godbey (on most tracks). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_20/20_Experience))
- Recording dates/sessions: Recording sessions took place in late May to July 2012, with the project framed as a 20-day production effort in the studio. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_20/20_Experience))
- Notable techniques/equipment: The sessions blended live instrumentation, lush horn/string arrangements, and vintage-sounding soul textures; the project is noted for its long-form song structures and minimalistic radio edits. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_20/20_Experience))
3) Chart Performance & Recognition
- US chart: Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 968,000 copies in its first week. ([grammy.com](https://www.grammy.com/news/fyitmi-justin-timberlake-tops-billboard-200?utm_source=openai))
- International: Opened atop UK charts; the release was among the year’s fastest-selling debuts there. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/justin-timberlake-zooms-straight-to-the-top-with-the-2020-experience__2890/?utm_source=openai))
- Sales/certifications: The 20/20 Experience achieved multi-platinum status in the US (2× Platinum in its initial era); The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 also reached Platinum in the US. ([thatgrapejuice.net](https://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/04/justin-timberlakes-the-2020-experience-certified-double-platinum/?utm_source=openai))
- Awards: Nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 56th Grammy Awards (2014); singles won and were recognized in multiple categories. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grammy-nominations-2014-list-of-nominees/?utm_source=openai))
- Critical reception: Generally favorable; critics praised its organic production and ambitious scope, noting its departure from conventional pop radio formats. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_20/20_Experience))
4) Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Influence: The album’s expansive, groove-focused approach influenced later pop/R&B releases that favored longer, studio-informed tracks and fewer radio edits. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_20/20_Experience))
- Notable covers/samples: The track “Suit & Tie” includes a nod to the older-soul tradition and credits a sample lineage (e.g., “Sho’ Nuff”); the release itself paid homage to Rat Pack-era polish in its visuals. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_20/20_Experience))
- Legacy: The era cemented Timberlake’s return as a peak-era pop icon, with the accompanying videos (e.g., the “Suit & Tie” video directed by David Fincher) becoming notable moments in his videography. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suit_%26_Tie?utm_source=openai))
- Present view: The Complete Experience packaging and year-end sales highlight its lasting impact as a defining 2013 release. ([thewrap.com](https://www.thewrap.com/timberlakes-2020-experience-top-album-robin-thickes-blurred-lines-bestselling-single-2013/?utm_source=openai))