Justin Timberlake’s much-anticipated sixth studio album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” has finally hit the shelves, but the reception seems to be mixed. Amidst the anticipation, Justin himself claimed it to be his best work yet, aiming to bounce back from the lukewarm reception of his previous album, “Man of the Woods.”

The album, comprising 18 tracks, showcases a blend of introspective pieces and familiar mid-tempo ballads, reminiscent of Timberlake’s signature style. However, despite the high hopes, the album’s initial reception was not as enthusiastic as expected.

Critics have voiced their opinions, with some praising the honesty and fun elements of the album, while others criticize it for being a comfortable rehash of past glories. Reviews from outlets like The Guardian, The Telegraph, and Rolling Stone range from lukewarm to outright negative, citing the lack of innovation and underwhelming opening tracks.

Moreover, the album’s first-week sales figures, debuting with 67,000 units moved, pales in comparison to Timberlake’s previous successes and current chart-toppers like Ariana Grande and Casey Musgraves. This poses a question mark on Timberlake’s standing in the pop music landscape, especially considering his past achievements.

One of the album’s hyped aspects was the reunion of Timberlake with producer Timbaland. However, despite co-writing and co-producing five tracks, the album fails to capture the magic of their previous collaborations, leaving fans and critics alike wanting more.

Among the tracks, “Love and More” stands out as a potential single, showcasing Timberlake’s vocal prowess and Timbaland’s production finesse. However, it remains to be seen whether it can salvage the album’s commercial performance.

In conclusion, “Everything I Thought It Was” falls short of the lofty expectations set by Justin Timberlake himself. While it has its moments of honesty and familiarity, the album lacks the innovation and impact of his previous works. With mixed reviews and modest sales figures, it seems that Timberlake might need to reassess his approach to reclaiming his position in the ever-evolving landscape of pop music. Whether he can bounce back from this setback remains to be seen, but for now, “Everything I Thought It Was” leaves much to be desired.