When I think of a man of the woods, Justin Timberlake isn’t exactly what comes to mind. The album title induces a bit of an eyeroll, actually. I take my seat, forget about the perplexing album title and rock out to the opening act, Francesco Yates. A young, energetic pop performer with a funk edge and somewhat familiar falsetto. Many of the big star stadium shows I have seen recently have a DJ sans opening act which I find regrettable. I love seeing the big guys give the up-and-commers an opportunity.
Enter DJ Fresh who hypes the crowd for no more than ten minutes. This seems like the most appropriate use of a DJ that I have seen lately. Two gold stars so far.
The lights dim and I find myself in emergency “have to pee” mode. I sprint up the very steep stairs in my high heels and while I’m in line for the lou the crowed goes wild. I hear waves of screams that I later find out is each band member doing a football tunnel style entrance to the stage. Enjoying a spotlight moment right up front. I’m hastily zipping up and tucking in when I hear “put your filthy hands on me” and the female scream-meter pegs.
I make it back to my seat for most of the opening number. Dancers are quite literally everywhere. The sizeable band, back-up singers and dancers along with JT himself are dressed casually. No crazy costumes. No sequins. The back-up singers are mesmerizing. I am splitting time between staring at them and staring at JT. There are five horn players, a percussionist, a drummer, two guitar players, a bass player, two keyboard players and four back up vocalists. I especially enjoy the vocals on Man Of The Woods the title track off JT’s latest album. This highly artistic album has not reached the commercial success of Timberlake’s past projects and includes tracks that are downright quirky. The Man of the Woods album cuts that make it in the show have a very different feel then his past hits.
Throughout the first several numbers, Justin looks calm and commanding. He wanders through a sprawling path of staging that covers the entire floor level. Back up dancers follow him through his journey across the main floor faux woodland. They look effortless and understated.
JT’s hit Suit and Tie features a 1950’s inspired swinging mic stand dance that gets a major crowd reaction. Cry Me A River, the song about his public break-up with Brittany Spears, has the largely female crowd singing at the top of their lungs, as if they are speaking directly to Brittany herself. Half exclaiming “WE would never do this to you, Justin”! The circular video screen dangling overhead has Justin standing in the pouring rain on the center stage. The visuals are intense but not over the top.
Drink you Away, from his album Experience starts as Timberlake’s band meets him at the center island of the multi-sectioned stage and circles him while performing the funk tune. This is both visually interesting and emotionally compelling. This moment portrays a band that loves to play together. JT reaches down to the audience and pulls up a tray of shots and they all toast to Prince.
I’m curious if I’m the only one annoyed with the toast to Prince as it’s one of several Prince references that has already happened in this show. Minnesota gets bombarded with prince tributes from every artist that steps foot in this state. While JT’s is most certainly one of the better ones, to all artists out there – we don’t require you to reference the purple one on stage either musically or otherwise simply because you are in Minnesota. It’s similar to bringing up a dead relative to a grieving family every time you see them. It gets awkward.
When JT slows it down, the majority of the crew scatters. His changes of intensity are well timed. One includes a sloppy video screen love montage. It was cheesy and felt misplaced against the polished perfection before it.
About mid-show the crew returns to the stage and has traded their casual attire for EXTREME casual attire. Flannel shirts, jeans, t-shirts – real man of the woodsy stuff styled by the Brawny paper towel guy himself. They all accompany Justin at an actual flaming bonfire. Musicians circle the fire for an acoustic jam sesh. Justin treats us to a campfire style sing-a-long. Each of JT’s four mega-talented back-up singers has a feature song while sitting at the fire. Justin now shows himself as the humble and supportive quarter back to his hardworking and under-credited team mates.
The show is quite busy so it is difficult to hear Justin’s voice even in the crystal-clear acoustics of the Xcel Energy Center. I enjoy the moments where the band pulls back and we get to hear JT’s famous falsetto slide from bluesy to pop and back again.
Rock Your Body hits like a storm. The pack of dancers is unleashed, as are the laser lights. The band and back-up singers twist and turn in every direction that their bodies allow while still doing their jobs. Justin shows off his well-honed boy band dance skills all over the multi-location staging. This intensity drives through the next two songs and climaxes with Can’t Fight The Feeling, Timberlake’s multi-generational hit. JT finishes the show with an acapella section of the chorus alone on stage. An obvious good-bye with no room for an encore.
Personal and unpretentious, Justin Timberlake’s Man of the Woods tour gave all the pop excitement the crowd expected paired with moments of musical interest and intimate moments. The ebb and flow between the star and his super-sized crew was impeccably designed and flawlessly executed. JT’s laid back, authentic style could rival today’s top male country artist in their relatability to the crowd. This show is as down to earth and real as it gets from a super star of Timberlake’s status. Justin may be the star quarterback of his team on stage, but the audience was the clear winner tonight.
Minneapolis, MN – 9/28/18
Review by J. Lynch
Photos by John Arthur Anderson
