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Rave Review: Justin Timberlake

By Christine Petralia

Image courtesy of 2014 © Faith-Ann Young Photography / Tennman Digital

Justin Timberlake at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 21, 2014 (originally scheduled for Feb. 19)

 

March 28, 2014

 

Oh Justin, how I love you, let me count the ways. Well, it was 33 ways on Feb. 21, 2014 at Madison Square Garden. This was the concert that he had to reschedule due to him being under the weather. And I was one of the fortunate ones who was just about to board the train that Wednesday, Feb. 19 when I heard, so I didn’t waste a trip in.

 

I have to say I was a bit hesitant to even purchase tickets to his 20/20 Experience World Tour. I was kind of iffy on his new album, but I really enjoyed his show years back, so I went ahead and got them. And he did not disappoint. After coming out on time at 9 p.m. and singing a few songs, he addressed the audience and told us that he ‘owed us’ for Wednesday night. He then proceeded to perform for almost two and a half hours of not only his new stuff, but his older stuff, plus some covers. He danced, he sang, he played instruments. What can’t he do, was really the question many left MSG that night with.

 

About half way through the show, the entire stage moved from the front to the back of the Garden, where he proceeded to perform half of his show from, giving every on the other side of the arena an up close experience of JT. Oh and did I mention he had just one 10-minute break, where he changed tuxedos. Yes, he performed in two tuxedos. Man, I am very jealous of Jessica Biel. He’s come a long way from ‘N SYNC. This man has stage presence. The addition of the Tennessee Kids was great for his show, rounding out so many of the songs.

 

Some of my favorite songs included “Cry Me a River,” “Not a Bad Thing,” “Mirrors,” “SexyBack” and “What Goes Around…Comes Around.” OK, who am I kidding. I liked them all, even the ones I am not too familiar with. And I danced the entire time, even to the songs that are a little slower. Shows how much fun and energy JT brought out in everyone.

 

While I do thoroughly enjoy Justin’s comedic ability with my man Jimmy and on SNL and such, but the truth is, he’s an entertainer. He’s a performer. And it’s clear he belongs on the stage. And if he was feeling at all under the weather still, you would never know as he hit every note and dance move flawlessly. If he does continue to tour, I highly recommend getting your hands on some tickets. And just ignore the screaming girls (women), his talent distracts you from all of that non-sense.

 

Setlist (courtesy of setlist.fm):

Set 1:

Pusher Love Girl

Gimme What I Don't Know (I Want) (Intro)

Rock Your Body

Don't Hold the Wall

FutureSex/LoveSound

Like I Love You

I Am a God (Kanye West cover)

My Love

TKO

New York, New York (Frank Sinatra cover)

Summer Love

LoveStoned

Until the End of Time

Holy Grail (JAY Z cover)

Cry Me a River 

 

Set 2:

Only When I Walk Away

Drink You Away

Tunnel Vision

Señorita

Let the Groove Get In

That Girl

Heartbreak Hotel (Elvis Presley cover)

Not a Bad Thing

Human Nature (Michael Jackson cover)

What Goes Around... Comes Around

Cabaret

Take Back the Night

Jungle Boogie (Kool & The Gang cover)

Murder

Poison (Bell Biv DeVoe cover)

Suit & Tie

 

Encore:

SexyBack

Mirrors 

Since you already know the ending, it’s the ‘love’ story between a slave fighter out to avenge his family’s death when he falls in love with the city ruler’s daughter. Great action and a random appearance by Kiefer Sutherland.

A feel-good grown-up cartoon that finds a hero in the unlikely of places who’s ‘chosen’ to save Legoland. Just when it gets silly, it gets real.

A reboot of the 1987 version is just as badass as Alex Murphy comes ‘back to life’ as a Robocop out to avenge his death.

A group of 20-something professional men face the reality that they are ready to settle down and have real relationships, and all the hijinks that come with finding the one.

Young Princess Anna goes on a quest to save not only her older sister Elsa, but her entire kingdom, which as been frozen over by Elsa’s magical powers.

All works created by Christine McGrath; Centereach, New York  All Rights Reserved 2024

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