Summer Love/Set The Mood (Prelude) (track) by Justin Timberlake

From soundguardian 06/20/2013 17:36

"Summer Love" was devised, by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Danja, as a narrator's seasonal exploit with a lover. The affinity escalates to the point that the narrator desires more than lust - a deeper relationship. He invites her to realise that "this just can't be summer love".

The piece as a whole explores such a seasonal relationship starting at its inception - a casual encounter involving spirited flirt, including an outgoing invitation to explore, a fascination with the audience's ['girl''s] background, and a gentile offering for her to pace the relationship at her own will. As summer ends, he implores her to understand that the bond that they've developed is meaningful, but the lyrics don't indicate the lover's perspective or answer, leaving this strictly to the imagination of the listener.

There's no telling whether or not this single was written in earnest by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Danja. After all, all of FutureSex/LoveSounds was composed and recorded by a self-proclaimed "burned-out" Timberlake, who took a break after his debut solo studio album Justified to pursue a career in film. At the time that he arrive at Timbaland's recording studio, no one had a clue where to begin. Regardless, it is definitely beautifully produced by these three, and well-mixed by Douglass (with some points slightly suspenseful).

Fueled by a dance rhythm of synth-esque keys, drums, and clap, it's danceable and fun. It sets a mood that can be nostalgic, dreamy, or yearning, depending on the listener's values and ardour.