The just-out Magna Carta…Holy Grail opener, “Holy Grail,” kicks off with eye-popping vocals from Justin Timberlake. Listen as the pop singer strains over emotional lyrics, leading listeners to believe the song is about the frustrations of love and relationships. “You’d take the clothes off my back / And I’d let you / You’d steal the food right out my mouth / And I’d watch you eat it,” Timberlake vents the chorus over basic piano progression and harmonized background vocals.
First impression: Justin’s vocals are a little harsh. Where is Jay-Z?
Jay-Z shows up tardy – not making an appearance until about 1:18 – but comes to deliver a message about celebrity struggles. “Goddammit I like it / Bright lights is enticing,” he builds on the glorifications of it all, then backdoors and exposes the consequences with lines “I can’t even take my daughter for a walk / See em’ by the corner store / I feel like I’m cornered off.”
Last impression: It’s a simple track and a nice “warm-up” for the rest of the album.
Jay-Z’s twelfth studio album Magna Carta, Holy Grail is now available on iTunes and in stores nationwide.
