Important songs by Justin Timberlake

Emerging from the ranks of legendary boy band *NSYNC, Justin Timberlake has evolved into a versatile entertainer who has made his mark in pop, R&B and beyond. His ability to constantly reinvent himself and push musical boundaries has cemented his influence in the music industry. Since the release of his debut solo album Justifiedto his latest hits, Timberlake has consistently delivered chart-topping hits, earned critical acclaim, and a loyal fan base around the world. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, confirming his status as a leading figure in contemporary music.

Timberlake’s achievements extend beyond music to acting and business as well. Collaborations with top producers and artists, innovative music videos and dynamic live performances have also set new industry standards. His talent for blending genres and creating timeless music has kept him relevant and inspired a new generation of artists. As we delve into his most important songs, we explore the tracks that have defined his career and shed light on his evolution as an artist and his ongoing influence on the music landscape.

“Cry Me a River” appeared on Justin Timberlake’s solo debut album, Justified. It marked a turning point in his career. Produced by Timbaland, the track features a haunting melody and lavish production. The song is widely believed to have been inspired by Timberlake’s highly publicized breakup with Britney Spears, adding a personal layer. The lyrics and Timberlake’s heartfelt performance captured the pain and betrayal of a broken relationship. This further helped make “Cry Me a River” a powerful and relatable anthem.

In addition, “Cry Me a River” was a commercial success. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Timberlake his first Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. This track cemented his status as a solo artist and showcased his ability to create deeply personal and emotional music. “Cry Me a River” remains a defining moment in Timberlake’s career. It marked his transition from boy band member to mature and sophisticated solo artist.

In 2006, “SexyBack” marked a bold and transformative moment in Justin Timberlake’s career. This first single from his second album, FutureSex/LoveSoundssignaled a dramatic shift in his musical style, moving toward a more futuristic and edgy sound. Produced by Timbaland, the song features a pulsating beat, distorted vocals, and a minimalist yet infectious hook that redefined pop and R&B in the mid-2000s.

“SexyBack” was also a huge commercial success and led the Billboard Spending seven consecutive weeks on the Hot 100, it became one of the best-selling singles of the year. The track’s clever production and Timberlake’s confident, almost swaggering delivery resonated with a wide audience. It further helped cement his status as a pop icon. Its success was further bolstered by a provocative music video that featured Timberlake in a series of sleek, high-fashion visuals.

“My Love” featuring rapper TI is another standout track from Justin Timberlake’s critically acclaimed album FutureSex/LoveSounds. Released in 2006, the song is an example of Timberlake’s seamless fusion of pop and R&B with a hint of hip-hop. Produced by Timbaland and Danja, “My Love” relies on lush synths, a stuttering beat, and a soaring falsetto. Timberlake’s lyrics and vocal delivery exude romantic longing, while TI’s confident rap verse adds a note that complements the overall vibe of the track.

The song was a huge commercial success and reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and received widespread acclaim from critics. “My Love” showcased Timberlake’s ability to write contemporary love songs that are both innovative and timeless. The track’s production pushed the boundaries of mainstream pop and R&B and set a new standard for the genre. The accompanying music video further cemented the song’s impact and Timberlake’s status as a leading figure in the music industry.

“What Goes Around… Comes Around,” from Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds Album is a masterful blend of storytelling. Released in 2006, the track features Timberlake’s soulful falsetto layered over Timbaland’s lavish production. Often interpreted as a continuation of the themes explored in “Cry Me a River,” the song’s narrative deals with betrayal and karmic retribution. Timberlake reflects on the cyclical nature of love and heartbreak. The sweeping orchestral strings and haunting guitar riffs also add a dramatic touch to the song, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.

Commercially, “What Goes Around… Comes Around” was a huge success and led the Billboard Hot 100 and received widespread praise from critics. The song’s epic nine-minute music video was directed by Samuel Bayer and starred Scarlett Johansson. It further enhanced its impact, presenting a visually compelling story that reflected the song’s themes of infidelity and revenge. This track cemented Timberlake’s prowess as a solo artist. It also highlighted his ability to write songs with deep emotional resonance and lasting appeal.

“Suit & Tie” featuring Jay-Z marked Justin Timberlake’s triumphant return to music after a seven-year hiatus. It was released in 2013 as the first single from his third studio album. The 20/20 experiencethe track is a sophisticated blend of retro soul, modern pop and hip-hop. Timberlake’s smooth falsetto glides over a lush arrangement of horns, strings and a steady groove, creating a timeless sound that pays homage to classic R&B while remaining contemporary. Jay-Z’s laid-back rap verse adds a layer of cool sophistication, making the collaboration a perfect blend of both artists’ strengths.

The song was a commercial success and reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received widespread acclaim for its polished production and elegant style. “Suit & Tie” showcased Timberlake’s evolution as an artist, highlighting his ability to seamlessly blend traditional and modern elements. The accompanying music video, directed by David Fincher, featured elegant black-and-white imagery and intricate choreography, further enhancing the song’s classic and stylish vibe. “Suit & Tie” not only re-established Timberlake’s presence in the music industry, but also set the tone for the ambitious and expansive sound of The 20/20 experience.

“Mirrors”, a song from Justin Timberlake’s album The 20/20 experienceis a very personal and thoughtful song. Released in 2013, the song, produced by Timberlake, Timbaland and J-Roc, features lush harmonies and complex instrumentation. The hauntingly beautiful melody captures the essence of love and self-reflection. In addition, “Mirrors” is often interpreted as a tribute to Timberlake’s wife Jessica Biel.

The song was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received widespread praise for its soulful lyrics. The music video, which tells the story of a lifelong love spanning multiple generations, adds a visual narrative that enhances the emotional depth of the song. Timberlake’s performance in “Mirrors” is poignant and sincere, making it one of his most memorable and impactful songs.

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” marked a significant milestone in Justin Timberlake’s career. It served as a pulsating anthem that dominated the airwaves in 2016. Written for the soundtrack of the animated film TrollsThe song shows Timberlake’s ability to create feel-good pop music that appeals to a wide audience. In addition, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” quickly became a worldwide hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song’s success was further enhanced by its vibrant music video, which features Timberlake dancing alongside everyday people in a variety of settings, capturing the song’s celebratory mood. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” also garnered Timberlake numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. The song’s infectious beat and uplifting message cemented Timberlake’s status as a master at crafting pop hits that resonate with audiences, and made “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” an essential part of his musical legacy.