There are few people in modern music history who’ve taken a path so unusual and unique to them, it one day became standard expression. Visual albums and surprise releases are Beyoncé’s bag, “pulling a Kanye” could have you interrupting someone at an important moment with an even more important thing to say—but being Justin Timberlake means leaving the band (in his particular case, of the boy band variety) to launch an super successful solo career and eventually an entrepreneurial one, to become a music mogul and eclipse the project that brought you so much fame and fortune in the first place. In many ways, Justin Timberlake is a cultural movement more than he is a musician, it just so happens that he’s fucking amazing at the sonic arts, too.
From his tenure as heartthrob you loved in ‘N Sync nearly two decades ago to his solo songs, hit-making features and an illustrious collaborative career with Timbaland, JT went from pop prince to R&B, hip-hop-tinged superstar. And he continues to evolve, as evidenced in some of his more recent material—yes, 2016’s chart topper “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” is on this list because, well, we can’t stop the feeling. Not sorry.
There’s no telling when JT will step back into the booth and give us another full-length (JT, if you’re reading this, please deliver) but that’s alright considering the incredible discography we have to visit and revisit at whim. But there’s a lot to parse through, and you probably don’t have the time. Luckily enough, we do! Here are the 28 best Justin Timberlake songs as picked by Complex. We hope that this will at the very least, prepare you ready for that inevitable Super Bowl performance.
28. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” (2016)
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Producer: Justin Timberlake, Max Martin, Shellback
Album: Trolls: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
We totally expect to get a lot of shit for this one, but hear us out: if you were a person out in the world in 2016, you know why we’re including “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” It was everywhere. This single for the Trolls movie was inescapable—and catchy as hell. A JT earworm if there ever was one, this disco/soul fueled radio pop juggernaut warms your heart and reminds us all that some schmaltz ain’t so bad. At the end of the day, your mom probably loves it, and mama knows best. —Maria Sherman
27. “Sexy Ladies / Let Me Talk to You” (2006)
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Producer: Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds
We don't know what FutureSex would feel like, but this is definitely what it's going sound like. Justin and Timbo have played with a ton of sounds throughout their collaborative efforts, but "Sexy Ladies" had a distinct tone that’s both futuristic and funky. One full second of silence between the really make this the "medley" it's billed as, but that makes it no less fire.—Insanul Ahmed
26. “(Another Song) All Over Again” (2006)
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Producer: Rick Rubin
Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds
Yes, this list is meant to pay tribute to and appreciate Justin Timberlake's body of work. Of course, you can't talk about JT without talking about the incredible backdrops provided to him by Timbaland and Danja, and to a lesser extent, The Neptunes. All of them are game-changing artists, but Rick Rubin is the definition of a living legend.
We're not just saying that because he made classics with LL Cool J and Run-D.M.C. but because he then went on to make classics with everyone from Slayer to Johnny Cash to the Dixie Chicks. Who, we ask, WHO has a catalog that compares to that?
So when he hit the studio with JT, magic happened and Timberlake wound up with one of the best ballads of his career. Unlike on the rest of the album, Timberlake took the time to sit down and write the lyrics for this song, which may explain why they're so compassionate. His asking for forgiveness is quite dissonant from his bravado on "Cry Me A River."—Insanul Ahmed
25. “It’s Gonne Be Me” ‘N Sync (2000)
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Producer: Rami
Album: No Strings Attached
There was no way to build this list without including at least a few ‘N Sync tracks—before Justin became the pop powerhouse he is today, he was a total boy band heartthrob, and honestly, he had pipes even early on. “It’s Gonne Be Me,” showcases his R&B lover boy tendencies that would continue on in his solo career but with a certain youthful innocence. It was easy to see, even in the year 2000, that the dude had something special. And the song still goes. —Maria Sherman
24. “Can’t Believe It (Remix)” T-Pain f/ Justin Timberlake (2008)
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Producer: T-Pain
Album: Thr33 Ringz
He doesn't need the Auto-Tune, but there's no need to complain about it because he still sounds awesome. JT and T-Pain sing the perfect harmonies over the lullaby beat and give this remix an edge over the original. There's a certain twang in Justin's voice that helps remind us that he's still from the South and is more than capable of hanging with the best artists below the Mason-Dixon. —Lauren Nostro
23. “Winner” Jamie Foxx f/ Justin Timberlake (2010)
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Producer: The Y's
Album: Best Night Of My Life
With all of the basketball references and double entendre ("I feel like I can't miss/I know they want me to fall/But ain't nothin' bigger than this/So just pass me the ball"), it comes as no surprise that "Winner" was the official theme song during the 2010 NBA Playoffs for both NBA on TNT and NBA TV. And even though Jamie Foxx and T.I.'s rap skills on "Winner" are second to none, Justin holds his own in his opening verse, and of course adds his talents to the hook and the break, giving the track a well-rounded aural diversity. —Alysa Lechner.
22. “Carry Out” Timbaland f/ Justin Timberlake (2009)
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Producer: Timbaland, J-Roc
Album: Shock Value II
The "food for sex" metaphor is silly—"Have it your way/Foreplay/Before I feed your appetite"—but the performance is an A+ and the song is still a heavy-hitter in the clubs. The reason it's a top hit for Timberlake is based on a few reasons, most notably: the song was released in December 2009, three years after FutureSex/LoveSounds. It was a reminder he still had that emotional falsetto.
The way Timberlake finishes off Timbaland's lines is a playful method for the duet, his vocals on the chorus made the song as popular as it became. Even with lyrics like, "I'll take two number threes/That's a whole lot of you and a side of me," there's something as entertaining about this as "Dick in a Box." —Lauren Nostro
21. “Pusher Love Girl” (2013)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Harmon
Album: The 20/20 Experience
As the opening track to his long-awaited comeback, there were already heavy expectations weighing on "Pusher Love Girl." It's the first song fans hear when they give The 20/20 Experience its first spin, and, as such, sets up the entire album. "Pusher Love Girl" is so gushingly uninhibited, it feels like a fever dream. JT's falsetto weaves through lyrics that compare his fresh wedding bliss to a drug as the hook chants, "Cause now you got me hopped up on that pusher love/So high, I'm on the ceiling baby, you're my drug."
Meanwhile, orchestral strings swallow both Timberlake and the listener whole, creating the sonic equivalent of an MDMA-induced high. While Justin is hopped up on Jessica Biel, "Pusher Love Girl" makes junkies out of fans, who willingly develop addictions. —Alysa Lechner
20. “4 Minutes” Madonna f/ Justin Timberlake (2008)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: Hard Candy
Next time you find yourself running out of energy while doing your last lap at the gym, do yourself a favor and play this 2008 tune. Not just because the beat sounds like a robot marching band is coming to install microchips in your brain, but because this track communicates the most underrated of all feelings: Urgency.
The song was supposed to be about saving the world, and based on conversations JT and Madonna had. (Madge explained writing with Timberlake to Interview, saying, "Writing together with somebody is very intimate.")
Though all bets were off, JT definitely murdered Madonna on her own shit. Oh, and the whole saving the world thing? Blah. This song didn't save anything (peace to the ice caps!), but it was a hit throughout the globe, and charted at No. 1 in 21 countries. —Insanul Ahmed
19. “Love Sex Magic” Ciara f/ Justin Timberlake (2009)
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Producer: The Y's, Mike Elizondo
Album: Fantasy Ride
It was the ballad Ciara needed, and she relied on Timberlake for the sensual chorus that's similar to much of his work on FutureSex/LoveSounds. It had a retro beat, a real departure from Ciara's music at the time. The song, nominated for a Best Pop Collab Grammy, hit No. 10 on the charts and wound up becoming the radio hit that Fantasy Ride was light on. Timberlake's force on the track pushed it to a level of success that, without him, may not have existed. —Lauren Nostro
18. “Gone” ‘N Sync (2001)
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Producer: Justin Timberlake, Wade J. Robson
Album: Celebrity
"Gone" may be billed an 'N Sync song, but it's essentially the debut of Justin Timberlake as a solo artist. It was the opposite of any record they had done before; they weren't doing flips and hanging from strings on this track. They were finally letting their vocals do all the work. A stripped-down beat with only a string section and percussion made the lyrics of this song all the more heartfelt. It was like we were in the abandoned house with them during the video. The song was even a mainstay on urban radio. "Gone" was also the first video by an all-white boy band featured on BET's 106 & Park. It's clear Justin was destined for the hip-hop and R&B world at that point. —Tannis Spencer
17. “Give It to Me” Timbaland f/ Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado (2007)
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Producer: Timbaland, Danja
Album: Shock Value
Timbaland enlisted the help of both Justin and Nelly Furtado for this club-ready record and allowed all parties involved to get on the mic, get a little cocky and rattle off their many awards. One success for Timbaland was the record itself, which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and was nominated Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals at the 2008 Grammys.
Never one to miss an opportunity to switch it up, Justin hops on the track rapping, throwing shade in more than one direction saying, "We missed you on charts last week/Oh, that's right, you wasn't there." Who made this guy mad? —Tannis Spencer
16. “Ayo Technology” 50 Cent f/ Justin Timberlake & Timbaland (2007)
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Producer: Timbaland, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: Curtis
50 Cent had difficulty getting a single to work in the months leading up to Curtis. The credit for the record that ignited a viable rollout strategy rightfully goes to "I Get Money," but "Ayo Technology" shouldn't be forgotten as a result. The Timbaland and Danja-produced ode to love in the digital age reached No. 5 on the Hot 100 (No. 1 in New Zealand if that counts for anything), and kept 50 Cent visible as he searched to find the true breadwinner for his third LP.
"Ayo Technology" certainly didn't perform as well as any of the involved parties would have liked, or expected, but charts and sales don't tell the entire story. We know, "Stronger" was the electro rap jam that dominated that summer, but put on "Ayo Technology" at a party and try to tell us that people don't love 50 and Justin's take on the style, too. —Ernest Baker
15. “Chop Me Up” f/ Timbaland & Three 6 Mafia (2006)
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Producer: Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds
"Chop Me Up" was never released as a single off FutureSex/LoveSounds, and though the Timbaland-produced track with Three 6 Mafia was completely different from the retro, sex appeal of the entire album, it worked. The chopped and screwed chorus of "Little lady/You got me just/Screwed up" was Timberlake showing he wasn't just going to sing falsetto the entire duration of the album. Three 6 Mafia strengthened Timberlake's hip-hop, and continued to prove that he's earned the right to a place in that world. —Lauren Nostro
14. “Signs” Snoop Dogg f/ Justin Timberlake & Charlie Wilson (2005)
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Producer: The Neptunes
Album: R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece
Justin Timberlake singing, "Don't fuck with me," is the first thing you notice about this song. At the time, Timberlake had already exposed us to Janet Jackson's right breast at the Super Bowl, but for the most part, still wasn't far enough removed from the squeaky clean teenybopper image for him to use cursing in a song and not be somewhat surprising. Perhaps it was a sign of the total adult transformation he'd go through two years later, with the arrival of FutureSex/LoveSounds, but it was certainly shocking.
Until FS/LS would hit our iTunes accounts, there was "Signs." Snoop Dogg's chemistry with the Neptunes was at its zenith, as they'd just laced him with three top 10 pop singles. Timberlake had also found success with multiple singles helmed by Chad and Pharrell, so it was nothing for him to add his touch to Rhythm & Gangster's third single. Unlike everything else Snoop and Justin were doing at the time, "Signs" never broke into the Top 40, but anyone familiar with both of their discographies knows it's a hidden gem. —Ernest Baker
13. “Suit & Tie” f/ Jay-Z (2013)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon
Album: The 20/20 Experience
This record is the song that solidified Justin Timberlake's return to the music industry. The initial frenzy made it difficult to have an unbiased opinion about the record, but regardless of how you feel, the single went platinum. People still love Justin. Featuring the biggest artist in rap at the time, Jay-Z, was also a smart move. Timberlake's no newbie to the game, so you know this whole thing was planned out pretty well.—Tannis Spencer
12. “Until the End of Time” f/ Beyoncé (2007)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: FutureSex/Love Sounds
This one is for the lovers. When you have a Prince sample and Beyoncé vocals, listeners shouldn't expect anything less. Justin and Bey got nice and comfy on this ballad, complementing each other from start to finish. The beat is slow with an accompanying string section that serves as the perfect backdrop for when Justin hits his high notes. Never one to be outdone, Beyoncé gives her usual stellar performance.
The record has a sultry sound which helps offset the super futuristic sound on the rest of the album. The song became the sixth U.S. top 20 hit from the album and JT became the first to do that since Michael Jackson in 1991. —Tannis Spencer
11. “LoveStoned” (2007)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: FutureSex/Love Sounds
The sped-up beat-boxing that drives the energy of "LoveStoned" seems to mimic the "flashing lights" that JT references throughout the dance-y grooves of this hybrid track. After setting up a dramatic, playful scene that effectively equates his new obsession to the initial bubbly high of almost-taboo marijuana, the song shifts gears into the slow-burning, drum-threaded "I Think She Knows" interlude. It feels like the comedown from a hazy night.
The balance on this track has always been astonishing—the ease with which Timberlake pairs a track meant for the floor with a variation on a ballad—building a budding crush into something that feels like it might last longer than one night.—Caitlin White
10. “Senorita” (2003)
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Producer: The Neptunes & Timbaland
Album: Justified
Justin wrote this song and imagined a "dark-skinned, voluptuous lady whose attention he is trying to capture,” perhaps his now-wife Jessica Biel doesn’t listen to it. Anyway, the Latin-flavored R&B cut was reportedly influenced by Stevie Wonder, which only makes the entire thing stranger. A little more than halfway through, you receive directions from JT as he instructs both the fellas and the women to sing along as the beat mellows for a faux-acapella rendition. It's a typical way to draw listeners in, but it's timeless for a reason: it sounds good. —Tannis Spencer
9. “Dead and Gone” T.I. f/ Justin Timberlake (2009)
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Producer: Justin Timberlake, Rob Knox
Album: Paper Trail
Justin Timberlake wasn't making much music towards the latter end of the 00s, but after T.I. helped him score a No. 1 with "My Love," he owed the King of the South a favor. That favor was a scene-stealing chorus on Paper Trail's fourth and final single, "Dead and Gone."
The song was such an event that it charted on Billboard before it was even officially releasing, later climbing all the way to No. 2. (T.I.'s previous Paper Trail singles, "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life" both hit No. 1; you can't win them all.) "Dead and Gone" eventually registered three million in sales and was nominated for two Grammys.
Although T.I. and Timberlake didn't take home any trophies for the track, they did perform at the ceremony. Perhaps that's an even greater testament to record's total dominance at the time. —Ernest Baker
8. “Summer Love” (2007)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: FutureSex/Love Sounds
A booming clap and perfectly-timed synth chords makes this both one of hardest and most entertaining tracks on FutureSex/LoveSounds. The record's about "wanting to fall in love with a lusty seasonal love." We've all been there. "Summer Love" was well-received, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart and No. 6 on its Hot 100 list. Considering the way this one earworms its way into your consciousness, that's no surprise. —Tannis Spencer
7. “Mirrors” (2013)
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Producer: J-Roc, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake
Album: The 20/20 Experience
If “Mirrors” did anything for Justin Timberlake’s career, it’s proof that he could do the hybrid rock/pop/R&B thing flawlessly…and for 8 minutes. Seriously, the record version of this track over 8 minutes long, and it never drones—it simply builds, getting sexier and more intimate with each moment. The radio-friendly version never feels truncated, either—a unique ability true to our boy JT. This one is for those who like your hits with a bit of edge. —Maria Sherman
6. “What Goes Around…Comes Around” (2006)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: FutureSex/Love Sounds
For a song that's about breaking up, this song manages to be smooth, velvety and self-assured. Not like we'd expect anything less from Justin, who even at his most heartbroken, appears to have it all together. Even as he proclaims that he thought about marrying his former flame, he's backing his own crooned-chorus with sexy little ad-libs. He's not guessing that his cheating ex will be punished for her transgression—he's sure she will be.
Even at his most arrogant, and backed by Arabian-inspired samples, Justin doesn't sound a jerk. Instead, he does sound like any normal confused guy who is going through a tough break-up, just one who is guaranteed to get the last word. The closing sequence of this song has always felt kind of chilling, too. The fulfillment of Justin's prophecy about his philandering ex doesn't even bring him the pleasure he thought it would. —Caitlin White
5. “Rock Your Body” (2003)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: Justified
"Rock Your Body" was the third single from JT's solo debut and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 list. The beat was originally intended for the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, but the Neptunes ended up handing it over to Justin. The up-tempo song features a near perfect sing along chorus and some killer falsetto moments where Justin shows off his vocals.
"Rock Your Body" was also the song that caused major mayhem at the Super Bowl XXXVIII half time show where Justin and Janet Jackson performed. Just as he finishes singing, "I'mma have you naked by the end of this song,"—BOOB. He wasn't lying. —Tannis Spencer
4. “SexyBack” (2006)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: FutureSex/Love Sounds
"SexyBack" arrived on the scene like a hurricane. It'd been established that "the dude from 'N Sync" was more than capable when he first released solo material four years earlier, but "SexyBack" put Timberlake in a position where you were forced to take him seriously. Timbaland's production was a blistering premonition of the electro wave that would dominate popular music for the next seven years, and still manages to incorporate a bit of funk.
Timberlake's opening lyric, "I'm bringing sexy back," was equally transcendent, inspiring close to a decade of clichéd comeback headlines. The record went on to become Timberlake's first No. 1 single as a solo artist, and stayed at the top of the charts for seven weeks, eventually winning a Grammy award for Best Dance Recording. Rightfully so. —Ernest Baker
3. “Like I Love You” (2002)
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Producer: The Neptunes
Album: Justified
The first solo performance of Timberlake's entire career was at the MTV VMAs in 2002. He hopped on stage in full Michael Jackson mode—he hates the commentary about how he wore a similar ensemble but we'd be lying if we ignored it—and slid from side-to-side belting out those unforgettable melodies over that Neptunes beat. He was joined by Clipse midway through the song, with Pusha donning the stage in an "I', Your Pusha" T-shirt, and No Malice following in his "Patty Cake Man" white T.
Before we get too far into describing the performance itself, the focus must be placed on the facts: it was the most important live gig of JT's career—a career based on inspiration, his evolving relationship with hip-hop, and his ability to succeed without the other four 'N Sync members. It was the percussion, the acoustic guitar looped over and over that gave JT the platform to show off his matured voice just one year after the final 'N Sync album dropped.
The song catapulted Timberlake's career and he got the inspiration from hanging out with The Neptunes while listening to Earth, Wind & Fire. It was the quintessential R&B/pop/hip-hop track filled with soulful lyrics and a heavy beat. It presented JT as a full-fledged musician, and not just the lead singer of 'N Sync. —Lauren Nostro
2. “My Love” f/ T.I. (2006)
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Producer: Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Nate "Danja" Hills
Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds
When we heard this song come out in 2006 we all secretly wished we could beatbox as well as whoever the hell is doing it on this track. Timberlake describes the song as a rock-techno ballad which definitely seems to fit given the synth chords and staccato sounds streaming all over the record.
A sort of hip-hop ballad with the inclusion of T.I.'s verse, this song crosses more than a few genre boundaries and was well-received. In typical Justin fashion, this track is smothered with falsetto notes that all come together to tell us a dreamy love tale. —Tannis Spencer
1. “Cry Me A River” (2002)
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Producer: Timbaland
Album: Justified
"Cry Me A River" is a spiteful, revenge-stricken song full of pain, regret, and bitterness that pushed Timberlake's career beyond what anyone expected of him—maybe even himself. For fans of 'N Sync and the fairytale romance of Britney Spears and JT, their breakup was inevitably one of the biggest pop culture spectacles of the '00s. It was impossible for it not to be. It's all they talked about in interviews.
The Grammy-winning track, which peaked at No. 3 on the charts, begins with rain falling and a Gregorian chant. If it doesn't give you goosebumps, you've never had your heart broken. The synth-beat starts and in comes Timberlake's opening lyric: "You were my sun; you were my Earth." You feel all of his pain as a listener, and he got it all out as an artist. He was entirely broken, and this was his farewell to a seemingly fine but secretly fading relationship. Timbaland's contributions are also spot-on: the production, the chants, and "the damage is done, so I guess I be leaving" chants.
It's the track that made people completely forget about 'N Sync and start asking what Timberlake would do next. He was never as painfully heartbroken as he was on this track, but maybe that's why Timberlake's career has survived. After marrying Jessica Biel, he channeled that love into every single track on The 20/20 Experience, showing that he honestly writes his tracks on his emotions, leaving him with a career of personal albums that allow his fans to get a glimpse into his soul.—Lauren Nostro
