Top 10 Best Songs by Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake made the transformation from boyband heartthrob to respected solo icon. Heavily influenced by Michael Jackson and Prince, he brought groove and falsetto back to mainstream pop.

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His collaborations with producer Timbaland produced a unique sound: futuristic beats mixed with organic funk and soul. JT is the ultimate entertainer; he dances, sings and performs with charismatic ease.

Posted by Lisa · 0 votes · August 29, 2026

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#1

Can't Stop the Feeling!

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His biggest hit in the Top 2000 and beyond. Made for the film Trolls, but grew into a worldwide phenomenon. The bass line is pure sunshine disco.nnIt's impossible not to become happy from this song. "I got this feeling inside my bones." It's simple, effective and radiates a positivity that touches everyone. A modern classic that dominates weddings and parties across the world.

#2

Mirrors

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An eight-minute ode to his wife (and his grandparents). It's a stadium ballad with layers of synthesizers and "beatboxing." The chorus is enormous and anthemic.nnThe song is about soulmates ("You are the love of my life"). The second half slows to a dreamy coda. It's Justin at his most emotional and grand.

#3

Cry Me a River

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The song that gave him credibility. Timbaland's beat, with the rain and Gregorian chanting, is atmospheric and mysterious. The lyrics about Britney Spears' cheating are legendary.nnJustin sings with a mix of pain and revenge. The production is spatial and unique. It's a masterpiece of modern R&B-pop that stands the test of time.

#4

What Goes Around... Comes Around

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The sequel to Cry Me a River. An epic song with Eastern influences (baglama) in the melody. It builds slowly toward a dark climax.nnThe lyrics are about karma in love. Justin sounds bitter yet confident. The intermezzo at the end completely changes the mood, a trick he uses often.

#5

SexyBack

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A radical style break. Warped voices, heavy synthesizers and no recognizable melody. "I'm bringing sexy back." It sounds dirty, industrial and aggressive.nnIt was a risk, but it worked. The beat is hypnotic and compelling. It's a club banger that doesn't care about the rules of traditional pop songs.

#6

Rock Your Body

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Originally written for Michael Jackson, and you can hear it. A disco-funk song par excellence. The bass line is delightful and The Neptunes' beatbox sounds seal it.nnJustin sounds smooth and seductive. The song invites dancing. The climax with the beatbox at the end is a classic pop moment. Pure dancing pleasure.

#7

Señorita

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A summery song with a Latin American piano riff and a call-and-response section at the end. "It feels like something's heating up".nnIt's playful and interactive ("Guys, sing it to the ladies!"). The beat is simple and effective. A song that live always creates a party and perfectly captures the atmosphere of a warm evening.

#8

Lift Me Up

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A disco anthem written as protest against George W. Bush's policies. The bass line is driving and dirty, while the strings create a dramatic effect.nnJustin sings himself, with a voice that is thin but urgent. The contrast between the heavy political message and the glamorous, danceable production makes it an intriguing pop song.

#9

Say Something (feat. Chris Stapleton)

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A surprising mix of country, folk and electronics. Recorded in one take in a huge building (for the video). The guitars and choir build a wall of sound.nnThe voices of the soulful Timberlake and the raw Stapleton color beautifully together. It's grand and sweeping, showing that Justin also dares to walk off the R&B path.

#10

Suit & Tie (feat. Jay-Z)

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An ode to classic style and elegance. The tempo is slowed ("chopped and screwed" influences) which creates a laidback, luxurious atmosphere. The brass is soft and soulful.nnJustin sings here almost whispering with his signature falsetto. It's "gentleman pop": smooth, refined and extremely stylish. A song to wear a tuxedo to.

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