Justin Timberlake Top 10 Countdown

JT is back with a new album this week and I thought it would be appropriate to look back at some of his best musical moment. Whether it was SNL, his days with *NSYNC, or his impressive solo career, he certainly has made the rounds with his musical talents. So lets rock our bodies and take a look!

Honorable Mention: “Dick in a Box”

How can this be a Justin Timberlake countdown without including this comedic gem? The Lonely Island really got the ball rolling when they included JT in this 90’s white-R&B sex music video with a special surprise. It’s been 6 years since it debuted and it still is just as memorable as it was when it first premiered.

10.) “Love Sex Magic” (featuring Ciara

(from the album Fantasy Ride)

It didn’t really sound like a song that would work with these two artists, but the sexiness and chemistry in the video is what sold it. JT was on his own with his own production team to create their own sound, and Ciara was the perfect gateway into testing out said sound.

9.) “4 Minutes” (featuring Madonna & Timbaland)

(from the album Hard Candy)

Madonna has a reputation for changing up her style with every album of hers. For this go-around, she got with the current times and hired the hit-making team of JT and Timbaland to incorporate their hip-pop sound. This first single had all of the swagger of a Timbaland production, the soul of a JT song, and the pop pizzazz of another Madonna hit. I’ll let these people save my world ANY day!

8.) “Señorita”

(from the album Justified)

We come to the first solo hit on the countdown, a funky groove that sets up a classic call-and-response bridge towards the end. The energy and build of this song incorporated a pop solid from JT while mixing the funky musical stylings from The Neptunes (man I miss them!) The result was this infectious groove that opened up JT’s first solo album.

7.) “Like I Love You” (featuring Clipse)

(from the album Justified)

With a first single on the line set up to introduce Justin Timberlake OUTSIDE of *NSYNC, there sure was a lot of pressure about what he would come out with. In the end, he brought us a funky tune that was part Justin and part MJ. (Again, where the hell are The Neptunes with these classic songs?!!!)

6.) “Suit and Tie” (featuring Jay-Z)

(from the album The 20/20 Experience)

Coming back into the game with a new album in almost 7 years, Justin had a lot to prove. And with this grooving first single, Justin has been on a path to prove he is just as relevant in music as before. Bringing back Timbaland from the dead and having Hova along for the ride, JT takes us back to music when class and sexiness were one in the same. And damn, these men look good in suits!

5.) “SexyBack” (featuring Timbaland)

(from the album FutureSex / LoveSounds)

Leave it to Justin & Timbaland to come up with a new phrase and an inventive new sound to get everyone moving. They both were hot and in demand with this sexy track that had us wanting to “be gone wit’ it”.

4.) “Gone”

(from the album Celebrity)

I know it’s an *NSYNC song, but there’s no denying the obvious fact that this is clearly a Justin Timberlake song with 4 guys singing back-up for him. It’s a super sweet melody that builds Justin’s falsetto from beginning to end. The lyrics are heartfelt and really help to show Justin as an established songwriter.

3.) “LoveStoned/I Think She Knows”

(from the album FutureSex / LoveSounds)

This certainly feels like one of the most underrated singles in his career. Talk about a strong build, this song starts with a subtle beat, brings in some classic strings and disco pop, breaks it down beat by beat in the middle, then flips a 180 and settles it down with an impressive interlude that is part genius and part fun. Well done Timbaland & Timberlake.

2.) “My Love” (featuring T.I.)

(from the album FutureSex / LoveSounds)

Why is this sexy second single higher on the countdown than it’s explosive first single? For my personal taste, it’s a stronger production value than “SexyBack” and it’s lyric content is certainly a lot more personal than whips and chains and dirty babes. This love song is backed up by a futuristic beat and showcases all of JT’s swagger.

1.) “Cry Me A River” (featuring Timbaland)

(from the album Justified)

Of course I’m going to go with this classic, a bittersweet tale which left us with more answers than questions because of its accompanying music video. Justin didn’t leave anything hidden for us to figure out why his relationship with the princess of pop didn’t last long. And to be honest, he couldn’t give 2 shits about it. Not to mention that this is where the Timbaland/Timberlake was born.