Justified

I understand that there's been a cultural reassessment of JT in the last several years, but the fact is that most of his early 2000s stuff sounds like Axe Body Spray smells. Best track: Cry Me a River

Its shocking or depressing that a couple of the songs on this album each have over half a million listens on Spotify. What does that say about our society? To me it just sounds like a white guy trying to sound like Michael Jackson, sorry Justin that boat has sailed. The inclusion of this album on this list is not Justified.

I'm not a Justin Timberlake guy but I did enjoy watching my wife dance to the album, and that adds a +1 for me.

Bland early 2000s pop. It's competently done (Pharrell is a producer) but it's just bland. And too long. Could have cut 20 minutes and it would have been bearable. It's also really cliche and just sounds of that time.

That was awful. Torture.

Pharell Williams has obviously written most of this, to the point his voice is the first thing you hear on the album lol. And Pharrell loves Michael Jackson, but JT doesn't have the chops to really pull off the vocal theatrics needed for a good MJ knockoff. There's cheesy "reppin" from no doubt wholesome rappers, eg. Pharrell himself, maybe 1 or 2 others. Really cringey lyrics; almost every line a tired cliche. I recognised way more than I thought I would (club hits from when I was 18 I guess, even though I tried to avoid clubs I still ended up in them from time to time). It's at least consistent in songwriting, and the production is flawless, but overall too long and too many ballads. Dragged on towards the end. 3/5. None of the full charm of catchy boy band stuff, but at least there wasn't 300 different songwriters like on Britney/Christina etc albums.

Not bad for the guy who threw Janet Jackson under the sexy bus. 4 stars.

THE best pop album of all time no arguments nothing further from the defence thanks your honour. I've said it a few times now during this exercise but Pharrell is absolutely everywhere on everything if you listen for him, absolute production genius. Sprinkle in some Dre with JT over the top and you've got a recipe for something very special.

I am not the target demographic for this record, I'm sure it would have been better if I were in a club looking for action. Best song for me was Cry me a River, which is a sentence I never thought I would write.

Man wanted to be MJ so bad! This is such a Time Capsule of an album… The Neptunes sound was everywhere when this came out and there are a couple of great singles. But so many of the rest are grafting forgettable songwriting and indifferent vocals onto that production. Songs *feel* long even when they’re not. Not great.

It was almost good. Almost catchy. Almost impressive. Sometimes it even was. But mostly, it was just... almost.

it’s not bad it’s just really not any good

Super nostalgic. Takes me back to HS and college days. Half of these songs were played on the radio and in "da club". Some songs have aged, but the hits still sound fresh. Hard to believe this album is over 20 years old now.

Remember that YouTube video of the shirtless teenage boy saying “Hey baby girl, it’s okay baby, I love you more than there are grains of sand on all the beaches…?” This is the auditory equivalent of that. This album sounds like 2002, in a bad way. “Cry Me A River” is a good track, and the album is well produced, but the whole thing oozes with this awkward, performative “sexiness” that is hard to take seriously.

Dude… no. Literally the music that made me get into alt genres. Production is impressive tho.

JT, My Beloved, your world tour could never be ruined 💛💛💛

I don't disdain, and even admire in some ways, ther star maker machinery (behind the popular song). The judicious addition of soul and hip hop elements to the dance and pop foundation of his boy band roots is well considered and well done. He certainly has the goods, both in voice and star quality. Typical of products of the machine, it has that manufactured taste... the human element almost glossed over. For what it is its top of the line though, if not really my cup of tea.

Sit down with my morning coffee to enjoy today’s album, then let out a massive sigh when I see Iv got to sit through an hour of Justin Timberlake.

Oh I am so not listening to this sonic garbage. Heard way too much of it in high school against my will when it was all the little Britney and Xtina clone wannabes were forcing on me through speakers in gym class, at dances, over loudspeakers in the hallways as “hurry up, get to class” muzak. So I can confidently say it is bonafide crap. Plus, I hate this smug, smarmy asshole for all his male privilege and toxic behaviour towards women. Jessica Biel, you gotta drop him like a sack of dirt, girl. Not gunna be giving this talentless little prick a royalty check in my watch.

A bit surprised by the negative reviews this has on here. Maybe it's nostalgia speaking on my part, but I thought this was a pretty great debut pop album. Great production from Pharell and Timbaland and some absolute classics on this thing.

Generous 4 but the singles still bang

It was pretty clear from the beginning that I could die a happy man without hearing this album. Dying happy sounded good to me, so I acted accordingly.

lol

Oh lord, it's a whole album of Justin Timberlake. The mouth clicking sounds on Cry Me A River are ewww. Rock Your Body is fine, but holy moses this is a slog.

It would be too high praise to call this album amazing. It is straight up noughties pop music at the end of the day, but it’s still damn catchy. I didn’t realise how many of JT’s bops came from this particular album. I remember all the gossip at the time when Cry Me A River was so blatantly about Britney. His falsetto is probably one of my favourite modern day pop voices. I’ll admit I enjoyed this album a fair bit.

Undeniably catchy for the most part. Not my style of music, but well done.

It’s 5 material but I give out 5’s lightly so it’s a 4

relaxing.... smooth.... rock your body sexy thing.....

I'm typically not a big fan of Pop music but I have a sweet spot for JT. Obviously Cry Me a River and Rock Your Body are the standouts on this album. There are some other hits too, namely Senorita and Like I Love You. While this album has some big highs, it also has some really skippable songs. The slow R&B love songs are the worst in my book.

A Timberlake Thanksgiving was well received. Also, I can tell he went through quite a breakup. I feel you, man. I've been there.

I will go 4 stars because there are 4 good songs on here. There are several skips but a few of the high quality songs have become iconic, so JT gets the bump from 3 to 4.

Only just because of "Rock Your Body" I give it the three stars. The rest of the album is almost forgettable. 2,5

Decent voice. Lots fo filler songs. A couple decent songs. Overall, I can’t believe this sold so many records.

Yikes, this really has not aged well. The singles are still absolute crackers but the rest not so much. It is very Michael Jackson. The attempts at ‘sexy’ are cringeworthy, I just don’t buy it from JT. And, yes, it is too long, their egos got carried away. 2.5 rounding up to 3

Starts off really strong. Nice, polished pop music. Sounds a lot like Michael Jackson, and I think a few of these tracks had been written with him in mind. It fades in the middle though and is just too long.

i have come up with a theory: people do not like Justin Timblerlake, but they like how his music sounds. yeah, he can sing, and dance, and arguably beatbox, but would people like his early music if it didn't have quality production from star makers like The Neptunes and Timbaland at his peak? it feels like he was one kind of mediocre producer/writer away from flopping musically like the rest of the *NSYNCers -- on track 9 and 11, we get a glimpse into a world where this happened. it sounds like middle-of-the-road 2000's R&B and therapist office adult contemporary, respectively. if i heard Justin Timberlake in this shadow world, i would be perfectly neutral on his career's existence, and if someone told me that a former *NSYNC member made it the schmoopy ass song playing on the radio, i would probably guess it was Justin after a few tries. then i would forget about it for the next three years until i was in the mall and it played in one of the stores, almost by accident. i see Justified as a sort of charcuterie board. you can put cheese on a cracker, or meat on it, or like, olives or something. at times, the cracker is dry, thick, and at times the topping is too mild to overpower its inexplicably greasy flavor. nobody goes to a charcuterie board for a cracker.

My husband vigorously defends this album, and while my first instinct was to be sceptical, I now concede that he presents the strongest argument for this record I've heard, which is that it's the greatest collection of songs from the two most powerful producers of the era: The Neptunes and Timbaland. Justin Timberlake, on the other hand, can come across as grating and insufferable. Even though he is a talented singer, his contributions are not at all what make this album enjoyable. My husband brought up the fact that this album would be even better if it was sung by someone less unctuous, like Usher for instance. But I responded that I can't see Usher being interested in the weirder sides of The Neptunes and Timbaland. And weird they were! Before Timbaland, did you think it was possible to take traditional Middle Eastern songs and create hooks that would be burned into your brain for literal decades? Before The Neptunes, did you think it was possible to have a synth sound like silk? The string arrangements are luscious, the acoustic guitar is crisp and sensual, the flute (?) is unexpected yet natural and proves the record deserves to be taken seriously. I can't say I've kept up with JT, but his interest in producing pastiche (even executed poorly) at least demonstrates a curiosity and musical appreciation uncommon of pop singers generally but certainly pop singers of the Bush era. The weaknesses, of course, are plentiful. It's front-loaded (typical of pop albums) and the blatant Michael Jackson rip-offs (and then a blatant Stevie Wonder rip-off!) are bland. My husband says that JT has absolutely no sincerity, that it's clear he doesn't believe in what he's singing. I don't know about that. I'd argue his conviction is very clear on the songs where he feels he is the wronged party. No one like JT can lean harder into sounding petty as hell. For what it's worth, I'm relieved that even as a young girl I found him annoying (I had a crush on JC Chasez instead). Still, I can see why this album is on this list. It's fair. B+

Not bad at all but a little boring

Overproduced, too busy. No room to breathe. A couple of decent tracks but mostly it doesn’t hold up.

I know a handful of these songs because they played on the radio ALL the time (my mom is a top hits radio gal). I wouldn't say they are particularly good though.

What's that I hear? Why, yes, that's the sound of cultural appropriation! It was fun reading various articles debating whether this is the case. A lot of articles say yes, a few say hate the game not the playa. R&B isn't really my thing, but I get why this was popular. Happy it was removed from the 1001, though. Nothing really resonated with me. Kinda liked the Pusha T rap in Like I Love You. Moving on.

I came into this knowing very little of Timberlake's music and nothing off this album. I expected I'd really like it — dude has staked a claim in the industry, I figured there was good reason for it. There were a couple of standout tracks — Cry Me A River and Nothin' Else were two I liked — but the majority of the album felt forced, from the production to the performances to the writing. I was going to give it a 3, but that felt too high for an album that just didn't satisfy the way JT promises he does. A 2 might be low, but I never got near as hot as an oven.

I just don't enjoy this kind of music. Maybe I don't know how to have fun. But it doesn't strike me as something I need to hear before I die. Frankly, it seems like any other album in this genre. But what do I know?

Well, I am an old man, so it’s no surprise that I didn’t care for this album at all…and it’s so LONG! I agree with those who suggested he’s like a poor man’s Michael Jackson, or that he wanted to be Michael Jackson, but someone beat him to it. Anyway, this one was work for me to listen to. Two stars.

There's only been *three* reviewers giving a 5/5 grade to this LP. Not because *Justified* is an "artistic" failure for the sort of commercial music it attempted to sell to the masses during the early naughts. The album *isn't* an artistic failure, it does exactly what it intends to do, and this in every "objective", reasonable way you can assess the music on it. Justin's voice is excellent, even if it doesn't reach the Michael-Jackson-level heights it tries to reach in many songs. And the production values are state-of-the-art for the time period, thanks to experts such as Pharell Williams / The Neptunes, or Timbaland--experts whose imprint is unmistakable on certain tracks. Take those funk-rock rhythms played on acoustic guitar for The Neptunes, or those lush, bass-heavy r'n'b shenanigans for Timbaland. Besides, there are a lot of arrangements that make listening to the album at least once worthwhile. And finally, "Cry Me A River" is a stellar earworm worthy of the best torch songs / break-up songs out there... THAT SAID, let's repeat it: there's only been *three* reviewers giving a 5/5 grade to this LP. And there's a good reason for this. This is the sort of album that was never aimed at people interested in the *big picture* when it comes to modern music genres ("modern" taken in the largest sense of the word here). And this as open-minded as a lot of the people on this app try to be sometimes (me included). Because "Justified" is first and foremost a mass consumption product, and a "music album" later. Everything else is secondary. The fact that, overall, said album holds out far better today than, say, Britney Spears LPs, doesn't make it less dated or more artistically relevant than the latter. If only because Britney left a more impactful cultural imprint than Timberlake through her *singles*, at least--as lame and cheesy as her albums were as a whole... Let's face it: the vast majority of people who bought *Justified* in 2002 will never have a phase where they will try to find what the 1001 most essential albums of all time are. They just go from one trendy pop craze to the next. They're just consumers, not music buffs. "...music buffs like most of us on this app", I'm tempted to add. We all have very different tastes in here, obviously. But I believe that what unites us is that we take the album format very seriously. It can't just be a "product". It has to speak to our "soul" somehow. To be clear, saying this does not come from an elitist stance. I'm certainly not judging Justin Timberlake fans--all of us here are also consumers to an extent, it's part of the music business overall. I'm only trying to be realistic. As a consequence, I consider it's just plain weird or ridiculous to include *Justified* in a list like this. Because this inclusion doesn't really mean anything to *most* of those Timberlake fans, who would never use this app for instance (or probably give up after 20 or 30 albums...). This realism I'm trying to apply here is the one that music sites such as Pitchfork have consistently failed to apply since the mid-naughts, because of their readymady "poptimist" philosophy--a quite artificial, shallow posture *fully* pandering to the worst parts of the music industry (PR shenanigans, label business plans, the heavy and quick "formatting" of up-and-coming artists and performers not lucky enough to have the means or entourage to defend their initial artistic integrity--at least if they had one from the get-go). I'm 100% sure that the way such poptimist stance has led "the most trusted voice in music" to condone so many cheesefest records has already returned to bite them in the ass today. Absolutely no one believes Pitchfork is "the most trusted voice in music" today, lol. Of course, business is part of our music habits, as it is part of the life of *any* "professional" musician and artist. Even the staunchest fan of "independent music" and niche genres should be aware of this. But business also "pollutes" everything it touches. Just like it does for nature. Good music is an ecosystem, you see. And including *Justified* in this ecosystem does it more harm than good. I like "pop music", I really do. But good pop music in the album format has to elevate or challenge you, even if it does it very subtly or discreetly. And in retrospect, it's clear that *Justified* does none of that. It's just a goddamn product, as well-manufactured as it is. Just bought a Britney Spears greatest hits compilation for three euros online after listening to this Justin Timberlake record. If I have to be a consumer and a "manufactured product buyer", I'd rather give up the pretense of an interest for "genuine artistry" altogether, and bob my head quite mindlessly to the more memorable Britney singles with a half-ironic smile on my face. It won't prevent me to enjoy off-kilter-yet-100%-sincere-and-"authentic" acts such as Robert Wyatt, Daniel Blumberg, Big Thief or Crack Cloud on the side. I can enjoy a burger once in a while, even if I prefer more soulful food. But I will never pretend that a Burger King product is akin to the best "cuisine" out there. Everything in its right place, please. 2/5 for the purposes of this list of essential records. Which translates to a 7/10 grade for more general purposes (5+2 - not so bad after all, huh?). Next, please. Number of albums left to review: 319 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 304 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 167 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many other records are more important to me): 221 (including this one)

This album really is all over the places with a lot of different sounds, instruments, influences. But despite variety of elements and vocal range, the album is severely lacking in any kind of soul or any aspects that make it actually interesting.

trash pop. Corporate swill. music for the deaf.

White boy disco hip hop. Empty calories like cheese puffs.

Yeah this wasn’t great. Justin feels like that frat boy that’s going to put something in your drink. It’s just the vibe he gave off this whole album. I can definitely hear the attempts to replicate Michael Jackson in this and unfortunately Justin just can’t pull that off.

I really dislike pop music done like this. For the masses and it shows. Not much artistry at all

What horrendous garbage.

Justn't

One of the more difficult listens to get through on this list. Take It From Here was sickening. 🤢🤮 This is some kind of cruel joke. This album is meant to be on the other list: 1001 Records to Listen to That Will Make You Die.

Pound Shop Jacko with embarrassing lyrics. This sounds like a cash-in album cobbled together from discarded Jacko rehearsal tapes & I couldn't wait for it to end.

Is this the smallest man that ever lived? 🤔🤔🤔🤔 album did not age that well.

Hahahahaha This list is literally taking the piss out of me now. 2nd Christina Aguilera album in 4 days yesterday, and this today. Can I have a normal record please? Immaculately produced pop music without an ounce of originality. There's not really any point having this record in the book when Michael Jackson is already in it twice, Janet Jackson is in it once, and Chic is in it thrice (if you count Sister Sledge, which you should). Oh a Stevie Wonder knock off has just come on so add him to the list. Second Stevie track now. Jesus this is really something. What's the point in this record? Well yeah, $$$$, but besides that, nothing. Cry me a river made me feel a bit queasy for some reason. Rock Your Body is the best song, though it's basically an identikit Chic style song and I think it reawakened the Rogers Kraken to take over pop along with Mark Ronson for the next 15 years. The song Never Again is absolutely sickening, lyrically and musically, and is a fitting message to end the album with. Christina won me over with her inventive second entry. This did not, because it's shit. It's also incredibly irritating.

Er… no

For all the great production, you absolutely cannot polish a turd. Laugh out loud awful ('I wanna be your lighthouse when you get lost, I'll light a bright and shiny path to help you get across'). This is a new low for this list, henceforth to be known as Greg's 8 million albums of death club.

Justin Timberlake struggles to piece together the ashes of his life after his daughter is murdered and presented to the king as an amuse bouche. This tragic tale descends into madness as the singer screeches in pain and tries to sellotape his mind together with memories of his grandmother's large breasts. The climax of the record finds Timberlake smacked off his tits on energy drinks trying to persuade a young boy to frolic with him on the shallow grave of his offspring. It's a sad story with a happy ending. 4 stars.

Fun fact: Justin Timberlake is allergic to music.

Generic, bland early aughts pop drivel

A classic in the Neptunes production catalog

Certified classic

Hate to admit how good this is.

JT + Timbaland + the Neptunes = Magic. The sound of the intro to Senorita, mixed with the opening of a LionsHead Pilsner, meant the night would go from good to GREAT!

Expected to hate listening to this as I'm not a huge Justin person but wow, quite the opposite. Soulful, sexy, sweet and catchy as hell! Right for Me and Señorita might be the sexiest songs ever?? A little light on substance but 100% there on the style. Can confirm I've been JUSTIFIED! (and also TBT to the Super Bowl in 2004, we all remember where we were!)

The music is catchy. The vocals are good. The production is slick.

Альбом - веха в поп музыке. Что тут сказать, круто

Solid album. My loves JT. I bought her tickets to see him last November. Happy wife happy life. 5 stars.

I was in high school when this released and bought it a few months after it came out. I literally never listen to it anymore but after listening to it today, I should change that. I forgot how many great songs are on this album. I enjoyed this nostalgia today.

Ilove this a;bu,m/. Every track just has thet sick party vibe. Rock Your Boby is an instant classic.

Have always been a bit of a JT enjoyer of the main hits - the production values are always great. Listening to the album in full though, I can see why it was so huge. There’s so many cool little ideas on this record, and so many good hooks!

Personally, the book should have had FutureSex/LoveSounds in their next reissue. But this debut is still stellar. So many interesting beats with JT doing his best neo soul impression. I love it. Very catchy album and sort of a sign to come for his next album which was somehow even bigger and better than this one

Quell surprise! A perfect record end to end by Justin Timberlake - who would have thought? It’s soulful, bluesy and catchy but with a confident cool. Yes now in hindsight Timberlake become a mega celebrity and this was his reinvention - but it’s a truly good good record.

Groovy

Underestimated.

good old school

Just a great pop album with so many bangers

LOVE

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Senorita, Like I love you, Cry me a river, Rock your body, Nothin’ else, Last night

It's a banger of an album. Nearly beginning to end is pop perfection with great beats, synths, and obviously the production of Timberland. Maybe the best pop album of the 00s.

Good

Из овог жанра кида, 9/10

Omg yes! This album makes me feel so good. Very upbeat & fun. Has you singing & dancing

Immediate 5. Justin Timberlake's vocals are phenomenal. paired with the two best producers of all time... this album has no choice but to be amazing.

gonna be honest this was the first i didn’t completely finish but that’s because i started it late and was lazy. it was good though! i love justin timberlake (i think he makes peak party music). i knew a few of these from the radio but others like “senorita” were unheard of bangers. will finish last two songs later, though i’m sure they are fine at worst and good at best. 4/5.

Timba-lake was a Quincy jones Mj like duo. The world tour may be over but this record still bops.

Das Debut von Justin als Solo-Künstler. RnB Musik mit Pop/Dance-Einflüssen. Spannend zu hören. 4/5

This is the album Michael Jackson should have made in 2003

Solid, a lot of good tracks.

Honestly… really good. Some of the songs were really cringe but overall the vibe was great. Cry me a river we did in college and a few others I was already familiar with. Rhythms were clean and the melodies were catchy. I’m curious if it was just as cringe back in the day or if it aged poorly. Not the album I would expect on this list but I was happy to have it.

This was very nostalgic, and I remember bopping to these songs hard in high school. Overall, I think its a pretty good pop album -mostly catchy songs, and Justin's voice sounds good. But its not as strong as FutureSex/LoveSounds.

Already heard

Oh, JT - our modern day MJ. If this record is on here, FutureSex/LoveSounds better be as well. Timberlake's voice is simply mesmeric and out of this world. His harmonies are so smooth, soulful and sultry. Neptunes mostly carry the production on this record, but additions by Timbaland, Scott Storch and Brian McKnight really add the flavor and variety. Timberlake is so hard-working and driven and it really shows in all of his work. This record is no different and demonstrates his professionalism as a solo artist, no less on his debut. It's fun, funky, upbeat and rhythmic. The production was so unique at the time and still carries itself to this day. Big fan of this one.

What a pleasure. Excellent pop album with great hip-hop beats and smooth R&B jams. Most of it is either produced by The Neptunes or Timbaland, so the music is top notch. Man, I love the beatboxing Timbaland mixes into his beats. So good. His songs in particular on this album are layered with loads of fun details. “Cry Me a River” is a song I’ve heard countless times but the backing vocals still surprised me and sounded fresh! Great song.

This is a really great pop album with three standout tracks- "Senorita", "Cry Me a River", and "Rock Your Body". I love that it starts with "Senorita". I haven't heard this in a while and when I put it on I immediately thought "I bet this is Timbaland" and it is (plus Pharrell) ! Their production styles work super well for Justin's pop. I'm not exactly a daily listener of Justin Timberlake or anything but I think these are some of my more favorite tracks of his and I'm sure the influence from those two plays a part. "Rock Your Body" shows why Justin Timerblake is one of the biggest pop acts of our lifetime. It's such a great straightforward and a bit shallow pop song; there's no pretentiousness, it's just a catchy dance-y pop song done as good as one can be done. I'll have these songs stuck in my head for a few days now. Nice album cover, it's just a little bit corny to match the album title.

I'll be candid and just say that this is actually a splendid album. Artists who have been at a spotlight at an early age don't always manage to reshape their career into something worthwhile. A lot of teen-based pop projects are just a product of their time and feel dated. This doesn't imply that this album is flawless and that Mr Timberlake rose like a Phoenix from the ashes. There are issues with this album but I was surprised how absolutely engaging it was despite some of its juvenile content and incredible amount of cheese. This is mostly thanks to the excellent production and diverse styles, Pharrell and Hugo are pretty talented and I think that Justin was a great vehicle. Arguably the latter half of the album is somewhat forgettable but still solid. Justified has a great mix of Pop, RnB, Soul, Funk and Disco that mushes together well. Some of my favorites are Like I love you which has a addictive syncopated guitar riff playing with a great beat. The vocals go incredibly high and provide a great dynamic to an otherwise static track. However, the bridge brings in some really nice seventh chords which feel open and serene. Señorita is honestly another standout because it feels so laid back and always incorporates diverse instrumentations. I think it's a bit underrated because it's clear that great care was put into creating these tracks. Rock your Body is also quite stellar because it's a breath of fresh air with the prominent Disco influence. There is a bridge section which just consists of beatboxing and it's a bit awkward but man it's something unique alright. Now, if I had to trash this album then I would probably say that some of the lyrical content is just abysmal and juvenile. A lot of tracks feature Justin talking about some benign shit of girls and love, it's all a bit indulgent but it kind of works for this style. This album feels like a time capsule where actors just have a good time and don't take themselves to seriously (at least that's the vibe I get). One could be overly cynic and state that the album is clearly derivative of other great artists and arranged in a way to appeal to a larger demographic with the inclusion of obligatory rap parts and the use of popular pop tropes. Perhaps I have a soft spot for this album but I don't get the vibe that this record was constructed in a corporate fashion just to hit the billboards.

really good

I really like this, good memories however felt a bit of a slog towards the end

It was a good album, sounds a little forced now on some of the songs, Cry Me a River is still crazy