The 5 Justin Timberlake Albums, Ranked

Man of the Woods diverged from Timberlake's characteristic pop and R&B vibe to dabble in rustic and country elements. Though it stirred some controversy among critics and fans who weren't thrilled with the genre shift, the album showed Timberlake's capability to stretch his creative boundaries. Notably, tracks like "Say Something," featuring country artist Chris Stapleton, illustrate Timberlake's attempt at blending contemporary pop with soulful Americana. While not universally loved, this album broke new ground and showed a different facet of Timberlake as an artist.

Serving as the sequel to the critically-acclaimed The 20/20 Experience, this album might not have reached the heights of its predecessor, but it was a solid follow-up. The retro-disco track "Take Back the Night" proved to be a crowd-pleaser, captivating listeners with its upbeat tempo and catchy melodies. While this installment felt more like a supplementary package than a standalone powerhouse, it certainly has its moments. This addition to Justin Timberlake's albums ranked on our list for its intricate musical layers and thematic consistency.

Ah, the album that marked the genesis of Timberlake's solo career post-*NSYNC. Justified was Timberlake's announcement that he could thrive without his boy band safety net. Armed with hits like "Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body," the album not only earned critical acclaim but also yielded significant commercial success. Timberlake showcased his falsetto and groove capabilities, laying down a foundation that he would build upon in subsequent albums. This debut holds a special place among Justin Timberlake albums ranked for its breakthrough significance.

Sultry, edgy, and genre-defining, FutureSex/LoveSounds changed the game not just for Timberlake, but for pop and R&B as a whole. Collaborating with music producer Timbaland, Timberlake revealed a mature, sophisticated sound that took the industry by storm. With singles like "SexyBack," "What Goes Around... Comes Around," and "My Love," this album is arguably Timberlake’s most adventurous and daring work. If you're scouring the Justin Timberlake albums ranked lists, you'll frequently see this masterpiece near the top.

Sitting atop our Justin Timberlake albums ranked list, The 20/20 Experience is nothing short of a modern classic. This album marked Timberlake’s return to music after a six-year hiatus and proved that his magic touch was still very much intact. Hits like "Mirrors" and "Suit & Tie" exemplified a balanced mix of pop and soul, showing off Timberlake’s versatile vocal range and lyrical prowess. The musical arrangements were intricate, blending orchestral elements with electronic beats. This perfect concoction of old and new, of experimentation and familiarity, makes The 20/20 Experience the crown jewel in Timberlake's discography.