Justin Timberlake Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Ranking the discography of a pop culture titan like Justin Timberlake is a fascinating task.
From his breakout solo moment to ambitious, sprawling projects, his catalog has defined moments for millions.
We're diving into the Justin Timberlake albums ranked, but with a specific lens. This list is guided by fan sentiment, looking at which records have resonated most deeply with the audience.
Later, we’ll see how this compares to popularity data to find what might be the best Justin Timberlake album.
Ranking Justin Timberlake's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the studio albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. Justified (2002)
Justin Timberlake's solo debut, Justified, was released in 2002. It marked a significant shift from his boy band past toward a more mature R&B sound.
The album was recorded in just six weeks while NSYNC was on hiatus. It featured iconic production from The Neptunes and Timbaland.
It was a massive critical and commercial success. The album earned multiple Grammy nominations, winning for Best Pop Vocal Album, and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Key tracks:
- Rock Your Body
- Cry Me a River
It's no surprise that Justified takes the top spot among fans. This album was a cultural reset.
It successfully launched him as a credible solo artist and established the funky, soulful sound that would become his signature for years to come.
2. The 20/20 Experience (2013)
Released after a seven-year musical hiatus, The 20/20 Experience was a grand return for Timberlake in 2013. It was conceived as the first half of a two-part project.
The album features a lush, neo-soul style with expansive song structures, produced mainly by Timbaland, Timberlake, and J-Roc.
It was a commercial behemoth. It debuted at number one with nearly a million copies sold in its first week and became the best-selling album of 2013 in the U.S.
Key tracks:
- Mirrors
- Suit & Tie (feat. JAY-Z)
Fans clearly hold this ambitious project in high regard. Its luxurious sound and epic-length tracks felt like a major artistic statement.
The album was an "event" record, and its sophisticated, cinematic feel has given it lasting appeal.
3. FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006)
Timberlake's second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, dropped in 2006 and pushed his sound in a bold new direction.
The album fused R&B with a wide range of electronic genres, including techno, funk, and trance. The project was primarily a collaboration with producers Timbaland and Danja.
This record produced three consecutive number-one singles in the U.S. and is considered one of the defining albums of the 2000s, selling over 10 million copies globally.
Key tracks:
- SexyBack (feat. Timbaland)
- What Goes Around.../...Comes Around (Interlude)
For many fans, this album represents Timberlake at his most innovative and fearless. The futuristic production was ahead of its time.
Its seamless blend of sex appeal and sonic experimentation solidified his status as a true musical visionary.
4. Man of the Woods (2018)
Timberlake's fifth studio album, Man of the Woods, was released in 2018. It was framed as a personal project inspired by his son, wife, and Tennessee roots.
The album experimented by blending his familiar R&B and funk with elements of Americana, soul, and pop. Production was handled by Timberlake, The Neptunes, and Timbaland, among others.
Despite a mixed critical reception, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and spawned the top-10 hit "Say Something."
Key tracks:
- Say Something (feat. Chris Stapleton)
- Morning Light (feat. Alicia Keys)
This is arguably Timberlake's most divisive album, but its ranking here shows it has a strong contingent of fans who connected with its concept.
Listeners who appreciate the album often praise its heartfelt themes and Timberlake's willingness to step outside his established sound.
5. Everything I Thought It Was (2024)
Everything I Thought It Was is Timberlake's sixth and most recent studio album, released in 2024. It serves as a follow-up to the more experimental Man of the Woods.
The album is described by Timberlake as more "straightforward," returning to the funk and R&B-infused pop that characterized his earlier work. It notably features a reunion with NSYNC.
The record debuted in the top five on the Billboard 200. It gave Timberlake his sixth consecutive top-five album in the U.S.
Key tracks:
- No Angels
- Selfish
As the newest album, its place in the fan canon is still solidifying. Many fans have celebrated this record as a welcome return to form.
Its position reflects an appreciation for the familiar, danceable grooves, even if it hasn't yet had the time to build the legendary status of his first few albums.
6. The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013)
Released just six months after its predecessor, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 acts as the second half of the ambitious 2013 project.
This installment is often considered the darker, more aggressive, and more eclectic sibling to the first part. It continues the trend of long, structurally complex songs.
Like the first part, it also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making Timberlake one of the few artists to score two number-one albums in a single year.
Key tracks:
- Not a Bad Thing
- TKO
While it was a commercial success, fans often see 2 of 2 as the lesser of the two halves. It contains standout tracks but is sometimes viewed as less cohesive than the first part.
Its placement here suggests that while it's appreciated as part of the larger project, it doesn't quite capture the same magic for listeners as its celebrated counterpart.
Justin Timberlake albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of Justin Timberlake's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justified | 2002 |
| 2 | FutureSex/LoveSounds | 2006 |
| 3 | The 20/20 Experience | 2013 |
| 4 | Man of the Woods | 2018 |
| 5 | Everything I Thought It Was | 2024 |
| 6 | The 20/20 Experience - 2 of 2 | 2013 |
| 7 | The Book of Love | 2017 |
Quick FAQs about Justin Timberlake's albums
Q: What was the inspiration for the album Justified?
A: The producers, The Neptunes, listened to Earth, Wind & Fire and Michael Jackson albums like Off the Wall and Thriller. They wanted to re-create that timeless feeling without directly sampling or copying those records.
Q: How successful was Justified?
A: It was a massive success. The album received very positive reviews, earned four Grammy nominations, and ultimately sold over 10 million copies worldwide, firmly establishing Timberlake's solo career.
So there you have it, our deep dive into Justin Timberlake's albums ranked by the fans.
From iconic debuts to ambitious experiments, each record tells a story. The fan ranking celebrates the lasting impact of his work, while the popularity data shows what's still in heavy rotation today.
Ultimately, the "best" Justin Timberlake album is a matter of personal taste. It’s about which songs became the soundtrack to your own life.
What does your ranking look like?
Ranked Justin Timberlake's best albums? See his full smooth career. Explore Justin Timberlake's discography and chart data on his Artist hub.