Justified (album)

Following the conclusion of their Celebrity Tour in April 2002, boy band NSYNC went on a hiatus, during which co-lead singer Justin Timberlake continued work on what would be his debut solo album.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457770/janet-gets-sexy-on-justin-cd.jhtml|title=Timberlake, Janet Jackson Make Sexy Pair On Justified|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|date=September 25, 2002|publisher=MTV News|access-date=February 28, 2013|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623194703/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457770/janet-gets-sexy-on-justin-cd.jhtml|url-status=dead}} The album was said to be "more than halfway completed" by early 2002.{{Cite news|last=Friedman|first=Roger|date=March 1, 2002|title=Britney Doesn't Know Yoko; Will Justin Go Solo?|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/britney-doesnt-know-yoko-will-justin-go-solo|url-status=live|access-date=|publisher=Fox News|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185358/https://www.foxnews.com/story/britney-doesnt-know-yoko-will-justin-go-solo}}{{Cite web|date=November 26, 2019|title=Episode 10 - Alex Greggs Interview (Part 2) - The Digital Get Down (podcast)|url=https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-digital-get-down/episode-10-alex-greggs-o7ersJIa1Db/|access-date=November 2, 2024|website=Listen Notes}}

Says producer Alex Greggs: "I get an advance copy of [the record], and [Justin] calls me on his birthday and says, 'Did you listen to the record?'" With the album, he wanted to portray a more mature image as an R&B performer, rather than a boy band pop artist. He revealed minimal information regarding the producers and artists involved with Justified during its early recording stage,{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456207/timberlake-solo-lp-tightly-guarded.jhtml|title=Justin Timberlake Working 'NSecret On Star-Packed Solo LP|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=July 23, 2002|publisher=MTV News|access-date=February 26, 2013|archive-date=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930002524/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456207/timberlake-solo-lp-tightly-guarded.jhtml|url-status=dead}} with his management and record label also reluctant to share any information.{{Cite web|last=Bykofsky|first=Stu|date=May 23, 2002|title=Un 'Synced: Justin Timberlake Here on Secret Mission|url=http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/living/3319321.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021104105435/http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/living/3319321.htm|archive-date=November 4, 2002|access-date=November 2, 2024|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} However, MTV News reported that production duo The Neptunes were working on multiple tracks, while rapper P. Diddy and singer Mario Winans contributed to one track. Other known producers involved included Mike City, Raphael Saadiq and Rodney Jerkins, though between June and July, none of the aforementioned producers had attended any studio sessions. Explaining his involvement with the project, Jerkins said at the 2002 BET Awards that he "just got a call about working on the project" and that whenever Timberlake wanted his assistance, it would "be done". The majority of tracks for Justified were originally intended for Michael Jackson.{{Cite news|last=Paterson|first=Colin|date=October 2, 2002|title=Striking out|url=https://www.theguardian.com/arts/columns/paterson/story/0,,804788,00.html|url-status=live|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=July 13, 2021|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713042121/https://www.theguardian.com/arts/columns/paterson/story/0,,804788,00.html}} Since Jackson turned down the tracks, the songs were modified for Timberlake's album.{{Cite web|last=Bainbridge|first=Luke|date=September 4, 2010|title=Pharrell Williams: Soundtrack of my life|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/sep/05/pharrell-williams-soundtrack-of-my-life|url-status=live|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=July 13, 2021|archive-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917063818/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/sep/05/pharrell-williams-soundtrack-of-my-life}}{{Cite magazine|last=Chan|first=Anna|date=December 20, 2020|title=Pharrell Williams Says Justin Timberlake Got 'Justified' Songs After Michael Jackson Rejected Them|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9503204/pharrell-williams-justin-timberlake-justified-written-for-michael-jackson/|url-status=live|access-date=November 2, 2024|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711152628/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9503204/pharrell-williams-justin-timberlake-justified-written-for-michael-jackson/}}

Brian McKnight's manager stated that his client had already recorded tracks with the singer, while rapper Nelly explained to the reporters that both him and Timberlake had discussed a collaboration effort. Early in 2002, Angie Stone revealed that Timberlake "loves the Mahogany Soul album" with him further saying to her "your CD's in my car right now, you have to work on my solo project". These assertions were later partially denied by a Jive Records spokesperson who announced that the material produced from the collaboration would not appear on the finalized record.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457095/timberlake-sets-vmas-solo-debut.jhtml|title=Justin Timberlake To Play VMAs, Says Solo Debut Is 'Very Me'|last=D'Angelo|first=Joe|date=August 20, 2002|publisher=MTV News|access-date=February 26, 2013|archive-date=October 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008195351/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457095/timberlake-sets-vmas-solo-debut.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

{{Quote box|quoted=true|salign=right|width=30%|align=right|We picked him up right after he checked into his hotel. We drove around in the car listening to old Earth, Wind & Fire albums, and he was totally with it. The background of those songs is the feeling we wanted to incorporate into the music. He was like, 'Nobody's ever heard anything like that before ... a white boy singing this kind of music.' He didn't care what people would say.|source=—Chad Hugo, MTV News}}

Justified was written and recorded in a six-week period. According to Timberlake, the "creative spurt" was reminiscent of "that period of time back in the 1960s and '70s when musicians got together and just jammed and worked out of inspiration. There was no heavy calculation or belaboring songs and mixes. Everything flowed pretty easily and naturally."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73696/justin-timberlake-in-sync-with-60s-on-solo-debut|title=Justin Timberlake In Sync With '60s On Solo Debut|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216171738/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73696/justin-timberlake-in-sync-with-60s-on-solo-debut|url-status=live}} Recording sessions took place at various studios in the United States, including the Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, Manhattan Center Studios in New York City and Master Sound Recording Studios and Windmark Recording in Virginia Beach.{{cite AV media notes|others=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|year=2002|type= inlay cover|publisher= Jive Records}}

The Neptunes told MTV News that the duo and Timberlake drove in a car listening to Earth, Wind & Fire albums for inspiration, with the background of the band's music being what the production duo wanted to implement into Justified{{'s}} musical content.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457175/preview-timberlake-album.jhtml|title=Preview Of Justin Timberlake Album From Neptunes' Hugo|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=August 26, 2002|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|access-date=February 28, 2013|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104113329/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457175/preview-timberlake-album.jhtml|url-status=dead}} The production duo commented that despite not being content with sampling music, for inspiration, they also listened to both Off the Wall (1979) and Thriller (1982), albums by Jackson. Their intentions were to create music that was similar to Jackson's work without "recycling them". One of the two members of The Neptunes, Chad Hugo, commented that they just wanted to re-create "that sense of those timeless, classic songs, without any of the 'bling, bling, hit me on my two-way' style of the new R&B. It has elements of the old and the new." The producer further went on to say that people wanted Timberlake to be conformed to being part of boy band NSYNC, with the former insisting that the singer is an immaculate vocalist. Hugo acknowledged Timberlake's break-up with singer Britney Spears, saying that some of the album's music could be directed towards it.

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The opening track on Justified, "Señorita" is a Spanish oriented song that features R&B influences;{{cite news|first=Chelsea|last=Rogers|title=Justin's solo move justified|date=January 31, 2003|newspaper=Centralian Advocate|page=018}}{{cite news|title=Evening Mail: Justin Time For Jamelia|date=2003-05-13|newspaper=Birmingham Mail|first=Alison|last=Dayani}} in it Timberlake sings about a girl with brown eyes.{{cite news|first=Teresa|last=Gubbins|title=Idols hedging their bets Timberlake and Carter branch out from groups|date=November 5, 2002|newspaper=The Dallas Morning News|page=27A}} "Like I Love You" is a funk influenced song consisted of live drums, tiny guitar strum accompanied with the singer's breathy tenor. According to Ben Ratliff of Rolling Stone, "it's minimalism influenced by Michael Jackson". The third track on the album, "(Oh No) What You Got" was described by Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine as a bit racy for the audience who expected a more boy-band-oriented record. Regarding the fourth song, Russell Bailie of The New Zealand Herald wrote that although the album "manages to skirt teen-pop sugariness for the most part, though it does offer quality mush on numbers such as 'Take It From Here'."{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=3005563|title=Justin Timberlake: Justified|work=The New Zealand Herald|last=Bailie|first=Russell|access-date=August 31, 2013|date=November 23, 2002|archive-date=September 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908231214/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=3005563|url-status=live}} "Cry Me a River" is a funk{{cite magazine|year=2003|title=Timberlake In Sync With '60s Sounds On His Solo Debut|magazine=Billboard|page=73, Inc|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=justin+timberlake+cry+me+a+river&pg=PA73|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=114|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106010404/https://books.google.com/books?id=JQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA73&q=justin%2Btimberlake%2Bcry%2Bme%2Ba%2Briver|url-status=live}} and R&B song{{cite news|title=No more Mickey Mouse games Justin Timberlake sheds a band and Christina Aguilera sheds inhibitions on joint tour|work=Chicago Sun-Times|publisher=Tim Knight|first=Jae-Ha|last=Kim|date=July 24, 2003}} with an instrumentation that features beatboxing, synthesizers, Arabian-inspired riffs and Gregorian chants. Lyrically, the song is about a brokenhearted man who moves on from his past.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vdmq|title=Justin Timberlake Justified Review|date=November 20, 2002|first=Denise|last=Boyd|publisher=BBC Music. BBC|access-date=March 3, 2013|archive-date=November 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114115442/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vdmq|url-status=live}}

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The sixth track, "Rock Your Body", incorporates tinny, "keyboard-set-to-emulate-clavichord" synthesizers of The Neptunes' late 90s productions, overlaid with "keys and a propulsive drum vamp".{{cite news|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/the-50-best-neptunes-beats/justin-timberlake-rock-your-body|title=The 50 Best Neptunes Beats|date=March 5, 2013|first=Craig|last=Jenkins|work=Complex|access-date=June 24, 2013|archive-date=March 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308150339/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/the-50-best-neptunes-beats/justin-timberlake-rock-your-body|url-status=live}} The seventh track of the album is "Nothin' Else"; which according to David Merryweather of Drowned in Sound is a "slinky" and "smooth" song that is similar to the works of American musician Stevie Wonder.{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/3143/reviews/5393-|title=Justin Timberlake — Justified / Releases|publisher=Drowned in Sound|last=Merryweather|first=David|access-date=August 31, 2013|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402161956/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/3143/reviews/5393-|url-status=dead}} Influenced by Jackson's musical style and Van McCoy's 1975 single "The Hustle", "Last Night" is played with a xylophone. "Still On My Brain", the ninth track on the album, is a slow jam, similar to the songs performed by Timberlake's former band 'NSYNC. "(And She Said) Take Me Now" which features singer Janet Jackson, is a disco, '80s funk and dub song that contains racy lyrics. Similar to the previous song, "Right For Me", the eleventh track of the album has racy lyrics and features rapper Bubba Sparxxx; on it Timberlake "cockily" sings the line, "I could think of a couple positions for you". "Let's Take a Ride" is the twelfth song on the album, on which, according to Uncut magazine, Timberlake "offers to deliver you from your humdrum existence".{{cite news|url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/justin-timberlake/justin-timberlake-justified-review|title=Justin Timberlake — Justified|work=Uncut|access-date=August 31, 2013|archive-date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315054444/http://www.uncut.co.uk/justin-timberlake/justin-timberlake-justified-review|url-status=live}} The record concludes with "Never Again", a Brian McKnight produced ballad, on which Timberlake becomes "downright maudlin and snippy".{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/10/28/justified/|title=Justified|date=October 28, 2002|first=David|last=Browne|author-link=David Browne (journalist)|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619210945/http://ew.com/article/2002/10/28/justified/|archive-date=June 19, 2017|url-status=live}}

"Like I Love You" featuring Clipse was released as the album's lead single. It was released as a CD single in August 2002 in Germany and the US.{{cite web|title=Like I Love You: Musik|url=https://www.amazon.com/Like-Love-You-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00006NSD3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339966372&sr=8-2&keywords=justin+timberlake+like+i+love+you|language=de|publisher=Amazon.de|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107055037/https://www.amazon.com/Like-Love-You-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00006NSD3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339966372&sr=8-2&keywords=justin+timberlake+like+i+love+you|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Like I Love You: Music|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/Like-Love-You-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00006NSD3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339966372&sr=8-2&keywords=justin+timberlake+like+i+love+you|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107055038/https://www.amazon.com/Like-Love-You-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00006NSD3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339966372&sr=8-2&keywords=justin+timberlake+like+i+love+you|url-status=live}} The song was written by Justin Timberlake and The Neptunes, who also produced the track. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its production and use of instrumentals. "Like I Love You" charted at number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100,{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Justin Timberlake|chart=Hot 100}}|title=Justin Timberlake Album & Song Chart History: Billboard Hot 100|magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 9, 2013}} and in the top five in the UK,{{cite web|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/justin%20timberlake/|title=Justin Timberlake Singles Chart History|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=August 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826223026/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/justin%20timberlake|url-status=live}} Denmark,{{cite web|url=https://danishcharts.dk/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|language=de|title=danishcharts.dk – Discography Justin Timberlake|publisher=danishcharts.dk. Hung Medien|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=September 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911181433/https://danishcharts.dk/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|url-status=live}} Netherlands and Ireland.{{cite web|url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|language=nl|title=dutchcharts.nl – Discografie Justin Timberlake|publisher=dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729194533/http://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|title=irish-charts.com – Discography Justin Timberlake|publisher=irish-charts.com. Hung Medien|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=February 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201204114/http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|url-status=live}} The song was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 45th Grammy Awards.{{cite web |first=Joe |last=D'Angelo |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459402/20030107/nelly.jhtml |title=Eminem, Avril, Norah Jones nab most Grammy noms |publisher=MTV News. Viacom |date=7 January 2003 |access-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-date=August 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831162149/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459402/20030107/nelly.jhtml |url-status=dead }}

Justified{{'s}} second single is "Cry Me a River", and was released through contemporary and rhythmic radio on November 24, 2002,{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=11/24/2002&Format=1 |title=R&R :: Going for Adds :: CHR/Top 40 |publisher=Going for Adds. Radio and Records |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606064545/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=11%2F24%2F2002&Format=1 |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=11/24/2002&Format=9 |title=R&R :: Going for Adds :: Rhythmic |publisher=Going for Adds. Radio and Records |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606064622/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=11%2F24%2F2002&Format=9 |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }} and as a 12" vinyl on December 23 in the US.{{cite web|title=Cry Me A River: Music|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/Cry-River-Vinyl-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00007KS8U/ref=mb_oe_l|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073004/https://www.amazon.com/Cry-River-Vinyl-Justin-Timberlake/dp/B00007KS8U/ref=mb_oe_l|url-status=live}} The song was written by Timberlake, Scott Storch and Timbaland and produced by the latter. "Cry Me a River" debuted at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the issue dated December 21, 2002,{{cite magazine|year=2002|title=Singles Minded|magazine=Billboard|pages=55, 66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YQ0EAAAAMBAJ|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=114|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073027/https://books.google.com/books?id=YQ0EAAAAMBAJ|url-status=live}} and eventually peaked at number three. In other countries, the song achieved similar success, reaching number two in Australia and the UK,{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|title=australian-charts.com – Discography Justin Timberlake|publisher=australian-charts.com. Hung Medien|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822112327/http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|url-status=live}} and the top five in several other territories. "Cry Me a River" has been certified gold in Australia by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting shipments of 70,000 units,{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2003.htm|title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2003 Singles|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105211237/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2003.htm|url-status=live}} and certified silver in France.{{cite web|url=http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/pag-259165-CERTIFICATIONS.html?year=2003&type=6 |title=French single certifications – Justin Timberlake – Cry Me a River |language=fr |publisher=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique |access-date=March 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002012748/http://www.snepmusique.com/fr/pag-259165-CERTIFICATIONS.html?year=2003&type=6 |archive-date=October 2, 2013 }} It won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2004 ceremony, while the accompanying music video won two MTV Video Music Awards: Best Male Video and Best Pop Video. The song is listed on Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-20110407/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river-19691231 |title=500 Greatest Songs of All the Time: Justin Timberlake, 'Cry Me a River' |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411013122/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-20110407/justin-timberlake-cry-me-a-river-19691231 |archive-date=April 11, 2012 |url-status=unfit }}

"Rock Your Body" was released as the album's third single, and was released on May 6, 2003, as a CD single in the US.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=single|id=r641694|pure_url=yes}}|title=Overview: Rock Your Body|publisher=AllMusic. Rovi Corporation|access-date=March 9, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} It was written by Timberlake and The Neptunes, and produced by the latter. The song topped the charts in Australia for one week, became Timberlake's third single to reach number two in the UK, and reached the top five in Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and the US.{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|title=charts.nz – Discography Justin Timberlake|publisher=charts.nz|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419233334/http://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake|url-status=live}} "Rock Your Body" was certified platinum in Australia by the ARIA. It received a gold certification in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipments of 500,000 units.{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=rock%20your%20body&artist=justin%20timberlake&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2011&sort=Artist&perPage=25|title=RIAA Searchable Database – Justin Timberlake|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=March 9, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924151606/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}

"Señorita" is Justified{{'s}} fourth single, released through rhythmic radio on July 8, 2003.{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=07/08/2003&Format=9 |title=R&R :: Going for Adds :: Rhythmic |publisher=Going for Adds. Radio and Records |access-date=March 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610115841/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=07%2F08%2F2003&Format=9 |archive-date=June 10, 2013 }} It was written by Timberlake and The Neptunes, while being produced by the latter. It reached number 27 on the Hot 100, and achieved its highest peak in Australia and New Zealand, where it reached number six and four, respectively.

File:Justin Timberlake - Justified World Tour - Earls Court - 4.jpg at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, August 2003]]

{{Main|The Justified & Stripped Tour|The Justified World Tour}}

Timberlake performed "Like I Love You" at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards prior to the album's release. The day of Justified's release, Timberlake appeared on TRL and performed "Like I Love You" and "Cry Me a River" live in Times Square.{{Cite web|last=Mazur|first=Kevin|date=2002-11-05|title=Justin Timberlake during Spankin' New Music Week|url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/justin-timberlake-during-spankin-new-music-week-with-justin-news-photo/106715186|url-status=live|access-date=|website=Getty Images|language=en-us|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190941/https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/justin-timberlake-during-spankin-new-music-week-with-justin-news-photo/106715186}} TV specials included a sit-down interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2002-11-04|title='N Sync's Justin Timberlake Goes it Alone|url=https://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=123816&page=1|url-status=live|access-date=|website=ABC News|language=en|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185407/https://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=123816&page=1}} an episode of MTV Launch that followed the making of Justified,{{Cite web|date=2012-03-27|title=Justin Timberlake's MTV's Spankin New Music Week Album Launch Of Justified (2002)|url=https://theneptunes.org/2012/03/justin-timberlake’s-mtv’s-spankin-new-music-week-album-launch-of-justified-2002/|url-status=live|access-date=|website=The Neptunes.org|language=en-US|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185340/https://theneptunes.org/2012/03/justin-timberlake%E2%80%99s-mtv%E2%80%99s-spankin-new-music-week-album-launch-of-justified-2002/}} and the TV concert special, Justin Timberlake: Down Home in Memphis.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2003-11-28|title=On TV: Justin Timberlake is justified in heading home to Memphis|url=https://tulsaworld.com/archive/on-tv-justin-timberlake-is-justified-in-heading-home-to-memphis/article_c2392745-eb1f-5ab4-bf16-1951706bdb51.html|url-status=live|access-date=|website=Tulsa World|language=en|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191043/https://tulsaworld.com/archive/on-tv-justin-timberlake-is-justified-in-heading-home-to-memphis/article_c2392745-eb1f-5ab4-bf16-1951706bdb51.html}} Timberlake performed "Cry Me a River" at the 13th annual Billboard Music Awards, held on December 9, 2002, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He was accompanied by a string section and a 20-member choir.{{cite magazine|year=2003|title=The 2002 Billboard Music Awards|magazine=Billboard|page=73, Inc|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=justin+timberlake+cry+me+a+river&pg=RA1-PA70|access-date=May 18, 2012|issn=0006-2510|volume=114|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020073003/https://books.google.com/books?id=MQ0EAAAAMBAJ&q=justin+timberlake+cry+me+a+river&pg=RA1-PA70|url-status=live}} He performed "Cry Me a River" on a promotional concert held at House of Blues in West Hollywood, California on June 17, 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472801/timberlake-gets-funky-at-club-show.jhtml|title=It's Justin Timberlake Gone Wild At Late-Night Club Show|date=June 13, 2003|access-date=January 30, 2012|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|last=Moss|first=Corey|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921075317/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472801/timberlake-gets-funky-at-club-show.jhtml|url-status=dead}} On February 1, 2004, the singer performed "Rock Your Body" at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show with singer Janet Jackson.{{cite news|title=Apologetic Jackson says 'costume reveal' went awry|publisher=CNN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 3, 2004|url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/02/02/superbowl.jackson/|access-date=July 27, 2007|archive-date=February 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218110403/http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/02/02/superbowl.jackson/|url-status=live}} At the moment Timberlake sang the lyric "Bet I'll have you naked by the end of this song," he ripped off part of Jackson's costume, momentarily exposing her right breast on live television. Timberlake distanced himself from the controversy while Jackson faced much criticism.{{Cite magazine|date=2017-10-23|title=What Happened After Janet Jackson's 2004 Super Bowl 'Nipplegate' Incident|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/super-bowl/8007041/janet-jackson-justin-timberlake-2004-super-bowl-what-happened|url-status=live|access-date=|magazine=Billboard|language=en|archive-date=June 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603033429/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/super-bowl/8007041/janet-jackson-justin-timberlake-2004-super-bowl-what-happened}} He later commented that "America's harsher on women...[and] unfairly harsh on ethnic people."{{cite web|last=Moss |first=Corey |author2=Norris, John |title=Justin Timberlake's Future Shock |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/t/timberlake_justin/news_feature_081506/ |publisher=MTV News. Viacom |date=August 15, 2006 |access-date=August 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026050603/http://www.mtv.com/bands/t/timberlake_justin/news_feature_081506/ |archive-date=October 26, 2006 }} He performed "Señorita" live on the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live in October 2003, where he served as host and musical guest,{{cite episode |title=Justin Timberlake |series=Saturday Night Live |network=NBC |airdate=October 11, 2003 |season=29 |number=547 |minutes=90-92 }} and at the 2004 Grammy Awards.{{Cite web|date=2013-02-10|title=Justin Timberlake brings his sexy self back with Grammys performance|url=http://www.today.com/news/justin-timberlake-brings-his-sexy-self-back-grammys-performance-1B8320635|url-status=live|access-date=|website=TODAY.com|language=en|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107055128/https://www.today.com/news/justin-timberlake-brings-his-sexy-self-back-grammys-performance-1B8320635}} Magazine covers included Rolling Stone, which dubbed him the "New King of Pop",{{Cite magazine|last=Eliscu|first=Jenny|date=2003-12-25|title=Justin Timberlake: The New King of Pop|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/justin-timberlake-the-new-king-of-pop-233648/|url-status=live|access-date=|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830220945/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/justin-timberlake-the-new-king-of-pop-233648/}} Entertainment Weekly,{{Cite magazine|last=Sinclair|first=Tom|date=2002-09-20|title=It's Gonna Be Me|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/09/20/its-gonna-be-me/|url-status=live|access-date=|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|language=en|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184303/https://ew.com/article/2002/09/20/its-gonna-be-me/}} VIBE magazine,{{Cite web|last=Valdés|first=Mimi|date=2003-02-01|title=VIBE's Feb 2003 Justin Timberlake Cover Story|url=https://www.vibe.com/gallery/read-vibe-feb-2003-justin-timberlake-cover-story/|url-status=live|website=Vibe|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190108/https://www.vibe.com/gallery/read-vibe-feb-2003-justin-timberlake-cover-story/}} The Advocate,{{Cite web|last=Flick|first=Larry|date=2002-12-10|title=Justin Timberlake|url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/commentary/2002/12/10/justin-timberlake|url-status=live|access-date=|website=The Advocate|language=en|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130234132/https://www.advocate.com/politics/commentary/2002/12/10/justin-timberlake}} and Details.{{Cite web|last=DAngelo|first=Joe|date=2002-12-12|title=Justin And Britney At War, Magazine Cover Story Declares|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1459124/justin-and-britney-at-war-magazine-cover-story-declares/|url-status=dead|access-date=|website=MTV News|language=en|archive-date=February 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205010833/http://www.mtv.com/news/1459124/justin-and-britney-at-war-magazine-cover-story-declares/}}

Timberlake did a joint tour in North America with Christina Aguilera entitled the Justified & Stripped Tour, to support both Justified and Aguilera's 2002 album, Stripped.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470069/justin-christina-tour-dates-announced.jhtml|title=Justin Timberlake/ Christina Aguilera Tour Dates Announced|last=J. Downey|first=Ryan|date=February 21, 2003|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025051852/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470069/justin-christina-tour-dates-announced.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Timberlake's and Aguilera's managers suggested to both singers to go on a conjoint tour. Timberlake agreed with the suggestion, saying that "It would be fun to be on tour with somebody who's that talented".{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456207/timberlake-solo-lp-tightly-guarded.jhtml|title=Justin Timberlake On Tourmate Christina: 'She's Bad'|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|date=January 29, 2003|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|access-date=February 26, 2013|archive-date=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930002524/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456207/timberlake-solo-lp-tightly-guarded.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Timberlake's further reasoning for touring with Aguilera was due to both singers wanting to "break the mold of what people look at as teen pop and move into a different direction".{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471971/justin-talks-tour-plans.jhtml|title=Justin Promises Spectacle, Special Guests On Christina Tour|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=May 20, 2003|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107232852/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471971/justin-talks-tour-plans.jhtml|url-status=dead}} For the tour, Timberlake wanted to transform arenas into clubs, stating that he wants people "to feel like they're a part of the show and it's a party", remarking that anybody caught sitting down would get booted. For the tour, Timberlake performed with eight dancers, a 14-piece band which included four backup singers, three horn players and a DJ. The tour commenced on June 4, 2003, in Phoenix, Arizona and concluded on September 2, 2003, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The tour grossed approximately $45 million.{{cite web|first=John|last=Mitchell|url=http://www.popeater.com/2010/06/17/christina-aguileras-bionic-album-sales/|title=Christina Aguilera's 'Bionic' Disappoints, But Why?|publisher=PopEater. AOL|date=June 17, 2010|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=June 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619091922/http://www.popeater.com/2010/06/17/christina-aguileras-bionic-album-sales/|url-status=live}}

In September 2003, McDonald's announced Timberlake as a new spokesmen for their "I'm Lovin' It" campaign. Timberlake recorded "I'm Lovin' It", to be featured in adverts for the franchise, later expanded and released as a single in December 2003. McDonald's later announced they will sponsor a tour for Timberlake, following his successful North American tour with Christina Aguilera, entitled the Justified World Tour.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/09/03/1062548903741.html?from=storyrhs|title=Bubble-gum pop meets fast food for ad campaign|date=September 4, 2003|access-date=March 9, 2013|last=Gotting|first=Peter|work=The Sunday Morning Herald|publisher=Herald and Weekly Times Ltd|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103182440/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/09/03/1062548903741.html?from=storyrhs|url-status=live}} Timberlake stated "I love what McDonald's is doing with the new 'i'm lovin' it' campaign and it's cool to be part of it [...] We share the same crowd -- people who like to have fun -- and that's what this new partnership and my European concert tour is all about." The tour began with Timberlake playing intimate gigs at clubs and theatres in the United States and Australia before expanding to arenas in Europe.{{cite press release |title=McDonald's Teams With Justin Timberlake on European Concert Tour |url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=111425 |publisher=PRNewswire |date=November 7, 2003 |access-date=December 23, 2008 |archive-date=June 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608190532/http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=111425 |url-status=live }} The tour commenced on May 7, 2003, in Sheffield, England and concluded on June 19, 2004, in Brisbane, Australia. Jive Records released two DVD specials for Justified, Justified: the Videos{{Citation|title=Justin Timberlake – Justified The Videos (2003, DVD)|url=https://www.discogs.com/Justin-Timberlake-Justified-The-Videos/release/7707519|language=en|access-date=|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190859/https://www.discogs.com/Justin-Timberlake-Justified-The-Videos/release/7707519|url-status=live}} and Justin Timberlake: Live from London.

{{Music ratings

| MC = 68/100

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/justified-mw0000662206|title=Justified – Justin Timberlake|first=Stephen Thomas|last=Erlewine|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|publisher=AllMusic. Rovi Corporation|access-date=February 28, 2013|archive-date=March 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320191929/http://www.allmusic.com/album/justified-mw0000662206|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = Blender

| rev2Score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.blender.com/reviews/review_187.html|title=Justin Timberlake: Justified|date=December 2002|first=Clark|last=Collis|magazine=Blender|issue=12|page=154|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040607214811/http://www.blender.com/reviews/review_187.html|archive-date=June 7, 2004|url-status=dead}}

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3Score = B{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/10/28/justified/|title=Justified|date=October 28, 2002|first=David|last=Browne|magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619210945/http://ew.com/article/2002/10/28/justified/|archive-date=June 19, 2017|url-status=dead}}

| rev4 = The Guardian

| rev4Score = {{rating|2|5}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2002/nov/01/popandrock.artsfeatures6|title=CD: Justin Timberlake: Justified|location=London|date=November 7, 2002|first=Caroline|last=Sullivan|work=The Guardian|access-date=March 3, 2013|archive-date=October 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001021646/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2002/nov/01/popandrock.artsfeatures6|url-status=live}}

| rev5 = The New Zealand Herald

| rev5Score = {{rating|4|5}}

| rev6 = NME

| rev6Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/name/6813|title=Justin Timberlake : Justified|date=November 1, 2002|first=Alex|last=Needham|website=NME|access-date=March 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201831/http://www.nme.com/reviews/name/6813|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live}}

| rev7 = Rolling Stone

| rev7Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/justified-20021104|title=Justified|date=November 28, 2002|first=Ben|last=Ratliff|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 3, 2013|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112111025/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/justified-20021104|url-status=live}}

| rev8 = The Rolling Stone Album Guide

| rev8score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite book|last=Sisario|first=Ben|editor1-last=Brackett|editor1-first=Nathan|editor2-last=Hoard|editor2-first=Christian|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide|publisher=Simon & Schuster|edition=4th|year=2004|isbn=0-7432-0169-8|chapter=Justin Timberlake|pages=[https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/815 815–16]}}

| rev9 = Uncut

| rev9Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine|title=Justin Timberlake: Justified|date=January 2003|magazine=Uncut|issue=68|page=115}}

| rev10 = The Village Voice

| rev10Score = A−

}}

Justified received generally positive reviews from critics.{{Cite news |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=March 14, 2013 |title=Justin Timberlake vs. JC Chasez: Why *N SYNC Only Spawned One Superstar |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/justin-timberlake-vs-jc-chasez-why-n-sync-only-spawned-one-1552214/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607000115/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/justin-timberlake-vs-jc-chasez-why-n-sync-only-spawned-one-1552214/ |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |work=Billboard |quote=his debut album, “Justified,” was released ... to generally positive reviews}}{{Cite news |last=Popkin |first=Helen A.S. |date=February 6, 2007 |title=Justin Timberlake in a box |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/justin-timberlake-box-wbna17008732 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208114615/https://www.today.com/popculture/justin-timberlake-box-wbna17008732 |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |work=Today |quote=When JT’s first solo LP, “Justified” dropped in 2002, the onslaught of positive reviews was astonishing}} At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album has received an average score of 68, based on 14 reviews.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/justified/justin-timberlake|title=Reviews for Justified by Justin Timberlake|publisher=Metacritic. CBS Interactive|access-date=July 16, 2012|archive-date=October 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014012603/http://www.metacritic.com/music/justified/justin-timberlake|url-status=live}} Ben Ratliff of Rolling Stone was receptive to The Neptunes's production, and noted both "Like I Love You" and "Cry Me a River" as standout tracks. Ratliff also commented that Justin Timberlake has successfully "vaulted over the canyon" to adulthood. Slant Magazine critic Sal Cinquemani believed that Timberlake meshes with The Neptunes "so well he virtually relinquishes his personality to the super-duo—he could very well be the third member of N.E.R.D." Cinquemani noted the similarities between Justified{{'s}} tracks to the work of musician Michael Jackson, saying that the album should have been Jackson's tenth and final studio album, Invincible (2001).{{cite magazine |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/justin-timberlake-justified/222 |title=Justin Timberlake: Justified |date=November 8, 2002 |first=Sal |last=Cinquemani |magazine=Slant Magazine |access-date=July 16, 2012 |archive-date=April 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408174409/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/justin-timberlake-justified/222 |url-status=live }} BBC Music's Denise Boyd praised "Like I Love You", while also commending "Cry Me a River" for its lyrical content and "Rock Your Body", which he notes contains Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder influences. In Entertainment Weekly, David Browne wrote how the album should have been the outcome of Jackson's tenth studio album, as "the ultramodern R&B-pop hybrid". Browne described Justified as "cohesive", favoring the album to NSYNC's previous two efforts: Celebrity (2001) and No Strings Attached (2000).

Robert Christgau wrote of Timberlake in The Village Voice, "though his talent and character were there for all to see, who knew he'd turn out this heady or beatwise?"{{cite news|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|date=December 31, 2002|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv12b02-02.php|title=Consumer Guide: Don't Call It a Comeback|newspaper=The Village Voice|access-date=August 16, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074751/http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv12b02-02.php|url-status=live}} The newspaper's Christopher O'Connor commended The Neptunes' production, while praising "Like I Love You" and the Janet Jackson collaboration "(And She Said) Take Me Now", saying how the songs show that Timberlake "has the balls to pursue the A-plus list."{{cite news |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2002-11-26/music/good-old-boys/http |title=Good Old Boys |date=November 26, 2002 |first=Christopher |last=O'Connor |newspaper=The Village Voice |access-date=March 3, 2014 |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108051205/http://www.villagevoice.com/2002-11-26/music/good-old-boys/http/ |url-status=live }} O'Connor showed ambivalence towards "Right for Me" and "Cry Me a River", noting the former as "awkward" and the latter as "a lousy Aaliyah impression." Tyler Martin from Stylus Magazine deemed "Señorita" and "Like I Love You" as the record's highlights, while writing that the album does not maintain Timberlake's masculine persona, but still "paints a picture of a complicated young man, growing into adulthood".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/justin-timberlake/justified.htm |title=Justin Timberlake – Justified – Review |first=Tyler |last=Martin |magazine=Stylus Magazine |date=September 1, 2003 |access-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510082227/http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/justin-timberlake/justified.htm |archive-date=May 10, 2012 }}

NME{{'s}} Alex Needham was less enthusiastic, writing that Timberlake's lyrics are "soppy platitudes that may or may not be about Britney". Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian believed the only noticeable tracks are "Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body", noting the latter as "predictable", while criticising the album's lyrics as being "suggestive mumbling". Some critics accused Timberlake of borrowing inspiration too heavily from Michael Jackson's work.{{Cite news |last=Fiasco |first=Lance |date=November 13, 2002 |title=Eminem Beats Timberlake on Charts |url=https://idobi.com/news/eminem-beats-timberlake-on-charts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305143524/https://idobi.com/news/eminem-beats-timberlake-on-charts/ |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |work=idobi Radio}} AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine commented that Timberlake "shamelessly borrows from Jacko, from the Thriller-era", going on to criticize his vocals as to lack substance, with his falsetto lacking character, though calling him a "technically skilled vocalist."

Justified was ranked second on The Face{{'}}s "Recordings of the Year",{{citation|title=The Face Recordings of the Year 2003|url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/theface.htm#2003|work=The Face|access-date=October 24, 2016|archive-date=May 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520085748/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/theface.htm#2003|url-status=live}} and 46 on Village Voice{{'}}s "Pazz + Jop 2003".{{citation|title=Pazz Jop 2003 Lists|url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/villagevoice2003.htm|work=Village Voice|access-date=October 24, 2016|archive-date=December 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211101222/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/villagevoice2003.htm|url-status=live}} Justified was listed at number 37 on The A.V. Club{{'s}} Best music of the decade list.{{cite news|url=https://www.avclub.com/article/the-best-music-of-the-decade-35540|title=The best music of the decade|newspaper=The A.V. Club|access-date=May 19, 2014|archive-date=July 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703020050/http://www.avclub.com/article/the-best-music-of-the-decade-35540|url-status=live}} The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.{{cite book|first1=Robert|last1=Dimery|first2=Michael|last2=Lydon|title=1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition|date=March 23, 2010|publisher=Universe|isbn=978-0-7893-2074-2}} It was also included on The Guardian{{'}}s list of "1000 albums to hear before you die," calling the artist "the quintessential modern crossover act."{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/nov/22/1000tohearbeforeyoudie1 |title=1000 albums to hear before you die |date=November 23, 2007 |work=The Guardian |access-date=December 27, 2017 |archive-date=January 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101073237/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2007/nov/22/1000tohearbeforeyoudie1 |url-status=live }} In 2009 MTV Base included the album among the 100 "Greatest Albums Ever", which ranked 15 after the public poll.{{citation|title= Mtv Base – Greatest Albums Ever |url= http://www.mtv.co.uk/channels/mtv-base/chart/greatest-albums-ever |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090310042354/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channels/mtv-base/chart/greatest-albums-ever |url-status= dead |archive-date= March 10, 2009 |work=MTV|access-date=March 16, 2017}} In 2014, writers from Paste considered it the 7th best solo debut, and in 2017 from Cleveland.com, the best boy band solo debut.{{Cite news |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/just-this-year-alone-solo/#7-justin-timberlake-%E2%80%98n-sync- |title=The 20 Best "Going-Solo" Debut Albums |last=Cosores |first=Philip |date=June 12, 2014 |work=Paste |access-date=July 12, 2017 |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920200605/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/just-this-year-alone-solo/#7-justin-timberlake-%E2%80%98n-sync- |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/05/justin_timberlake_to_harry_sty.html |title=Justin Timberlake to Harry Styles: 18 boy-band solo debuts ranked |last=Smith |first=Troy L. |date=May 12, 2017 |work=Cleveland.com |access-date=July 12, 2017 |archive-date=August 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822012037/http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/05/justin_timberlake_to_harry_sty.html |url-status=live }} Justified ranked 5 on NME{{'}}s greatest debut albums turning 15 in 2017, with the author saying "perhaps a few more listens would have changed NME's mind at the time."{{Cite news |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/2002s-best-debut-albums-1956425 |title=10 of 2002's best debut albums |last=Milton |first=Jamie |date=January 23, 2017 |work=NME |access-date=December 27, 2017 |archive-date=December 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227235937/http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/2002s-best-debut-albums-1956425 |url-status=live }} In 2019, The Guardian ranked it number 87 in their list of "The 100 best albums of the 21st century," saying: "Timberlake's Neptunes/Timbaland-helmed debut was slick, sexy and most importantly, convincing."{{cite web |title=The 100 best albums of the 21st century |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/sep/13/100-best-albums-of-the-21st-century |website=The Guaridan |access-date=January 14, 2020 |date=September 13, 2019 |archive-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913091456/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/sep/13/100-best-albums-of-the-21st-century |url-status=live }}

Justified earned Timberlake three American Music Award nominations, including Favorite Pop/Rock Album, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Fan Choice Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2003/amas2.htm|title=31st American Music Awards (presented in 2003)|publisher=Rock On The Net|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=March 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316001610/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2003/amas2.htm|url-status=live}} Timberlake won the award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album. At the 45th Grammy Awards, Timberlake had one nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Like I Love You".{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywood.com/news/brief/1703700/2003-grammy-award-nominees-announced?page=all|title=2003 Grammy Awards Nominees Announced|publisher=Hollywood.com. Hollywood.com, LLC|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=May 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521211312/http://www.hollywood.com/news/brief/1703700/2003-grammy-award-nominees-announced?page=all|url-status=live}} The following year, Justified earned Timberlake nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, while "Cry Me a River" was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2004/grammys.htm|title=46th Annual Grammy Awards – 2004|publisher=Rock On The Net|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=February 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218081526/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2004/grammys.htm|url-status=live}} Timberlake won the latter two awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&field_nominee_work_value=&year=2003&genre=All|title=Past Winners Search|publisher=Grammy.com|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=September 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929012633/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&field_nominee_work_value=&year=2003&genre=All|url-status=live}} For Justified, Timberlake won Best Male, Best Pop and Best Album at the 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3245921.stm |title=MTV awards rock Edinburgh |date=November 6, 2003 |work=BBC |access-date=December 15, 2017 |archive-date=December 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215180456/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3245921.stm |url-status=live }} Justified won the International Album award at the 2004 Brit Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/2004|title=The Brits 2004 Winners|work=brits.co.uk|access-date=May 3, 2015|archive-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807024604/http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/2004|url-status=live}}

At the 2003 BET Awards, he received two nominations for Best R&B Male Artist and Best New Artist.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71080/2003-bet-awards-nominees|title=2003 BET Awards Nominees Announced|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=June 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629144935/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71080/2003-bet-awards-nominees|url-status=live}} Among others, it was nominated Best Album at the MOBO Award,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3199193.stm|title=BBC NEWS - Entertainment - Mobo Awards 2003: The nominees|website=news.bbc.co.uk|date=September 2003 |access-date=5 June 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203022813/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3199193.stm|url-status=live}} International Album of the Year at the NRJ Music Awards,{{cite web|title=Justin Timberlake - Le beau gosse du Rn'B|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vECHrELMuqkC&q=nrj+music+awards+2003&pg=PA15|access-date=October 26, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107055302/https://books.google.com/books?id=vECHrELMuqkC&q=nrj+music+awards+2003&pg=PA15|url-status=live}} and Foreign Album of the Year at the Danish Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://gaffa.dk/nyhed/2214/nominerede-til-danish-music-awards-offentliggjort|title=Nominerede til Danish Music Awards offentliggjort|website=gaffa.dk|access-date=5 June 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215111407/http://gaffa.dk/nyhed/2214/nominerede-til-danish-music-awards-offentliggjort|url-status=live}}

For a 2018 Billboard article, writers Taylor Weatherby and Nina Braca said the album "may possibly be the most iconic debut album from a former band member in pop music history", describing it as "[a] bona-fide success that foreshadowed Timberlake's superstardom to come" and "at the same time, a declaration of independence from his poppier beginnings."{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8094747/camila-cabello-camila-pop-groups-solo-albums-debut-timeline |title=Every Debut Solo Album Released By Former Pop Group Members, From Spice Girls to 'Camila' |last1=Weatherby |last2=Braca |first1=Taylor |first2=Nina |date=January 17, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 18, 2018 |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118035011/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8094747/camila-cabello-camila-pop-groups-solo-albums-debut-timeline |url-status=live }} From the same magazine, Dan Weiss deemed Justified as Timberlake's "classic album."{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8097609/justin-timberlake-justified-best-album |title=Actually, 'Justified' Is Justin Timberlake's Classic Album: Critic's Take |last=Weiss |first=Dan |date=February 1, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201212156/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8097609/justin-timberlake-justified-best-album |url-status=live }} Writers from Consequence of Sound deemed it "the standard for former teen pop stars' bids to be taken seriously" when comparing it to other debut solo albums released later,{{cite web |url=https://consequence.net/2016/03/album-review-zayn-mind-of-mine/ |title=Zayn – Mind of Mine |date=March 25, 2016 |access-date=January 19, 2018 |work=Consequence of Sound |last=Sackllah |first=David |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114020314/https://consequence.net/2016/03/album-review-zayn-mind-of-mine/ |url-status=live }} and Herald Sun considered it a "boy band to men blueprint."{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/latest-album-reviews-zayn-the-last-shadow-puppets-charles-bradley-club-cheval--pet-shop-boys/news-story/0ad6ee7a44c0b5954eeda7c9d78ae807 |title=Latest Album Reviews: Zayn, The Last Shadow Puppets, Charles Bradley, Club Cheval & Pet Shop Boys |date=March 30, 2016 |work=news.com.au |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117134436/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/latest-album-reviews-zayn-the-last-shadow-puppets-charles-bradley-club-cheval--pet-shop-boys/news-story/0ad6ee7a44c0b5954eeda7c9d78ae807 |url-status=live }} British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran cited the album as an inspiration for his 2014 single "Sing",{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=Ed Sheeran's 'Sing' Headed Toward Top 40 Debut On Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6049852/ed-sheerans-sing-headed-toward-top-40-debut-on-hot-100 |magazine=Billboard |date=April 11, 2014 |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510193550/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6049852/ed-sheerans-sing-headed-toward-top-40-debut-on-hot-100 |url-status=live }} and Shawn Mendes for his 2018 song "Lost in Japan".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdxUZMxV7DA|title=Shawn Mendes Talks Lost in Japan, In My Blood & Camila Cabello|website=YouTube|date=March 24, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018|archive-date=March 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324041959/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdxUZMxV7DA&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} One Direction's Liam Payne, talking about his debut solo album, stated he was focusing on making a record like Justified.{{Cite news |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2017/0901/901454-liam-payne-wants-to-be-the-next-justin-timberlake/ |title=Liam Payne wants to be the next Justin Timberlake |date=September 1, 2017 |work=RTÉ |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235032/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2017/0901/901454-liam-payne-wants-to-be-the-next-justin-timberlake/ |url-status=live }}

Justified debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 439,000 copies in its opening week.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458671/8-mile-soundtrack-edges-timberlake.jhtml|title='8 Mile' Soundtrack Edges Timberlake To Top Billboard Albums Chart|last=D'Angelo|first=Joe|date=November 13, 2002|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|access-date=February 28, 2013|archive-date=February 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209152412/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458671/8-mile-soundtrack-edges-timberlake.jhtml|url-status=dead}} The album was expected to top the chart, replacing the 8 Mile soundtrack (2002).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73538/chart-beat-bonus|title=Chart Beat Bonus|last=Bronson|first=Fred|date=November 8, 2002|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 15, 2013|archive-date=May 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502015134/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73538/chart-beat-bonus|url-status=live}} Instead the soundtrack sold 507,000 copies, due to being propelled by Eminem's "Lose Yourself". The following week, Justified sold 188,770 copies and fell two positions to number four.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73389/jay-z-scores-5th-chart-topper-with-blueprint|title=Jay-Z Scores 5th Chart-Topper With 'Blueprint'|date=November 20, 2002|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 15, 2013|archive-date=May 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524010108/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73389/jay-z-scores-5th-chart-topper-with-blueprint|url-status=live}} In its third week, the album sold 110,000 copies and remained within the top ten on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73312/shania-bounds-up-to-no-1|title=Shania Bounds 'Up' To No. 1|date=November 27, 2002|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 15, 2013|archive-date=July 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705004829/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73312/shania-bounds-up-to-no-1|url-status=live}} The album appeared on the Billboard 200 chart for seventy-two weeks, and eventually went on to sell 3.5 million copies in the US.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57278/born-sexy|title=Born 'Sexy'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=July 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724003531/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57278/born-sexy|url-status=live}} It has been certified three times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for shipments of three million copies. As of 2018, the album has accumuladed 4.6 million album-equivalent units in the US, combining sales and equivalent streams.{{Cite news |url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2018/the-evolution-of-super-bowl-lii-halftime-performer-justin-timberlake.html?cid=socSprinklr-Nielsen |title=The Evolution of Super Bowl LII Half-Time Performer Justin Timberlake |date=January 31, 2018 |work=Nielsen |access-date=January 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201020357/http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2018/the-evolution-of-super-bowl-lii-halftime-performer-justin-timberlake.html?cid=socSprinklr-Nielsen |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |url-status=dead }} Justified debuted and peaked at number two on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Justin Timberlake|chart=R&B/Hip-Hop Albums}}|title=Justin Timberlake Album & Song Chart History: R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 3, 2013}} The album charted on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 2003 year-end charts, reaching number eleven and twenty-six, respectively.

Internationally, Justified received a similar response. In the United Kingdom, Justified debuted at number six on the week of November 16, 2002, and eventually peaked at number one, remaining atop for seven non-consecutive weeks.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73509/westlife-blue-top-uk-charts|title=Westlife, Blue Top U.K. Charts|date=November 11, 2002|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 15, 2013|archive-date=May 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508094723/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73509/westlife-blue-top-uk-charts|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Justin Timberlake Albums Chart History|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/justin%20timberlake/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=March 3, 2013|id=Select the Albums tab|archive-date=March 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307085827/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/justin%20timberlake|url-status=live}} The album has appeared on the chart for eighty-four weeks; it has been certified seven times platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments of 2.1 million copies. As of March 2015, Justified is the 41st best-selling album of the millennium in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-biggest-selling-albums-of-the-millennium-so-far-revealed-__8698/|title=Official Biggest Selling Albums of the Millennium so far revealed!|publisher=Official Charts Company|last=Moss|first=Liv|date=March 19, 2015|access-date=March 19, 2015|archive-date=March 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325034602/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-biggest-selling-albums-of-the-millennium-so-far-revealed-__8698/|url-status=live}} In Canada, the album peaked at number three and has been certified two times platinum by Music Canada.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Justin Timberlake|chart=Canadian Albums}}|title=Justin Timberlake Album & Song Chart History: Canadian Albums|magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 3, 2013}} Justified debuted and peaked at number four in Denmark and the Netherlands, remaining on the charts for forty and seventy-two weeks, respectively.{{cite web|title=Ultratop.be – Justin Timberlake – Justified|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/10c8/Justin-Timberlake-Justified|publisher=Ultratop 50. Hung Medien|access-date=March 3, 2013|archive-date=May 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531033658/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Justin+Timberlake&titel=Justified&cat=a|url-status=live}} The album peaked at number five in New Zealand for one week, appearing on the chart for thirty-six weeks, and receiving a two times platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) for shipping 15,000 units. Justified peaked in the top ten in Belgium, Australia and Norway. The album charted within the top thirty and forty in several other countries. As of June 2012, the album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1688037/justin-bieber-vs-justin-timberlake/ |title=Justin Vs. Justin: Can Bieber Take Timberlake's Crown |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |website=MTV |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=December 26, 2014 |archive-date=January 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107073955/http://www.mtv.com/news/1688037/justin-bieber-vs-justin-timberlake/ |url-status=dead }}

In 2003, Justified was ranked as the 11th most popular album of the year on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine|title=2003 Year End Billboard 200|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2003/top-billboard-200-albums|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 12, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001122709/http://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-billboard-200-albums|archive-date=October 1, 2016}} According to Billboard, as of 2022, Justified is one of the 15 best-performing 21st-century albums without any of its singles being number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite magazine|last=Unterberger|first=Andrew|date=June 23, 2022|url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/biggest-albums-21st-century-number-ones/britney-spears-oops-i-did-it-again-2000/|title=15 of the Biggest 21st Century Albums That Never Scored a Hot 100 No. 1 Hit|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 27, 2022}}

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = {{duration|m=63|s=15}}

| headline = Justified

| title1 = Señorita

| writer1 = {{flatlist|

• Justin Timberlake
• Chad Hugo
• Pharrell Williams

}}

| extra1 = The Neptunes

| length1 = {{duration|m=4|s=54}}

| title2 = Like I Love You

| note2 = featuring Clipse

| writer2 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Hugo
• Williams
• Gene Thornton
• Terrence Thornton

}}

| extra2 = The Neptunes

| length2 = {{duration|m=4|s=43}}

| title3 = (Oh No) What You Got

| writer3 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Timothy Mosley
• Scott Storch

}}

| extra3 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Storch{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length3 = {{duration|m=4|s=31}}

| title4 = Take It from Here

| writer4 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Hugo
• Williams

}}

| extra4 = The Neptunes

| length4 = {{duration|m=6|s=14}}

| title5 = Cry Me a River

| writer5 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Mosley
• Storch

}}

| extra5 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Storch{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length5 = {{duration|m=4|s=48}}

| title6 = Rock Your Body

| writer6 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Hugo
• Williams

}}

| extra6 = The Neptunes

| length6 = {{duration|m=4|s=27}}

| title7 = Nothin' Else

| writer7 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Hugo
• Williams

}}

| extra7 = The Neptunes

| length7 = {{duration|m=4|s=58}}

| title8 = Last Night

| writer8 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Hugo
• Williams

}}

| extra8 = The Neptunes

| length8 = {{duration|m=4|s=47}}

| title9 = Still on My Brain

| writer9 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Harvey Mason, Jr.
• Damon Thomas

}}

| extra9 = The Underdogs

| length9 = {{duration|m=4|s=35}}

| title10 = (And She Said) Take Me Now

| note10 = featuring Janet Jackson

| writer10 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Mosley
• Storch

}}

| extra10 = {{flat list|

• Timbaland
• Storch{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length10 = {{duration|m=5|s=31}}

| title11 = Right for Me

| note11 = featuring Bubba Sparxxx

| writer11 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Mathis
• Mosley
• Storch

}}

| extra11 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Storch{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length11 = {{duration|m=4|s=29}}

| title12 = Let's Take a Ride

| writer12 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Hugo
• Williams

}}

| extra12 = The Neptunes

| length12 = {{duration|m=4|s=44}}

| title13 = Never Again

| writer13 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Brian McKnight

}}

| extra13 = McKnight

| length13 = {{duration|m=4|s=34}}

}}

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = {{duration|m=67|s=24}}

| headline = Justified{{nobold| – UK, Australian and Japanese edition (bonus track)}}

| title14 = Worthy Of

| writer14 = {{flatlist|

• Timberlake
• Carvin Haggins
• Ivan Barias
• Frank Romano
• Valvin Roane

}}

| extra14 = {{flat list|

• Ivan "Orthodox" Barias
• Carvin "Ransum" Haggins

}}

| length14 = {{duration|m=4|s=09}}

}}

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = {{duration|m=67|s=16}}

| headline = Justified{{nobold| – Asian reissue (hidden track)}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.melon.com/album/music.htm?albumId=26724|title=Justified : Justin Timberlake|website=Melon.com|access-date=November 5, 2024}}{{cite web | url=https://www.musickorea.com/Product/Detail/view/pid/60924/cid/623 | title=Justin Timberlake - Justified | Music Korea }}{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/justified/justin-timberlake/details | title=Justified by Justin Timberlake | website=Metacritic }}

| title14 = Why, When, How

| writer14 = {{flatlist|

• Anthony Nance
• Antonio Dixon
• Timberlake

}}

| extra14 = {{flat list|

• Dre & Vidal

}}

| length14 = {{duration|m=4|s=01}}

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Justified: The Videos {{nobold|– VCD/DVD}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fr.fnac.ch/a1478754/Justified-the-videos-Justin-Timberlake-DVD-Zone-2|title=Justified the videos|website=Fr.fnac.ch|access-date=November 5, 2024}}{{cite web | url=https://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_Justin-Timberlake_000000000209134/item_Justified-The-Videos-Ltd_2613454 | title=Justified -The Videos |website=Hmv.co.jp}}{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/justified-the-videos-mw0001286612 | title=Justified: The Videos - Justin Timberlake | Album | website=AllMusic }}

| extra_column = Director(s)

| total_length = 70:46

| title_width = 64%

| extra_width = 36%

| title1 = Like I Love You

| note1 = featuring Clipse

| extra1 = Diane Martel

| length1 = 4:45

| title2 = Like I Love You (MTV's Making the Video – Excerpts)

| extra2 = Martel

| length2 = 9:55

| title3 = Cry Me a River

| extra3 = Francis Lawrence

| length3 = 4:48

| title4 = Like I Love You (2002 MTV Video Music Awards Performance)

| extra4 = Beth McCarthy-Miller

| length4 = 4:39

| title5 = Like I Love You (MTV's TRL Live in Times Square Performance)

| extra5 = Joe DeMaio

| length5 = 3:57

| title6 = Cry Me a River (MTV's TRL Live in Times Square Performance)

| extra6 = DeMaio

| length6 = 4:06

| title7 = Rock Your Body

| extra7 = Lawrence

| length7 = 5:04

| title8 = Rock Your Body (MTV's Making the Video – Excerpts)

| extra8 = Lawrence

| length8 = 10:09

| title9 = Señorita

| extra9 = Paul Hunter

| length9 = 4:36

| title10 = MTV's Launch – Excerpts

| extra10 = Paul Carruthers

| length10 = 10:00

| title11 = 2003 Brit Awards Performance

| extra11 = Guy Freeman

| length11 = 4:59

| title12 = I'm Lovin' It

| note12 = bonus track

| extra12 = Hunter

| length12 = 3:48

}}

Notes

• ^{{{note|a|[a]}}} signifies a co-producer
• "Señorita" features additional vocals by Pharrell Williams.
• "Like I Love You" features a rap performed by Clipse.
• "Right for Me" features a rap performed by Bubba Sparxxx and additional vocals by Timbaland.

Credits for Justified adapted from AllMusic and album's liner notes.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r610485/credits|pure_url=yes}}|title=Credits: Justified|website=AllMusic|access-date=February 28, 2013}}{{cite AV media notes|title= Justified |year= 2002 |type= booklet |publisher= Jive}}

{{Div col}}

• Lainie Aguilar – background vocals {{small|(track 1)}}
• Marsha Ambrosius – background vocals {{small|(track 5)}}
• Damon Bennett – flute {{small|(track 11)}}
• Clipse {{small|(Pusha T and Malice)}} – rap {{small|(track 2)}}
• Vidal Davis – percussion {{small|(track 11)}}
• Nathan East – bass {{small|(track 9)}}
• Omar Edwards – keyboards {{small|(track 11)}}
• Prescott Ellison – drums {{small|(track 13)}}
• Larry Gold – conductor and string arrangements {{small|(tracks 5, 10, 11)}}
• Chad Hugo – instruments {{small|(tracks 1, 2, 4, 6–8, 12)}}
• Janet Jackson – additional vocals {{small|(track 10)}}
• Ben Kenney – guitar {{small|(track 11)}}
• Vanessa Marquez – additional vocals {{small|(track 6)}}
• Harvey Mason, Jr. – music {{small|(track 9)}}
• George "Spanky" McCurdy – drums {{small|(track 11)}}
• Brian McKnight – instruments and vocal arrangements {{small|(track 13)}}
• Bill Meyers – conductor and string arrangements {{small|(track 13)}}
• Bill Pettaway – guitar {{small|(track 5)}}
• Bubba Sparxxx – rap {{small|(track 11)}}
• Scott Storch – clavinet {{small|(tracks 5, 10)}}
• Damon Thomas – music {{small|(track 9)}}
• Timbaland – background vocals {{small|(tracks 3, 5, 10, 11)}}
• Justin Timberlake – lead vocals, background vocals, vocal arrangements
• Thaddeus Tribbett – bass {{small|(track 11)}}
• Tye Tribbett & G.A. – background vocals {{small|(track 5)}}
• Charles Veal & The Southwest Chamber Orchestra – strings {{small|(tracks 4, 8)}}
• Frank "Knuckles" Walker – percussion {{small|(track 11)}}
• Pharrell Williams – instruments and vocal arrangements {{small|(tracks 1, 2, 4, 6–8, 12)}}, additional vocals {{small|(1, 2, 8)}}
• Benjamin Wright – conductor and string arrangements {{small|(tracks 4, 8)}}

{{div col end}}

• Produced by The Neptunes {{small|(tracks 1, 2, 4, 6–8, 12)}}, Timbaland {{small|(3, 5, 10, 11)}}, The Underdogs {{small|(Damon Thomas & Harvey Mason, Jr.)}} {{small|(9)}}, Brian McKnight {{small|(13)}}
• Co-produced by Scott Storch {{small|(track 10)}}
• Recorded by Andrew Coleman {{small|(tracks 1, 2, 4, 6–8, 12)}}, Steve Penny {{small|(3)}}, Jimmy Douglass {{small|(5, 10, 11)}}, Dave "Natural Love" Russell and Dabling Harward {{small|(9)}}, Chris Wood {{small|(13)}}
• Mixed by Serban Ghenea {{small|(tracks 1, 2, 4, 6–8, 12)}}, Jimmy Douglass and Timbaland {{small|(3, 5, 10, 11)}}, Dave "Natural Love" Russell {{small|(9)}}, Dave "Hard Drive" Pensado {{small|(13)}}
• Assistant engineers: Daniel Betancourt and Tim Roberts {{small|(tracks 1, 2, 4, 6–8, 12)}}; "Steamy" {{small|(3, 5, 10, 11)}}; Carlos "Storm" Martinez {{small|(5, 10, 11)}}; Mary Ann Souza, Joe Brown, and Ethan Willoughby {{small|(13)}}
• Strings recorded by Tommy Vicari {{small|(track 13)}}
• Pro Tools engineer: Jimmy Randolph {{small|(track 13)}}
• Additional Pro Tools engineering by John Hanes {{small|(tracks 1, 2, 4, 6–8, 12)}}
• Additional vocals recorded by Eddie Delena {{small|(track 6)}}
• Mastered by Herb Powers Jr. at The Hit Factory for PM Entertainment
• A&R Direction: Silas White
• Photographer: Steven Klein
• Creative director: David Lipman
• Producer: Gabriel Ray Sanchez
• Stylist: Arianne Phillips
• Hair: Jimmy Paul
• Makeup: Carla White
• Set design: Marla Weinhoff

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for Justified}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2007|relyear=2002|access-date=February 4, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|type=album|title=Justified|artist=Justin Timberlake|award=Gold|relyear=2002|relmonth=11|certmonth=2003|access-date=September 1, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Belgium|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|award=Gold|certyear=2003|relyear=2002|access-date=September 1, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|title=Justified|artist=Justin Timbrlake|type=album|nocert=yes|relyear=2001|salesamount=25,000|salesref={{cite web| url=https://acervo.oglobo.globo.com/busca/?tipoConteudo=pagina&pagina=&ordenacaoData=relevancia&allwords=justin+timberlake&anyword=&noword=&exactword=&decadaSelecionada=2000&anoSelecionado=2003&mesSelecionado=&diaSelecionado=| date=December 30, 2003| access-date=June 21, 2019| title=Justin no topo| publisher=Globo.com|work=O Globo|last=Porto|first=Bruno|page=12|language=pt-br|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224033655/https://i.ibb.co/W5tWqJS/Justin-no-topo.jpg|archive-date=24 February 2021|url-status=live|quote=(...) "Justified", has already sold six million units worldwide (with 25 thousand in Brazil).}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Canada|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2002|relmonth=10|certyear=2002|certmonth=01|access-date=September 1, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=album|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2002|certyear=2019|id=8580|access-date=October 8, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|title=Justified|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=2003}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Germany|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|award=Platinum|certyear=2003|relyear=2002|access-date=September 1, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|type=album|title=Justified|artist=Justin Timberlake|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2002|certyear=2003|relmonth=11|access-date=12 August 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=New Zealand|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|award=Platinum|certyear=2011|id=2006-07-07|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|relyear=2010}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|title=Justified|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=album|nocert=true|salesamount=41,195|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.riak.or.kr/stat/pop_200211.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040623051226/http://www.riak.or.kr/stat/pop_200211.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-06-23|title=자료제공:(사)한국음반산업협회/이 자료는당협회와 상의없이 가공,편집을금합니다. - 2002.11월 - POP 음반 판매량|publisher=Recording Industry Association Of Korea|language=ko}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|type=album|title=Justified|artist=Justin Timberlake|award=Gold|relyear=2002|certyear=2003|relmonth=11|access-date=September 1, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Switzerland|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|award=Platinum|certyear=2003|relyear=2002|access-date=September 1, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified|award=Platinum|number=7|id=3576-46-2|salesref={{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/justin-timberlake-to-release-fourth-studio-album-man-of-the-woods-on-february-2/070982|magazine=Music Week|title=Justin Timberlake to release fourth studio album Man Of The Woods on February 2|first=George|last=Garner|date=3 January 2018|access-date=10 June 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142436/http://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/justin-timberlake-to-release-fourth-studio-album-man-of-the-woods-on-february-2/070982|url-status=live}}|certyear=2024|relyear=2002|access-date=November 22, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United States|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=Justified |award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2003|relyear=2002|access-date=September 1, 2013|salesamount=3,969,000|salesref={{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8097976/justin-timberlake-nsync-career-album-song-sales-ask-billboard |title=Ask Billboard: Justin Timberlake & *NSYNC's Career Album & Song Sales |magazine=Billboard |date=February 4, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |last=Trust |first=Gary |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204204414/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8097976/justin-timberlake-nsync-career-album-song-sales-ask-billboard |url-status=live }}}}

{{Certification Table Summary}}

{{Certification Table Entry|title=Justified|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=album|region=Europe|award=Platinum|certyear=2003|access-date=September 1, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|nocert=true|region=Worldwide|salesamount=10,000,000|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1688037/justin-bieber-vs-justin-timberlake|title=Justin Vs. Justin: Can Bieber Take Timberlake's Crown?|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=21 June 2012|access-date=6 March 2021|archive-date=August 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809145849/http://www.mtv.com/news/1688037/justin-bieber-vs-justin-timberlake/|url-status=dead}}}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | streaming=true}}

• List of UK Albums Chart number ones of the 2000s
• List of number-one albums of 2003 (Ireland)

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{Discogs master|90819|type=album|Justified}}

{{Justin Timberlake}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Justified

|titlestyle = background: lightblue

|list =

{{Brit International Album}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album}}

{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Album}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2002 debut albums

Category:Justin Timberlake albums

Category:Albums produced by the Neptunes

Category:Albums produced by Brian McKnight

Category:Albums produced by Scott Storch

Category:Albums produced by Timbaland

Category:Albums produced by the Underdogs (production team)

Category:Brit Award for International Album

Category:Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album

Category:Jive Records albums