Justin Timberlake Reflects on His Iconic Hits Ahead of Songwriters Hall of Fame

Justin Timberlake will receive the Contemporary Icon Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 50th anniversary gala on June 13 in New York City. We asked him to share the stories behind three of his hits. Here’s what he had to say.

“Cry Me a River” (Justified, 2002)

“Cry Me a River” was a career-defining moment. It led to me being taken seriously as a songwriter by the industry and fans, and helped established my voice as a solo artist. The sound Timbaland and I explored in that song is one that laid the groundwork for my style of music moving forward.

“SexyBack” (FutureSex/LoveSounds, 2006)

Timbaland and I went back and forth trading lines, freestyling that song, but it came about after I had been listening to David Bowie for weeks. I wanted something with that same unapologetic feeling as “Rebel Rebel”, that feeling of being completely comfortable with yourself. After the song came out I was walking around NYC when I crossed paths with a UPS delivery guy who shouted, “Hey, JT! I’m bringing sexy back!” He was wearing the uniform and everything, but in that moment he felt that way and that was awesome. I wanted anyone to be able to say those words.

“Mirrors” (The 20/20 Experience, 2013)

“Mirrors” was written for my wife years before it was ever released or we were married. However, it’s when I perform it live that I see and feel how those lyrics have impacted others. Hearing everyone sing that last chorus with me will always be special. It means a lot to me that people have really connected with that song.

Billboard