What does 12" Masters – The Essential Mixes sound like?

A vibrant collection of remixes that reimagines Timberlake's pop hits through electronic and dance music lenses. Rooted in contemporary R&B and electropop. Start with "Cry Me a River (Dirty Vegas vocal mix)".

Is 12" Masters – The Essential Mixes a good place to start with Justin Timberlake?

Yes, 12" Masters – The Essential Mixes is recommended as a starting point for new Justin Timberlake listeners. A vibrant collection of remixes that reimagines Timberlake's pop hits through electronic and dance music lenses. By 2010, Justin Timberlake had established himself as a solo artist following the monumental success of his debut album 'Justified' and its follow-up 'FutureSex/LoveSounds'. This album, '12" Masters – The Essential Mixes', serves as a retrospective of his earlier work, showcasing how his sound had transitioned into the dance-oriented realm while maintaining commercial viability.

Who is 12" Masters – The Essential Mixes for?

12" Masters – The Essential Mixes works well if you're into dancefloor-ready remixes ignite energy, wave-like pacing for easy flow and late-night party atmosphere throughout.

How many songs are on 12" Masters – The Essential Mixes?

12" Masters – The Essential Mixes has 11 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

12" Masters – The Essential Mixes

Justin Timberlake · 2010

74 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant collection of remixes that reimagines Timberlake's pop hits through electronic and dance music lenses.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cry Me a River (Dirty Vegas vocal mix) Start here — This remix elevates Timberlake's emotional vocal performance with an infectious electronic beat, showcasing how the original's heartbreak translates into a dancefloor anthem.
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LoveStoned/I Think She Knows (Tiësto remix) — Tiësto transforms this track into an exhilarating club hit, merging Timberlake's smooth vocals with pulsating energy that exemplifies the marriage of pop and EDM.
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SexyBack (Linus Loves remix) — This remix takes the original's bold swagger and amplifies it with a driving beat and dynamic production, illustrating Timberlake’s flair for blending R&B with electronic grooves.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album effectively showcases Timberlake's hits through diverse remixes, though it lacks strong cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

Each track is a remix of a previous Timberlake hit, reinterpreted by various prominent DJs, creating a distinct electronic dance music atmosphere.
The remixes maintain the original melodies but often alter the tempo and arrangement significantly, emphasizing rhythmic elements suitable for club play.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dancefloor-ready remixes ignite energy
wave-like pacing for easy flow
late-night party atmosphere throughout
dynamic mix progression keeps interest
for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking slow, introspective moments
prefer standalone tracks over mixes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A remix album showcasing Timberlake's dance influence, not a primary entry point.
Themes: club heartbreak· EDM-infused romance· dance floor swagger
Career context: By 2010, Justin Timberlake had established himself as a solo artist following the monumental success of his debut album 'Justified' and its follow-up 'FutureSex/LoveSounds'. This album, '12" Masters – The Essential Mixes', serves as a retrospective of his earlier work, showcasing how his sound had transitioned into the dance-oriented realm while maintaining commercial viability.
Stylistic neighbors: Usher· Bruno Mars· The Weeknd

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

LoveStoned/I Think She Knows (Tiësto remix)

The shift from catchy hooks to a rhythmic build-up captures the essence of longing and passion amidst an electrifying backdrop.

The transformation from intimate lyrics to an expansive soundscape highlights Timberlake's storytelling prowess while inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the dance experience.