Until the End of Time (Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé song)

After the release of his debut solo album Justified in 2002, Timberlake thought he "lost his voice" in the sense that he did not like what he was doing.^[2] He felt "burnt-out" after Justified; this partly changed his career's direction, and he took a break from the music industry and instead appeared in films.^[2] The first role he took during this time was as a journalist in the thriller Edison Force, filmed in 2004 and released on July 18, 2006.^[3] He also appeared in the films Alpha Dog,^[4] Black Snake Moan,^[5] Richard Kelly's Southland Tales,^[6] and voiced Prince Artie Pendragon in the animated film Shrek the Third, released on May 18, 2007.^[7]

When he felt inspired to compose songs again, he did not choose to reunite with his former band 'NSYNC, although he considered it after his first record.^[8] Instead, he went to Justified collaborator Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley's studio in Virginia Beach, Virginia to begin sessions for his second album.^[2][9] However, neither of them had an idea of what the album would be–no plan for it, and even a title.^[9] "Until the End of Time" was written by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Nate "Danja" Hills as a quiet storm ballad, R&B slow jam.^[10][11][12] The song utilizes Linn drums, which Ben Williams of New York compared to Prince's "The Beautiful Ones".^[13]

In his review for Entertainment Weekly, Michael Slezak opined the single "sounds like another smash. The original flavor was already a treat —a stripped-down slow jam with a gorgeously simple melody".^[14] For Complex, Tannis Spencer wrote, "Justin and Beyonce got nice and comfy on this ballad and complement each from start to finish. The beat is slow with an accompanying string section that serves as the perfect backdrop for when Justin hits his high notes. The record has a sultry sound which helps offset the super futuristic sound on the rest of the album."^[15] Billboard editor Adelle Platon described it as a "dreamy love song".^[16] Quentin B. Huff of PopMatters wrote that "Until the End of Time" is heavily reminiscent of Prince's work, adding "both songs (with "Sexy Ladies") are album highlights, but they don't seem to strive for the same level of innovation as other songs in the set."^[17] Sputnikmusic's Amanda Murray called the song "excessively bland".^[18]

In the United States, the solo version of "Until the End of Time" entered the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the chart issued October 20, 2007, making him the first solo male artist that decade to spawn six top 40 singles from the same album. The previous male soloist to achieve that feat was Michael Jackson with Dangerous, which generated seven top 40 Hot 100 entries during 1991–1993. The previous album overall to do so was Shania Twain's Come On Over, which had six top 40 singles during 1997–1999. The same week, the song entered the top five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.^[19] Eventually, the duet version became Timberlake's 17th and Beyoncé's 21st career top 20 song on the Hot 100. The song also became the album's sixth US top 20 entry, making Timberlake the first to achieve that since Michael Jackson in 1991.^[20] It also became Beyoncé's highest charting single on US Adult R&B radio peaking at number 2, until "Love On Top" in 2012.^[21]

Timberlake included "Until the End of Time" on the set list of his 2007 worldwide tour, FutureSex/LoveShow.^[22] He also included it on the set lists of the Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour (2013),^[23] The 20/20 Experience World Tour (2013–15),^[24] The Man of the Woods Tour (2018–19),^[25] and The Forget Tomorrow World Tour (2024–25).^[26] A shortened selection of the song was included in Timberlake's Super Bowl LII halftime show performance in 2018, and featured him playing a white grand piano.^[27]

Digital download (3-track)^[28]

1. "Until the End of Time" – 5:22
2. "Summer Love" (Main Version – Clean) – 4:12
3. "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows" (Justice Remix) – 4:43

Remixes EP^[29]

1. "Until the End of Time" (Jason Nevins Extended Mix) – 7:20
2. "Until the End of Time" (Jason Nevins Mixshow) – 5:42
3. "Until the End of Time" (Ralphi Rosario BIG Radio Mix) – 3:53
4. "Until the End of Time" (Johnny Vicious and DJ Escape Remix) – 8:35
5. "Until the End of Time" (Mike Rizzo Global Club Mix) – 7:30
6. "Until the End of Time" (Jonathan Peters Club Mix) – 8:50

Credits adapted from FutureSex/LoveSounds booklet:^[30]