I think Tim has surrounded himself with good writers particularly from a melodic standpoint. Static is THE MAN!! Missy is also a good writer when she ain't on some "pussy don't fail me now" type ish. I also think that as producer he helps to shape and guide the melody to make his songs standout. No doubt about it, "Cry Me A River" can definitely be stripped down, piano or guitar.
"As much as your imagination allows always put yourself in the other person's shoes before making any judgement-- and even then know that your conclusion is merely an opinion"
Jesus said to them, "... when you make male and female into a single one, so that the male will not be male nor the female be female...then you will enter the kingdom." Gospel of Thomas 22b