Don't Hold the Wall

Last updated
"Don't Hold the Wall"
Song by Justin Timberlake
from the album The 20/20 Experience
ReleasedMarch 15, 2013
Recorded2012
Studio Larrabee Studios (North Hollywood)
Genre R&B
Length7:10
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Timbaland
  • Justin Timberlake
  • Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon

"Don't Hold the Wall" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy.

Contents

Background and production

Timberlake started writing and recording for his third studio album in the "late part of May, first week in June" and concluded in July 2012. [1] The project was produced in a span of 20 days. [2] In August 2012, producer Jim Beanz reported that Timberlake started work on his new music project. [3] However, at that time, shortly after the announcement, Timberlake's publicist revealed that there were no current plans for a new Timberlake album, affirming instead that Timberlake was working with Timbaland on songs for his upcoming project Shock Value III. [3] Although, originally planned for release in October 2012, the album's date was postponed because of the singer's wedding with actress Jessica Biel. [1] Timberlake's manager Johnny Wright stated that although in the project were involved artists who are also primarily and Timberlake's friends it was tough keeping the album a secret, making them use codenames for the project. [1] The album was released on March 15, 2013, under the title The 20/20 Experience . [4]

"Don't Hold the Wall" was written by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon and James Fauntleroy. [5] The song was produced by Timbaland, Timberlake and Harmon. [5] Timberlake arranged and produced his vocals, which were recorded at Larabee Studios in North Hollywood, California. [5] Harmon provided keyboards for the song, while Elliot Ives played the guitar. [5] The song was engineered by Chris Godbey, with assistance from Alejandro Baima. [5] The song was mixed by Jimmy Douglass, Godbey and Timberlake at Larabee Studios. [5]

Composition and lyrical interpretation

"Don't Hold the Wall" is a R&B song with a length of seven minutes and ten seconds. [6] According to Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle the song "rides a hypnotic, sensual groove". [7] The song contains tribal chants and "oozing" vocal samples. [8] Tribal drums, [9] rainsticks, "spacious drums" [8] and a "pseudo-Indian" beat [10] are also present.

"Don't Hold the Wall" begins a "gorgeous sounding" The Beach Boys-like chorus, according to David Meller of MusicOMH. [11] Jean Bentley of Hollywood.com compared the a cappella introduction of the song to that of Timberlake's former boy band, 'NSYNC. [12] The song then shifts into a mix of hip hop, Bollywood and Bhangra music. [11] Four minutes and twenty seconds into the song, "Don't Hold the Wall" transcends "darker, more muscular structure", according to Billboard's Jason Lipshutz. [8] The song concludes with drum and bass loops and vocoder backing vocals. [11]

Lyrically, the song sees Timberlake in pursuit of a woman in a club, "something he's undoubtedly had little trouble doing over the years". [13] Timberlake commands the object of his affection to "give in" to her "physical impulses". [8] Timbaland chants, "Dance... Don't hold the wall", in a voice that sounds "as if it is coming through a broken phone receiver", according to Allan Raible of ABC News. [10] According to Lipshutz, Timbaland's production on the song is "the star" of The 20/20 Experience. [8] He wrote that "there are so many things happening" in the song that it takes five listens just to "process them". [8]

Critical response

Sarah Dean of The Huffington Post called "Don't Hold the Wall" one of the "strongest songs" on The 20/20 Experience. She cited the song as being the "Chop Me Up" of FutureSex/LoveSounds and the "Rock Your Body" of Justified "funked up" for The 20/20 Experience. [13] Allan Raible of ABC News called the song a "sparse, hand-clap jam" that does not warrant its seven-minute length, even with its "marginally interesting breakdown". [10]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of The 20/20 Experience. [5]

Locations
Personnel

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
South Korea Gaon International Chart [14] 24
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [15] 4
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [16] 37

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Beanz</span> American producer and songwriter

James David Washington, known professionally as Jim BEANZ, is an American vocal producer, songwriter, singer and record producer from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He is signed to Timbaland Productions and Sunset Entertainment Group.

"Release" is a song performed by American producer and rapper Timbaland, taken from his second studio album Shock Value (2007). The song features vocals by longtime collaborator Justin Timberlake. Mosley and Timberlake co-wrote the song together with rapper and songwriter Craig Longmiles. The song was produced solely by Timbaland and recorded in various locations in the United States. "Release" is an uptempo house and funk song that incorporates elements of dance and urban music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carry Out</span> 2009 single by Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake

"Carry Out" is a song recorded by American producer and rapper Timbaland for his third studio album Shock Value II (2009). The song features guest vocals from longtime collaborator, American recording artist Justin Timberlake. Timbaland and Timberlake co-wrote the song with Timothy "Attitude" Clayton, Jim Beanz and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon; with Harmon co-producing the song with Timbaland. Mosley Music Group, together with Blackground and Interscope Records, serviced the song to contemporary hit radio on December 1, 2009, in the United States, as the third single from Shock Value II.

Jerome Harmon, better known as J-Roc, is an American songwriter and music producer from Fort Worth, Texas. He frequently collaborates with Timbaland. Jerome Harmon has produced for Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Ashlee Simpson, Mario, Nelly Furtado, Jamie Foxx, Michael Jackson, Kat Dahlia and Chris Cornell.

<i>The 20/20 Experience</i> 2013 studio album by Justin Timberlake

The 20/20 Experience is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake. It was released on March 19, 2013, by RCA Records, as the follow-up to his second studio album FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006). It is considered the first half of a two-piece project, later being supplemented by his fourth studio album The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013). The album incorporates neo soul styles with elements of older soul music; its lyrics discuss themes of romance and sex. Production is handled by Timbaland, Timberlake, who also serves as the album's executive producer, and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with Rob Knox contributing to the album's deluxe edition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suit & Tie</span> 2013 single by Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z

"Suit & Tie" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake from his third studio album The 20/20 Experience (2013). It features a verse from American rapper Jay-Z. It was written and produced by Timberlake, Tim "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy and Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. It features compositional samples from the 1972 song "Sho' Nuff" by Sly, Slick and Wicked, which members are credited as co-writers to "Suit & Tie". The song was premiered on YouTube on January 13, 2013, and was released on the following day by RCA Records as the lead single from the album. It serves as Timberlake's highly anticipated musical comeback following a six-year hiatus, during which time he pursued an acting career and developed his skills as a record producer and songwriter for other artists.

"Strawberry Bubblegum" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy. "Strawberry Bubblegum" is a mid-tempo pop, R&B and soul song with elements of EDM and ambient. Its music structure received comparison to the works of musicians such as Barry White, Prince and Stevie Wonder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tunnel Vision (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2013 single by Justin Timberlake

"Tunnel Vision" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing by James Fauntleroy. "Tunnel Vision" was digitally released on June 14, 2013 by RCA Records as the third single from the album. It is a mid-tempo R&B song with EDM influence and instrumentation featuring Timbaland's signature ad-libs, record-scratching, heavy drums, melodic bass, orchestration and synthesizer. Its lyrics proclaim Timberlake's tunnel vision for his love interest, with several voyeuristic references.

"Let the Groove Get In" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy. A latin song, "Let the Groove Get In" contains sample from the recording "Alhamdulillaahi" part of the release Explore Series: Africa-Burkina Faso: Rhythms of the Grasslands (2002). Music critics received the song well and noticed a similarity between it and the works of Michael Jackson in particular his 1983 single "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'". Following the release of The 20/20 Experience, it debuted at number 31 on the South Korea International Chart and at number nine on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mirrors (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2013 single by Justin Timberlake

"Mirrors" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience (2013). First conceived in 2009, the track was inspired by his relationship with Jessica Biel and the marriage of his grandparents. It is an eight-minute-long mid-tempo progressive soul and R&B ballad. Timberlake wrote and produced the song with Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy. The accompanying music video, directed by Floria Sigismondi, was released in March 2013 and depicts a tale of two lovers through several decades.

"Pusher Love Girl" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy. The song is an ode to the "intoxicating effects" of love and sex. "Pusher Love Girl" is a slow-tempo R&B song that goes through several different styles during its eight-minute duration. It opens with an orchestral intro, before transcending into its "funky main section". The song concludes with an outro that sees Timberlake rap over futuristic hip hop beats, comparing several narcotics to the love of his significant other.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take Back the Night (song)</span> 2013 single by Justin Timberlake

"Take Back the Night" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his fourth studio album, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy. The song was released on July 12, 2013, by RCA Records, as the lead single from The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2. "Take Back the Night" is a disco and R&B song that lyrically addresses a potential love interest.

<i>The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2</i> 2013 studio album by Justin Timberlake

The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake. The album is considered the second half of a two-piece project, being supplemented by The 20/20 Experience (2013), his third studio album. It was released on September 27, 2013, by RCA Records. Its lead single "Take Back the Night" was released on July 12, 2013. Coinciding with the release of The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2, the record was packaged with The 20/20 Experience and released as a compilation album titled, The 20/20 Experience – The Complete Experience. Upon its release, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 received mixed reviews from critics. The third single "Not a Bad Thing" charted within the top ten on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Mainstream Top 40 airplay chart. "Drink You Away" reached Country radio in November 2015, after being performed at the Country Music Association Awards.

"Gimme What I Don't Know (I Want)" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his fourth studio album, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy.

"Cabaret" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Justin Timberlake for his fourth studio album, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013). Featuring a rap verse by Canadian rapper Drake, the song was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon and Daniel Jones, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy and Drake. "Cabaret" is a pop and soul song which features beatboxing, handclapping, guitars and keyboards in its composition. Music critics noted its similarity to Timbaland's earlier works with singer Aaliyah and Timberlake's 2006 single "My Love". Lyrically, it finds the singer comparing his love to a burlesque and features sexually oriented lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TKO (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2013 single by Justin Timberlake

"TKO" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his fourth studio album, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy and a sample of Barry White's "Somebody's Gonna off the Man". The song was distributed on September 20, 2013 by RCA Records, as the second single from The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2. A remix of the track by rappers J. Cole, ASAP Rocky and Pusha T, known as the "Black Friday Remix", was also released. The lyrics use boxing metaphors to explain how somebody being knocked out feels to them when they see their ex out with another guy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not a Bad Thing</span> 2014 single by Justin Timberlake

"Not a Bad Thing" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his fourth studio album, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy. It was released as the third single from the album on February 24, 2014. The song is a mid-tempo pop ballad, that makes use of an acoustic guitar throughout, with its lyrics centering on the semantic field of love.

"Drink You Away" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his fourth studio album, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy. It was sent to US country radio stations on November 23, 2015 as the fourth and final single from the album. Musically, it was defined by critics as a multi-genre song including classic rock, country pop, gospel blues and Memphis soul. Lyrically, on the track, Timberlake compares love to alcoholism while making references to several alcoholic brands including Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam. As of May 2016, the song has sold over 600,000 copies in the US.

James Edward Fauntleroy II is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer from Inglewood, California. He is best known for numerous songwriting credits and guest performances on songs by high-profile artists including Travis Scott, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Drake, J. Cole, Vince Staples, Big Sean, Jay-Z, John Mayer, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake. In 2014 and 2018, Fauntleroy won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Aswad, Jem (March 19, 2013). "Justin Timberlake Manager Johnny Wright on Secret Plans Around '20/20 Experience,' Touring, Myspace, More". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved March 22, 2013.
  2. ↑ Halperin, Shirley (27 March 2013). "How a Live Nation Deal Cornered Justin Timberlake". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Anderson, Kyle (August 7, 2012). "Justin Timberlake totally not working on 'crazy' new album, despite what a dude named Jim Beanz says". Entertainment Weekly . Time Inc . Retrieved January 14, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Musik – The 20/20 Experience (Deluxe Version) von Justin Timberlake" (in German). iTunes Store (DE). Apple . Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The 20/20 Experience (booklet). Justin Timberlake. New York City, NY: RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ↑ Golden, Grant (March 20, 2013). "Timberlake's return just short of a perfect vision". Technician . North Carolina State University . Retrieved March 31, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Not a drop of hindsight on forward-looking '20/20' – Houston Chronicle". Chron.com. March 15, 2013. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Justin Timberlake, 'The 20/20 Experience': Track-by-Track Review". Billboard. March 12, 2013. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  9. ↑ "Justin Timberlake, The 20/20 Experience, album review". Telegraph. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  10. 1 2 3 "Review: Justin Timberlake's 'The 20/20 Experience' – ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. March 23, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  11. 1 2 3 "Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience | Album Reviews". musicOMH. March 15, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  12. ↑ Bentley, Jean (March 11, 2013). "Justin Timberlake's 'The 20/20 Experience' is Streaming Online Right Now! An Early Review | Celebrity News". Hollywood.com. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  13. 1 2 Dean, Sarah (March 15, 2013). "Justin Timberlake 'The 20/20 Experience' Review: It's Good to Hear from an Old Friend". The Huffington Post. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  14. ↑ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week, March 17 to 23, 2013)" (in Korean). Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.