I'm Lovin' It (song)

Last updated

"I'm Lovin' It"
I'm Lovin' It.png
Single by Justin Timberlake
from the album Live from London
B-side "Last Night"
ReleasedNovember 20, 2003 (2003-11-20)
Recorded2003
Studio
Length3:42
Label Jive
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) The Neptunes
Justin Timberlake singles chronology
"Señorita"
(2003)
"I'm Lovin' It"
(2003)
"Signs"
(2005)

"I'm Lovin' It" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake. The song, originally written as a jingle for American fast food chain McDonald's, was produced by the Neptunes and is credited as being written by Pharrell Williams, Tom Batoy, Franco Tortora, and Andreas Forberger. [1] It was released as a single on November 20, 2003, and became a chart hit in a few European countries, reaching the top 20 in Greece, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Contents

Background

The song was written as a jingle for McDonald's commercials based on a pre-existing German campaign originally developed as "Ich Liebe Es." [2] Timberlake was paid $6 million to sing the jingle; despite this, Timberlake has since regretted the deal. [3] Soon thereafter, the Neptunes produced a song based on the jingle and released it (along with an instrumental version) as part of a three-track EP in November 2003. A digital download EP with the same name was also released through the iTunes Store on December 16, 2003. The extended play included the title-track and a remix for all of the singles from Timberlake's first solo studio album, Justified . [4] The song was also included on the bonus audio CD of Timberlake's first live DVD, Live From London . [2]

Rapper Pusha T revealed his involvement with the song in June 2016 and claimed that he had created the "I'm Lovin' It" jingle. [1] However, co-writers Batoy and Tortora, as well as several others involved with the jingle's creation, have disputed his claim. [1] Nevertheless, Pusha T's rap vocals do appear on the track for the first ad to air with the new hook and slogan; however, he was only paid on a one-time basis without royalties. [5]

Music video

A music video to promote the single was released in late 2003 and was directed by Paul Hunter. In the video, Timberlake is seen chasing Lindsay Frimodt around New York City.

Track listings

  1. "I'm Lovin' It" – 3:42
  2. "I'm Lovin' It" (instrumental) – 3:42
  3. "Last Night" – 4:47
  1. "I'm Lovin' It" – 3:48
  2. "Rock Your Body" (Sander Kleinenberg Just in the Club mix) – 9:42
  3. "Cry Me a River" (Dirty Vegas vocal mix) – 8:21
  4. "Like I Love You" (Basement Jaxx vocal mix) – 6:12
  5. "Señorita" (Num Club mix) – 7:53

Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from the European CD single liner notes. [6]

Studio

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2003–2004)Peak
position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) [7] 55
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) [8] 25
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia) [9] 1
CIS (TopHit) [10] 64
Greece (IFPI) [11] 17
Hungary (Single Top 40) [12] 6
Ireland (IRMA) [13] 15
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) [14] 13
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [15] 27
Romania (Romanian Top 100) [16] 90
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [17] 43
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [18] 47
UK Singles (OCC) [19] 79
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [20] 28

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
SpainNovember 20, 2003 Digital download Sony Music Entertainment [21]
Singapore [22]
GermanyDecember 1, 2003 [23]
Maxi single [24]
LuxembourgDigital download [25]
FranceDecember 9, 2003 [26]
United StatesDecember 16, 2003 [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2002 single by Justin Timberlake

"Cry Me a River" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his debut solo album, Justified (2002). It was written by Timberlake, Scott Storch, and Timbaland, with the latter two handling production. It was thought to be inspired by Timberlake's former relationship with singer Britney Spears. Jive Records released the song to contemporary hit and rhythmic radio in the United States on November 25, 2002, as the album's second single. Accompanied by an electric piano, beatbox, guitars, synthesizers, Arabian-inspired riffs and Gregorian chants, "Cry Me a River" is a pop and R&B song about a brokenhearted man who moves on from his past.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock Your Body</span> 2003 single by Justin Timberlake

"Rock Your Body" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake from his debut studio album, Justified (2002). The Neptunes wrote and produced the song. The song features background vocals by American singer Vanessa Marquez, who was signed to The Neptunes' Star Trak record label at the time. Jive Records released the track on March 17, 2003, as the third single from Justified. Originally intended to be featured on Michael Jackson's tenth studio album Invincible (2001), Jackson rejected the song along with several other tracks, which were instead given to Timberlake for his debut album. It is an uptempo, disco groove, soul infused song containing influences from Jackson and Stevie Wonder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Señorita (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2003 single by Justin Timberlake

"Señorita" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his debut studio album, Justified (2002). It was released on July 7, 2003, by Jive Records as the fourth single from the album. He co-wrote the track with its producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes. According to Timberlake, the song was influenced by Stevie Wonder. Musically, "Señorita" is an R&B, pop, and jazz up-tempo ballad, featuring an electric piano strut, cowbell in beat of the song, and a rhythm section. The song has been described as a Spanish "number" with a "Latin flavored" cut beat. In the track, Timberlake sings about a woman, whose attention he is trying to capture. "Señorita" received positive reviews from music critics, who commented on the track's general sound and lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SexyBack</span> 2006 single by Justin Timberlake

"SexyBack" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006). It was released on July 18, 2006, to US mainstream and rhythmic radio stations by Jive Records as the lead single from the album. The song was written and produced by Danja, Timbaland, and Timberlake. Discussing "SexyBack", Timberlake revealed that he went "left", singing the song in a rock style, not an R&B style. He described the song as musicians David Bowie and David Byrne "covering" James Brown's 1970 song "Sex Machine". The track features Timbaland while Timberlake's voice is distorted. The instrumentation used in the song includes a pounding bass beat, electronic chords, and drum machine sounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Goes Around... Comes Around</span> 2006 single by Justin Timberlake

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around (Interlude)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake from his second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Danja. The song was said by Timberlake to be about betrayal and forgiveness, and was described by some music critics as a psychedelic pop and sophisti-pop "sequel" to his 2002 single "Cry Me a River". The song received generally positive reviews from music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give It to Me (Timbaland song)</span> 2007 song by Timbaland featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake

"Give It to Me" is a song performed by American producer, songwriter and rapper Timbaland, released as the first single from his second studio album Shock Value (2007). The song features vocals by Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado and American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake. All three artists co-wrote the song together with American rapper Attitude and American producer Danja, who co-produced the song with Timbaland. Mosley Music Group, in association with Blackground Records and Interscope Records, serviced the song to contemporary hit and rhythmic radios in the United States on February 6, 2007, and later to urban radios on March 10, 2007. "Give It to Me" is an electro song that embodies the sensibilities of club music. The song features the protagonists addressing their critics about their successes in the music industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Until the End of Time (Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé song)</span> 2007 single by Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé

"Until the End of Time" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake from his second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006), written and produced by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Nate "Danja" Hills. The song was later re-recorded as a duet featuring American singer Beyoncé, which was released as a single on November 13, 2007 and included on the Deluxe Edition of the album. It reached the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, being the sixth single from the album to do so, with Timberlake becoming the only male artist in the decade to achieve this. During the concert tour FutureSex/LoveShow, Timberlake performed the song as a piano solo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayo Technology</span> 2007 single by 50 Cent featuring Justin Timberlake

"Ayo Technology" is the fourth single from 50 Cent's third album, Curtis (2007). It was released on July 24, 2007. The song, featuring Justin Timberlake and vocals from Timbaland, who also produced the song along with Danja, has peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, the song peaked within the top ten of the charts in many countries, including Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom. The song has since been covered by Milow, a Belgian singer-songwriter whose version was successful in a number of countries, including Belgium, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The song was also covered by Greek-Belgian singer Katerine Avgoustakis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rehab (Rihanna song)</span> 2008 single by Rihanna

"Rehab" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). Def Jam Recordings serviced the song to contemporary hit radio in the United States on October 6, 2008, as the fifth and final single from the album. It was released in the United Kingdom as a CD single on December 8, 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Is the Love?</span> 2003 single by the Black Eyed Peas

"Where Is the Love?" is a song by American hip hop group the Black Eyed Peas. It was released on May 12, 2003, as the lead single from their third album, Elephunk (2003). The song was written by will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, Justin Timberlake, Printz Board, Michael Fratantuno, and George Pajon. The track features vocals from Timberlake, although he is not officially credited on the single release. It was the group's first song to feature singer Fergie as an official member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Do You Take Me For?</span> 2011 single by Pixie Lott featuring Pusha T

"What Do You Take Me For?" is a song by English singer Pixie Lott from her second studio album, Young Foolish Happy (2011). The song features American rapper Pusha T and was released on 4 November 2011 as the album's second single. The track received its first play on Capital FM on 26 September 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">As Long as You Love Me (Justin Bieber song)</span> 2012 single by Justin Bieber featuring Big Sean

"As Long as You Love Me" is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber from his third studio album, Believe (2012). The track features American rapper Big Sean. It was first released on July 10, 2012, as a promotional single from the album, and one month later it was released as the album's second single.

<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 January 15 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.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burn (Ellie Goulding song)</span> 2013 single by Ellie Goulding

"Burn" is a song by English singer Ellie Goulding from Halcyon Days (2013), the reissue of her second studio album, Halcyon (2012). The song was written by Ryan Tedder, Goulding, Greg Kurstin, Noel Zancanella and Brent Kutzle, while production was handled by Kurstin and vocal production was done by Tedder. It was released on 5 July 2013 as the lead single from the reissue. The song was originally recorded by British singer Leona Lewis for her third studio album, Glassheart (2012), but it was ultimately scrapped.

<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.

<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">Love Never Felt So Good</span> 2014 single by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake

"Love Never Felt So Good" is a song by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson, released posthumously on May 2, 2014. The song, reworked from a 1983 demo track originally composed by Jackson and Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka, was the first single released from Jackson's second posthumous album, Xscape.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supplies (song)</span> 2018 single by Justin Timberlake

"Supplies" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his fifth studio album, Man of the Woods (2018). It was written and produced by Timberlake with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, and released on January 18, 2018. Its music video was directed by Dave Meyers. The song was serviced to rhythmic radio on January 23, 2018, as the album's second single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say Something (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2018 single by Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton

"Say Something" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake featuring vocals by fellow American singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton. It was released on January 25, 2018, as the third single from his fifth studio album Man of the Woods (2018) along with its music video. The song was written and produced by Timberlake, Larrance Dopson, Floyd Nathaniel Hills, and Timbaland, with additional songwriting by Stapleton. It debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Timberlake's 19th top 10 single as a solo artist and Stapleton's first. It also reached number one in Slovakia and Slovenia and the top 10 in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Scotland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It was serviced to contemporary hit radio on February 13, 2018. A live version of the song was released on March 31. "Say Something" received a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Hogan, Marc (July 14, 2016). "The Contentious Tale of the McDonald's "I'm Lovin' It" Jingle | Pitchfork". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  2. 1 2 Moran, Alec (October 14, 2014). "Five Things You Never Knew About 'I'm Lovin' It'". Chicago magazine.
  3. "Timberlake Inc". British GQ . March 29, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 "I'm Lovin' It – EP by Justin Timberlake". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  5. "McDonald's: The Mystery of 'I'm Lovin It'". YouTube . Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  6. 1 2 I'm Lovin' It (European CD single liner notes). Justin Timberlake. New York City: Jive Records. 2003. 82876 58172 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. "Justin Timberlake – I'm Lovin' It" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  8. "Justin Timberlake – I'm Lovin' It" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  9. "Justin Timberlake – I'm Lovin' It" (in French). Ultratip.
  10. Justin Timberlake — I'm Lovin' It. TopHit. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  11. "Top 50 Singles Εβδομάδα 15–21/2" (in Greek). IFPI. Archived from the original on February 19, 2004. Retrieved February 19, 2004.
  12. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  13. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – I'm Lovin' It". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  14. "Nederlandse Top 40 – Justin Timberlake" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  15. "Justin Timberlake – I'm Lovin' It" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  16. "Arhiva romanian top 100 – Editia 3, saptamina 19.01 – 25.01, 2004" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on February 20, 2005. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  17. "Justin Timberlake – I'm Lovin' It". Singles Top 100.
  18. "Justin Timberlake – I'm Lovin' It". Swiss Singles Chart.
  19. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 16, 2019.
  20. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  21. "I'm Lovin' It". 7digital. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014.
  22. "I'm Lovin' It". 7digital. Archived from the original on July 5, 2013.
  23. "I'm Lovin' It". 7digital. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014.
  24. "I'm Lovin' It: Amazon.de: Musik". amazon.de.
  25. "I'm Lovin' It". 7digital. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014.
  26. "I'm Lovin' It". 7digital. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014.