Selfish (Justin Timberlake song)

Last updated

"Selfish"
Justin Timberlake - Selfish.png
Promotional graphic
Single by Justin Timberlake
from the album Everything I Thought It Was
ReleasedJanuary 25, 2024 (2024-01-25)
Genre
Length3:49
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Justin Timberlake singles chronology
"3D"
(2023)
"Selfish"
(2024)
"No Angels"
(2024)
Music video
"Selfish" on YouTube

"Selfish" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake. Released on January 25, 2024, it is his first solo single release in almost six years, following his standalone July 2018 single "SoulMate". It is the lead single from his sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was . [3] It was followed shortly after by a promotional single, "Drown", in late February.

Contents

Background and release

Between 2020 and 2023, Timberlake did not release any solo singles, only appearing on collaborations such as "Stay with Me", "Sin Fin" with Romeo Santos, and on Timbaland's "Keep Going Up" alongside Nelly Furtado. [4] In September 2023, he reunited with NSYNC on the promotional single "Better Place" for the soundtrack album to the 2023 DreamWorks Animation film Trolls Band Together ; he also co-produced the soundtrack itself. [5]

On January 25, 2024, Timberlake appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon . He announced the release of "Selfish" and revealed that the parent album Everything I Thought It Was had taken four years to produce. [6]

Composition

The song was written by Timberlake, Amy Allen, Henry Walter, Theron Thomas, and Louis Bell. The song was produced by Timberlake, Cirkut, and Bell.

In an Apple Music 1 interview, the singer explained that the songwriting process of the single started with his music director Adam Blackstone singing "Jealous Guy" by Donny Hathaway. [7] [8] During the process, Timberlake reflected that men usually do not sing about "an emotion that makes them vulnerable". [9]

Critical reception

Billboard compared the track to Timberlake's previous lead singles saying it "is actually much more unassuming" describing it as "a honeyed, ornately produced mid-tempo ballad built on warmly groaning organs and a bossa nova drum machine," and while lyrically "not exactly a brand-new sentiment" for Timberlake, it is "one sweet enough that it's hard to really get up much hate for." [10] It was voted as favorite new music release in their weekly poll. [11] Consequence gave the song a widely negative review, calling it "a turd" and stating that "'Selfish' isn't even bad enough to be interesting, and it's certainly not ambitious; it's like he was aiming squarely for mediocre and still came up short." [12] The New York Times found it thematically similar to Nick Jonas' 2014 single "Jealous". [13] The Daily Beast also compared "Selfish" to Jonas' song, and said it "seems to be mature, radio-friendly, well-produced, and, yes, ambitionless pop." [14]

Promotion

Music video

An official music video, directed by Bradley Calder, was released on January 25, 2024. [15] [16]

The music video on YouTube has received over 25 million views as of April 2024. [17]

Live performances

On January 19, 2024, Timberlake performed a free one-night-only concert at the Orpheum in Memphis where he live-debuted the new single after teasing a new project on social media in previous days. [18] On January 27, 2024, Timberlake performed the single on Saturday Night Live . The performance was introduced by Jimmy Fallon. [19] Timberlake performed the song on the February 23, 2024 episode of the UK's The Graham Norton Show . [20] [21] In April 2024, Timberlake opened the iHeartRadio Music Awards, performing the single, as well as "No Angels", the second single off of Everything I Thought It Was. [22]

Chart performance

In the United States, "Selfish" debuted and peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Timberlake's highest debut in six years on the chart. It became his 39th career solo entry on the Hot 100 and his 29th to reach the top 40. [23] In Canada, the track debuted and peaked at number 22 on the Canadian Hot 100. [24]

In the United Kingdom, "Selfish" debuted at number 47 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart and number 51 on the Singles Sales Chart on January 26, 2024. [25] On January 29, 2024, the song appeared at number 35 on the country's Singles Midweek Chart and ended up debuting at number 37 on the main chart on February 2, 2024; [26] [27] it appeared on that chart for nine weeks. [28] "Selfish" climbed to its eventual peak at number 29 in the following week. [29] Six weeks after its release, the song peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart. [30]

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Selfish"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [80] Gold40,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Selfish"
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousJanuary 25, 2024 RCA [81]
ItalyJanuary 26, 2024 Radio airplay Sony Italy [82]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">El Baño</span> 2018 single by Enrique Iglesias featuring Bad Bunny

"El baño" is a song by Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias, featuring Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. The track was written by Iglesias, Bad Bunny, Francisco Saldaña, Xavier Semper, Edgar Semper, Hasibur Rahman, Servando Primera and Luian Malavé. It was produced by Carlos Paucar and co-produced by Luny Tunes. The song was released by RCA Records and Sony Music Latin on 12 January 2018. A slightly cut version of the song was included as part of his album, Final Vol. 1. The final verse is missing, and there is a slight change in the first chorus. This version comes in at 3:34.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dura (song)</span> 2018 single by Daddy Yankee

"Dura" is a single by Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee from his upcoming studio album El Disco Duro. On January 18, 2018, El Cartel Records released "Dura" and its music video, directed by Carlos Pérez, filmed in Los Angeles and based on 1990s style and visuals. The song was written by Daddy Yankee, Juan Rivera, Luis Romero, and Urbani Mota, and was produced by Los Evo Jedis. A remix version featuring Becky G, Bad Bunny and Natti Natasha was released on April 27, 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Machika</span> 2018 single by J Balvin, Jeon and Anitta

"Machika" is a song recorded by Colombian singer J Balvin, Aruban singer Jeon and Brazilian singer Anitta. It was released as a single on 19 January 2018 through Capitol Records and Universal Music Latin from Balvin's studio album Vibras. The song was written by Balvin, Jeon and Anitta together with producer Sky Rompiendo. The song is produced by Clyde Narain and CHILDSPLAY.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calma (song)</span> 2018 single by Puerto Rican singer Pedro Capó

"Calma" is a single by Puerto Rican singer Pedro Capó. The song was co-written by Capó, George Noriega and Gabriel Edgar Gonzalez Perez.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adán y Eva</span> 2018 single by Paulo Londra

"Adán y Eva" is a song by Argentine rapper Paulo Londra. Released by Warner Latina and Big Ligas on 5 November 2018, it was written by Londra, Cristian Salazar and Ovy on the Drums, who also produced the song. The song title makes reference to the Abrahamic characters, Adam and Eve. With "Adán y Eva", Londra became the first and only artist to top the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart on two occasions, the first time with "Cuando Te Besé" in October, 2018. The song also reached number one in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Spain and Uruguay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tusa (song)</span> 2019 song by Karol G and Nicki Minaj

"Tusa" is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G and Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj. Written alongside Keityn and producer Ovy on the Drums, the song was released on November 7, 2019 by Universal Music Latino and Republic Records, as the lead single from Karol G’s third studio album KG0516 (2021).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Como Así</span> 2019 single by Lali featuring CNCO

"Como Así" is a song by Argentine singer Lali featuring boyband CNCO, released as the second single from her fourth studio album, Libra (2020). Written by Lali, Brasa, Yoel Henriquez, Pablo Preciado, along with its producers Jowan Espinosa and Rolo, the song was released on November 8, 2019 through Sony Music Argentina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Other Side (SZA and Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2020 single by SZA and Justin Timberlake

"The Other Side" is a song by American singers SZA and Justin Timberlake. It was released on February 26, 2020 as the lead single from the soundtrack to the film Trolls World Tour, in which the latter voices the character Branch. The song was written by the artists alongside Max Martin, Frank Iero, Sarah Aarons, and Ludwig Göransson who produced it with Timberlake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bandido (Myke Towers and Juhn song)</span> 2020 single by Myke Towers and Juhn

"Bandido" is a song by Puerto Rican rappers and singers Myke Towers and Juhn. It was released on December 10, 2020 through White World Music. The song belongs to the Myke Towers EP called Para Mi Ex. The song became world top in several lists of Latin American countries. Also it got to position itself in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top positions on the US Hot Latin Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chica Ideal (Sebastián Yatra and Guaynaa song)</span> 2020 single by Sebastián Yatra and Guaynaa

"Chica Ideal" is a song by Colombian singer Sebastián Yatra and Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa. It was written by Yatra, Guaynaa, Daniel Pérez, Manuel Bustillo, Andy Clay, Juan Camilo Vargas and Keityn. And produced by Ovy on The Drums. Through Universal Music Latino, the song was released on October 16, 2020.

"Hecha Pa' Mi" is a song by Panamanian singer Boza from his debut studio album Más Negro Que Rojo (2020). The song was written by Ceballos and Irving Quintero Valdez (Faster), and produced by the latter. The song was released as the second single from the album on November 20, 2020, alongside its official music video, which was directed by Cristian Aguilar. The song became a commercial success in Latin America, Spain and the United States after earning popularity on the video-sharing app TikTok.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiago PZK</span> Argentine rapper (born 2001)

Tiago Uriel Pacheco Lezcano, better known by his stage name Tiago PZK, is an Argentine rapper and singer, mostly related with R&B, rap and reggaeton. His hit-singles are "Sola", "Además de Mí", "Entre Nosotros", "Salimo de Noche", and "Cerca de Ti".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santo (song)</span> 2022 single by Christina Aguilera and Ozuna

"Santo" (transl. "Saint") is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera and Puerto Rican rapper and singer Ozuna for her ninth studio and second Spanish-language album, Aguilera (2022). It was written by Aguilera and Ozuna, alongside DallasK, Gale, and Josh Barrios, while the production was handled by DallasK, Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver, co-produced by Afo Verde, and its vocal production was handled by Jean Rodríguez. It was released by Sony Music Latin as the album's third single on January 20, 2022. It is the third consecutive and final single to be featured on the album's first part, La Fuerza.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emilia discography</span>

Argentine singer Emilia has released two studio albums, one live album, 38 singles as a lead artist, and one promotional single. Before launching her solo career, Emilia had been the lead singer of the cumbia-pop band Rombai from 2016 to 2018. Her debut single, "Recalienta", was released in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Gonna Not Dance Again</span> 2022 single by Pink

"Never Gonna Not Dance Again" is a song by American singer Pink. It was released on November 4, 2022, as the lead single from her ninth studio album Trustfall. The song reached the top 50 in most countries while peaking at number 99 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TQG</span> 2023 single by Karol G and Shakira

"TQG" is a song by Colombian singers Karol G and Shakira. The song was released on February 24, 2023, through Universal Music Latino, as the fifth single from Karol G's fourth studio album, Mañana Será Bonito (2023). It also appeared on Shakira's twelfth studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (2024).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whatever (Kygo and Ava Max song)</span> 2024 single by Kygo and Ava Max

"Whatever" is a song by Norwegian DJ Kygo and American singer Ava Max, released on 19 January 2024, through RCA Records. The tropical house song was written by both artists alongside Cleo Tighe, Jonah Shy, Petey Martin and Rollo. It contains an interpolation of Shakira's 2001 song "Whenever, Wherever", with lyrics about a breakup; therefore, Shakira, Tim Mitchell and Gloria Estefan are credited as co-writers. The song reached number one in Norway and the top 10 in several countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, and Sweden.

References

  1. Sacher, Andrew (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake details new album Everything I Thought It Was, shares "Selfish"". BrooklynVegan . Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  2. Atkinson, Katie (January 20, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Unveils New Song "Selfish" at Memphis Concert & Drops Everything I Thought It Was Album Trailer". Billboard . Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  3. Strauss, Matthew (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Announces First Album Since 2018, Shares Video for New Song "Selfish": Watch". Pitchfork . Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  4. Spanos, Brittany (July 5, 2022). "What the Hell Happened to Justin Timberlake?". Rolling Stone . Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  5. McIntyre, Hugh (September 21, 2023). "NSYNC Reunion Gives Justin Timberlake A Chance For A Comeback". Forbes . Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  6. Zemler, Emily (January 26, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Announces World Tour, Performs With Classroom Instruments on 'Fallon'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  7. Mali, Shreya (January 26, 2024). "The Real Meaning Behind Justin Timberlake's Selfish". The List. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  8. McNeal, Bria (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Is Feeling a Little Selfish". Esquire . Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  9. Evans, Greg (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Shows "Selfish" Side In New Single And Video, And Explains Why He's Not Hosting This Week's 'SNL'". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  10. "Friday Music Guide: Justin Timberlake, Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice & More". Billboard .
  11. "Fans Choose Justin Timberlake's 'Selfish' as This Week's Favorite New Music". Billboard .
  12. "Justin Timberlake's"Selfish" is a Turd: New Song Review". January 25, 2024.
  13. Pareles, Jon; Zoladz, Lindsay (January 26, 2024). "Justin Timberlake's Envious Comeback, and 12 More New Songs". The New York Times.
  14. Roth, Madeline (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake's 'Selfish' Comeback is Missing Something". The Daily Beast.
  15. Kreps, Daniel (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Expresses His Vulnerability on New Song "Selfish"". Rolling Stone . Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  16. Aswad, Jem (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Drops New Single and Video, "Selfish"". Variety . Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  17. Justin Timberlake - Selfish (Official Video).YouTube
  18. "Justin Timberlake Unveils New Song 'Selfish' at Memphis Concert & Drops 'Everything I Thought It Was' Album Trailer". Billboard . January 20, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  19. "Justin Timberlake - Selfish (Live)". YouTube. January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  20. "Justin Timberlake - Selfish (Live on The Graham Norton Show)". YouTube. February 23, 2024. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  21. Isgin, Kieran (February 23, 2024). "Who is on BBC's The Graham Norton tonight - February 23?". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  22. "Justin Timberlake Kicks Off 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards With 'Selfish' & 'No Angels' Performance". Billboard . April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  23. "Justin Timberlake Scores His Highest Hot 100 Debut in Six Years with 'Selfish'". Billboard .
  24. "Justin Timberlake | Biography, Music & News". Billboard .
  25. "Official Singles Sales Chart on 26/1/2024 26 January 2024 - 1 February 2024". Official Charts Company . Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  26. "Official Singles Chart Update 29 January 2024 - 4 February 2024". Official Charts. January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  27. "Official Singles Chart Top 100 on 2/2/2024 2 February 2024 - 8 February 2024". Official Charts. February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  28. "Justin Timberlake". Official Charts .
  29. "Official Singles Chart Top 100 on 2/2/2024 9 February 2024 - 15 February 2024". Official Charts. February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  30. "Official Singles Downloads Chart on 1/3/2024 1 March 2024 - 7 March 2024". Official Charts. March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  31. "Top 20 Argentina Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  32. "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 12 February 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1771. Australian Recording Industry Association. February 12, 2024. p. 4.
  33. "Tones And I is 'Dreaming' big: AirCheck". February 15, 2024. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  34. "Justin Timberlake – Selfish" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  35. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  36. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  37. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  38. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  39. "Top 20 Chile Anglo – Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  40. Justin Timberlake — Selfish. TopHit. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  41. "Top 20 Costa Rica Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  42. "Airplay Radio Chart Top40 – 6. tjedan (05.02.2024.)". HRT. February 12, 2024. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  43. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 20248 into search. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  44. "Top 20 Dominican Republic Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  45. "Top 20 Ecuador Anglo – Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  46. "Top 20 El Salvador Anglo – Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  47. "Radio-Charts Deutschland (Chartwoche 13/2024)". radiocharts.com (in German). Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  48. "Justin Timberlake – Selfish" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  49. "Top 20 Guatemala Anglo – Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  50. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  51. "Top 20 Honduras Anglo – Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  52. "Tónlistinn – Lög Birt – 17. febrúar 2024 – Næst uppfært 24. febrúar 2024" (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  53. "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association . Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  54. "Media Forest charts - 2024 - 05 28-01-24 03-02-24". Media Forest. Archived from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  55. "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of February 7, 2024". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  56. "EHR TOP 40 - 2024.02.09". European Hit Radio. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  57. "Latvijas spēlētāko dziesmu Radio Top 2024. gads – 10. nedēļa" [Latvia's most played songs Radio Top 2024 – Week 10] (in Latvian). LAIPA. March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  58. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 11, 2024" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
  59. "Justin Timberlake – Selfish" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  60. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  61. "TurnTable Official Radio Songs: February 9th, 2024 - February 15th, 2024". TurnTable . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  62. "Top 20 Panama – Del 18 al 25 de Marzo, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  63. "OLiS – oficjalna lista airplay" (Select week 24.02.2024–01.03.2024.) (in Polish). OLiS. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  64. "Justin Timberlake – Selfish". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  65. "Russia Airplay Chart for 2024-03-01." TopHit. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  66. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 20247 into search. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  67. "BGM Chart – Week 4 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  68. "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 6". Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  69. "Justin Timberlake – Selfish". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  70. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  71. "Top 20 Uruguay Anglo – Anglo – Del 29 de Enero al 4 de Febrero, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino . Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  72. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  73. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  74. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  75. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  76. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  77. "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  78. "Top 100 - Record Report". Record Report. Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  79. "Top Radio Hits Russia Monthly Chart: March 2024". TopHit . Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  80. "Canadian single certifications – Justin Timberlake – Selfish". Music Canada . Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  81. Ragusa, Paolo (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Announces New Album, Reveals First Single "Selfish": Stream". Consequence . Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  82. Sisti, Sara (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake - Selfish (Radio Date: 26-01-2024)". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved February 1, 2024.