In the latest development leading up to his first album in five years, “Everything I Thought It Was,” Justin Timberlake has released his new single and accompanying video, titled “Selfish.” The song, premiered at a special concert in Timberlake’s hometown of Memphis last week, was written by the artist himself, along with a collaborative team including Louis Bell (known for his work with Taylor Swift and Post Malone), Cirkut (associated with Maroon 5 and The Weeknd), Theron Thomas, and Amy Allen. Timberlake, Louis Bell, and Cirkut also combined their talents for the production of the track. The video, directed by Bradley J. Calder (known for his work with SZA and Tinashe), complements the vibe of the midtempo, pulsating ballad with its love-themed lyrics.
The visual narrative takes a self-deprecating turn, portraying Timberlake in an unshaven, T-shirt-clad appearance, growing increasingly frustrated during rehearsals for a video shoot in a vast studio. The video takes a surreal twist as Timberlake finds himself in a peculiar, elongated room with a red telephone at the end, adding a touch of eccentricity. This sequence concludes with him back in the studio, smashing a miniature set from the outside, possibly referencing the cover of his 2006 hit album “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” where he famously smashed a disco ball with his foot. The video concludes with Timberlake donning a stylish suit and delivering the song with sleek dance moves.
Timberlake’s promotional efforts for “Selfish” follow a traditional route, including an upcoming appearance on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” on January 25, and a performance on “Saturday Night Live” this Saturday. Additionally, he is set to host a special free concert at New York’s Irving Plaza next week. These promotional platforms align with Timberlake’s past strategies, particularly his affinity for shows like “The Tonight Show” and “Saturday Night Live.”
While Timberlake has maintained a low profile in recent years, his return with “Selfish” marks a significant step in the lead-up to his new album. The artist’s musical collaborator, Timbaland, previously revealed details about the forthcoming album, describing it as a return to the “fun Justin” reminiscent of “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” a departure from the more serious tone of his 2018 album, “Man of the Woods.” Timbaland emphasized the album’s emphasis on youthful and enjoyable music, stating, “It’s fun Justin, not overthought, the lyrics are not so deep, it’s bob-your-head, dance-to-it music.”
As anticipation builds for “Everything I Thought It Was,” Timberlake’s latest single and video release continues to generate buzz, setting the stage for his return to the forefront of the music scene.
