“Justin Timberlake Teases Long-Awaited Return: ‘Selfish’ Sets the Stage for His First Album in Five Years”
Justin Timberlake is making a triumphant return with his highly-anticipated new single and video, “Selfish,” as part of the prelude to his first album in five years, “Everything I Thought It Was.” The track, which made its debut in Timberlake’s hometown of Memphis, showcases his musical prowess, featuring lyrics that harken back to earlier stages of the 42-year-old singer’s career, with lines like, “I want every bit of you, guess I’m selfish.”
Crafted by an impressive lineup of songwriters, including Timberlake himself, Louis Bell (known for Taylor Swift and Post Malone hits), Cirkut (Maroon 5, The Weeknd), and Theron Thomas with Amy Allen, “Selfish” is a midtempo, pulsating ballad that explores themes of love and desire. The accompanying video, directed by Bradley J. Calder, is a self-deprecating masterpiece, revealing an unshaven Timberlake in a T-shirt, growing increasingly frustrated during a video shoot rehearsal in a vast studio.
The video takes a surreal turn when Timberlake enters a peculiar, elongated room with a red telephone at the end, reminiscent of his 2006 album cover for “FutureSex/LoveSounds.” The scene transitions seamlessly back to the studio, where Timberlake demolishes a miniature set from the outside, concluding with a stylish suited performance of the song, complete with Timberlake’s signature sleek dance moves.
Timberlake’s promotional campaign for “Everything I Thought It Was” follows a traditional yet effective pattern. He’s set to appear on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” and “Saturday Night Live,” showcasing his longstanding rapport with these platforms. Despite keeping a low profile in recent years, Timberlake’s return to the music scene has been eagerly awaited, especially after the lukewarm response to his 2018 album, “Man of the Woods.”
Having teased fans with soundtrack contributions to the “Trolls” films, collaborations with NSYNC, and hints from longtime collaborator Timbaland, the anticipation for “Everything I Thought It Was” has only intensified. Described by Timbaland as a return to the “fun Justin” reminiscent of “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” the album promises a lively, danceable vibe without delving too deep into serious themes.
As Timberlake takes center stage once again, “Selfish” sets the tone for a musical journey that aims to capture the essence of his earlier successes while embracing the present. With a blend of authenticity, youthful energy, and a nod to the past, Timberlake’s return signals a celebration of music that resonates across generations. Fans can look forward to a vibrant and dynamic album that effortlessly bridges the gap between the iconic “FutureSex/LoveSounds” era and the artist’s evolution over the years.