Justin Timberlake Makes a Comeback with “Selfish,” Signaling a Return to His “Fun” Side

A Pulsating Ballad with Self-Deprecating Visuals

In a highly anticipated return to the music scene, Justin Timberlake has unveiled his latest single and accompanying music video, “Selfish.” This release marks a significant milestone in the singer’s career, signaling a departure from his recent low-profile status and heralding the arrival of his first solo album in five years, titled “Everything I Thought It Was.”

“Selfish” is a midtempo, pulsating ballad that showcases Timberlake’s signature smooth vocals. The song’s lyrics, co-written by Timberlake and a talented team of collaborators, explore the theme of love with lines like “I want every bit of you, guess I’m selfish.”

The accompanying music video, directed by Bradley J. Calder, takes a self-deprecating approach. It portrays an unshaven, T-shirt-clad Timberlake growing increasingly frustrated during a video shoot in a cavernous studio. The video takes a surreal turn when Timberlake climbs into a bizarre, miniature, strangely long room with a red telephone at the end of it. After reaching the phone, he finds himself back in the studio, smashing the miniature set with his foot from the outside. This scene may be an oblique reference to the cover of his 2006 album “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” where he is depicted smashing a disco ball with his foot. The video concludes with Timberlake performing the song in a stylish suit, accompanied by sleek dance moves.

Traditional Promotional Campaign and Recent Career Highlights

Timberlake’s promotional campaign for “Selfish” and his upcoming album follows a surprisingly traditional trajectory. He is scheduled to appear on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” and “Saturday Night Live” in the coming days, followed by a special free concert at New York’s Irving Plaza. These appearances are reminiscent of his past promotional strategies, particularly his longstanding bromance with Jimmy Fallon.

In recent years, Timberlake has maintained a relatively low profile, particularly following the lukewarm reception to his 2018 album “Man of the Woods.” However, he has made notable appearances in the soundtracks of the “Trolls” films, including “The Other Side” with SZA and “Better Place,” which featured a reunion with his former boy band NSYNC. While rumors of a full NSYNC reunion circulated, Timberlake seems focused on his solo return with “Everything I Thought It Was.”

Timbaland’s Insights into the New Album’s Direction

Justin Timberlake’s longtime musical collaborator, Timbaland, provided valuable insights into the upcoming album in an interview with Variety last April. He described the album as a return to the “fun Justin” of “FutureSex/LoveSounds” after the more serious tone of “Man of the Woods.”

Timbaland emphasized the album’s focus on creating lighthearted and danceable music, reminiscent of the “FutureSex/LoveSounds” era. He stressed the importance of maintaining a youthful and carefree approach to music-making, avoiding overthinking or becoming too serious.

A Highly Anticipated Return to Form

Justin Timberlake’s release of “Selfish” and the announcement of his upcoming album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” mark a significant moment for his fans and the music industry. The single and accompanying video showcase a return to his playful and energetic side, reminiscent of his earlier hits. With a traditional promotional campaign and Timbaland’s insights into the album’s direction, Timberlake is poised to make a strong comeback and reassert his position as a leading figure in the pop music landscape.

Don’t miss out on Justin Timberlake’s highly anticipated return! Stream “Selfish” now and stay tuned for the release of “Everything I Thought It Was.”