Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” Is Not a Country Song
This story has been updated.
Saying that Justin Timberlake’s new single isn’t country may seem like an obvious statement, except that many were anticipating that the next move the pop singer and songwriter would make would be to dip his toes into country waters. Hell, after he’s been dropping monstrous hints about the move, purchased a spread just south of Nashville, had his producer Timbaland pretty much spell it out for everyone, and then was spotted recording in Music City, it all seemed like a forgone conclusion.
And in all likelihood, Timberlake will still make a move into country music. But not just yet. His new single “Can’t Stop The Feeling” won’t have anyone mistaking it as country, and will likely not be tied to any new, proper Timberlake album. Instead it is a single being released as part of an upcoming soundtrack for a DreamWorks Animation movie called Trolls due out September 23rd. Timberlake is the soundtrack’s creative director, and is said to have multiple songs on the album.
The situation may be about perfect for Justin ahead of any moves into country music. Through the soundtrack, he can release a slew of pop singles that hopefully perform well, and have built-in marketing potential through the movie. Yet Timberlake can still keep his own solo album cycle clean so that if and when he rolls out a new project, he hasn’t worn everyone out. So the pop world gets their taste of some new Timberlake, and the country world may still receive the brunt of his new record.
Besides, if he was recording in Nashville in late 2015 as reports indicated, releasing new singles now would be a little bit early in the process. Nonetheless, Instagram photos prove he’s been collaborating with Little Big Town in the studio continue to swirl, and it wouldn’t sound strange to hear that his duet partner at the CMA Awards last November, Chris Stapleton, will also have some part in any country effort.
But there is some indication Justin Timberlake’s move to country may not all be smooth sailing. About a week after Timberlake’s performance with Chris Stapleton on the CMA stage, he released the song he performed with Stapleton called “Drink You Away” to country radio as a single. Many have forgotten that development in Timberlake’s move to country, partly because the single performed so poorly. Whether it’s because country music’s notoriously-insular program directors balked at the prospects of Justin Timberlake on country radio, or there was never truly much heft behind the effort, it absolutely flopped. The song, which at the time was roughly 2 1/2 years old, failed to chart whatsoever on any major list.
Some of this could be attributed to how after the single was announced, little or no promotion accompanied it, but if we get other indications that Timberlake is getting cold feet on going country, the fate of “Drink You Away” could be partly to blame.
As for “Can’t Stop The Feeling,” it is pure fluff, and won’t go far in ingratiating Timberlake to anyone in the traditional country crowd. It feels very much like a lead single from a pop album, similar to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” Not surprising since the scourge of modern popular music—Max Martin and his little buddy Shellback—are co-writers and producers on the song. This thing is scientifically formulated to shoot straight to the top of the charts, and put Timberlake back in the exclusive company of true superstars.
If we’ve learned anything from Timberlake, it’s that he’s a meticulous and careful artist. Since going solo in 2002, he’s only released three proper albums. So patience is important for those anticipating his country release, and it seems like country fans will have to wait a little longer to find out if it is ultimately worth the wait.
“When I’m making a record for myself, I don’t know, I feel like I have to take advantage of the fact that it’s done when I love every song,” Timberlake says to SiriusXM’s Morning Mashup show. “It’s done when you know it’s done. So, I don’t like to start making a record and go, ‘Oh, yeah I gotta get this out by this certain date,’ because who knows, you may write 12, 13, 14, 15 songs and then who knows, that 16th song that you didn’t get a chance to write may be like ‘the one.'”
May 6, 2016 @ 8:10 am
That new American Idol winner’s song is also not country. There is nothing in there that qualifies it as country, yet it is played on country radio. The song sucks too.
May 6, 2016 @ 8:49 am
Justin Timberlake”™s “_Insert Any Justin Timberlake Song Title, Now and at Any Point in the Future_” Is Not a Country Song.
And if I have to eat those words down the road, no problem. Because any Justin Timberlake output will have the weightiness of cotton candy, so I will always have room for it. But it still could be good, and I still might like it. It’s just not country–it’s . . . .
#PopKorn(tm)
May 6, 2016 @ 9:38 am
From: Thomas Rhett (BrunoIsLife1988@gmail.com)
To: Scott Borchetta (Motley4Ever@aol.com)
Subject: WTF
Dude, I don’t get it. I dress like him. I talk about him constantly. I have to think JT knows who I am… right? You think he does? Maybe it’s too much and he’s weirded out, I dunno. But the Big Bang Theory guy makes the cut for this vid and I don’t?? I just really want a meeting at least. I don’t even have to perform with him or necessarily be in a video (though, considering me and Sam are the only things keeping country cool, I think he’d want me to…), but I mean, I just want an invite to lunch. Or a CMA selfie for f*cks sake! Put me on his radar, Scott. Please, man. It’s the right move for me. I know you’ve met him through Taylor. And seriously, this song is the FUTURE of music. I want my next album to sound exactly like this, only hotter. Cooler.
I don’t ask for a lot, but PLEASE make this meeting happen. I’ll sing a duet on the Cheap Trick tribute album even. Also, if you have time to talk about getting me on SNL, let’s talk soon. I think I’d kill it. But I don’t wanna keep bothering you. I’m gonna go now to meet with Derulo to learn a little bout dancing. Lots of choreo comin’ up on the road. JT better watch his back. (But really.) Get excited.
-TR
May 6, 2016 @ 11:04 pm
TR
Never heard anything so hilariously desperate since ….well …since your last album . Don’t give up your day job and I’ll keep peddling your product from the trunk of my Porsche .
May 8, 2016 @ 5:41 am
Lol! I thought that was hilarious! Maybe if these artists would stop letting people mold them.into something they’re not, they would be more accepted.
May 6, 2016 @ 9:41 am
Drink You Away didn’t chart on any chart because it was only added to 2 country radio stations in the entire country, or at least only 2 that report to the charts i know many dont. I dont see Timberlake doing well in country music, I don’t even see him doing well in pop music he has been off the charts for years and in the meantime pop music has changed so drastically that he will not fit in. In late 2013/early 2014 pop music changed as much as country did in 2012/2013. You cant tell its the same genre anymore. Timberlake will likely be caught up in the fact that his music will sound nothing like anyone elses. Shocked that Flo Rida just had a #1 hit, he’s just like Timberlake in the way that his music sounds like pop music from years ago and not something recent.
May 6, 2016 @ 9:54 am
This new songs he’s released will go straight to #1. Max Martin’s precise calculations based on data-driven sonic measurements of trends and mass appeal virtually guarantee it.
May 6, 2016 @ 12:32 pm
You probably are more right than you think Trigger … In a couple of months, he (Martin), will recive the Polar Prize award And it will probably the give that single even more PR. For most of the POP -elite will probability be at award ceremony. At least the European ones
But it would not surprise me if Taylor Swift, also appears…And by the way his real name is Martin Sandberg, but maybe you knew that, Max Martin is just a “artist name” he chosen in order to make it easier for Americans to pronounce and remember. Especially since he lives in LA now. Where FAK also have spent a lot of time lately. Wich worries me…
May 6, 2016 @ 1:41 pm
It’s possible on the pop charts, but as far as him getting any attention or airplay in country music, I just don’t see it happening. Sam Hunt tried to cross over to pop and it didn’t work, they didn’t want him, just as I doubt that a pop artist will be accepted into country music. Look at how its working out for asslips manlady Steven Tyler, his shit is flopping like crazy left and right. He can’t get any airplay. Timberlake will likely be the same way.
May 6, 2016 @ 3:13 pm
We’ll see. I think it will be very interesting to see how Timberlake is treated.
May 6, 2016 @ 3:14 pm
Steven Tyler usually screams, not sings. I love him in Aerosmith, but having tried (actually attempted )to listen to his country offerings, all I can say is please, for the love of all that is Holy, GO BACK TO AEROSMITH!!!
May 6, 2016 @ 2:00 pm
It’s already at #1 on the iTunes all-genre chart after being released at midnight.
The odd thing is, the soundtrack won’t be released until late September, and the movie won’t be released until around Thanksgiving weekend.
That’s a bizarrely long gap between this release and that of the actual mother project. So I wonder if Justin Timberlake is essentially treating the “Trolls” soundtrack as his next studio album by proxy, considering he wrote three other songs for the film and curated the rest of the film’s music.
May 6, 2016 @ 3:11 pm
That’s what I’m thinking. Basically this will be like releasing an EP. It will get him back on the radio, back in the spotlight, and as all of the soundtrack music is winding down, he’ll be ready to release the country project. He gave another interview today where he was still hinting at the country direction.
May 6, 2016 @ 10:46 am
Interesting. My guess would have been that he read your article about country music headed in a gospel direction and then decided not to pursue it because he’s the Anti-Christ…
May 6, 2016 @ 11:41 am
I don’t even know where to begin to comment on this scenario .I’ve always believed that THE factor in what makes an artist a country artist with credibility is their passion for and dedication to it by way of living it , growing up with its musical traditions and history , having an awareness of styles , playing /writing /singing it all your life because you love it and believe in it’s spiritual and healing powers , understand its narratives , relate to its take on the rural experience , and respect the shoulders you are standing on . THIS is a long way from the ” Hell …why not make a ‘country’ record ..that seems a viable economic and career decision ‘ approach artist after artist seems to be taking . ” Gone Country ” , the huge Alan Jackson hit NAILED it way back when . Sure …a pop artist can decide ” Let’s be ‘ Country ” but without the authenticity , credibility and track record it will attract a non-discerning listener who will jump on ANY bandwagon their favourite artist decides to jump on every time a new wagon rolls around . This listener , in all likelihood, will not be a REAL fan of country music , nor will he/she likely be an ” in it for the long term ” fan who understands the factors outlined above and is committed to supporting artists that do . I don’t care what JT does musically . Yes he’s a talented guy on a lot of fronts but genre -hopping is NOT good for artistic credibility unless you are an actor ….which , arguably is exactly what Justin Timberlake is .
May 6, 2016 @ 11:53 am
I do not know much, but I do know this.
Max Martin is the freaking Antichrist!!!!!
May 6, 2016 @ 1:57 pm
I don’t recall anyone in any press releases, including from the likes of Roughstock and Taste of Country, saying this particular song was country, though.
This just strikes me as Justin Timberlake’s need to remain relevant among his core pop fanbase while also satisfying his acting career. And I respect that.
*
This song itself is alright. It isn’t challenging or inventive in any way, but after coming off a pair of albums replete with excessively opulent production, bloated runtimes and a focus more on aesthetic rather than hooks……………..many fans were probably lamenting a song from Justin Timberlake that keeps it simple, stupid. And “Can’t Stop This Feeling” achieves exactly that. It doesn’t try to present itself anything more than a mildly funk-infused dance song with an air of Adult Contemporary-friendly appeasement to it.
I definitely prefer “Can’t Stop This Feeling” (heck, most of his material) to “Drink You Away”. That said, here’s hoping his eventual country project blows away expectations.
May 6, 2016 @ 10:46 pm
”but after coming off a pair of albums replete with excessively opulent production, bloated runtimes and a focus more on aesthetic rather than hooks……”
My sentiments about that 20/20 album EXACTLY Nadia . ALL style ( albeit executed to perfection ) NO substance and very very very few memorable melodic moments .
May 6, 2016 @ 3:16 pm
Coming soon to a Cumulus country station near you!
May 6, 2016 @ 6:58 pm
Just because a song isn’t country doesn’t mean it won’t be on country radio.
You should know this, as Brantley Gilbert, Luke Bryan, Chase Rice, Cole Swindell, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion, Dan and Shay, Kane Brown, and Sam Hunt prove it every day…
I’d take Timberlake pop over anything bro EVERY time
May 6, 2016 @ 7:05 pm
Country radio even played LeAnn Rimes’ song from Coyote Ugly, and that was anything but county.
May 8, 2016 @ 5:50 am
I will take Brantley, Luke, and Dan and Shay over the rest. At least THEY can sing!
May 8, 2016 @ 8:09 am
We’ll have to agree to disagree on that, especially with Gilbert and Bryan..
May 8, 2016 @ 8:38 am
I have heard Luke live. He’s good. His music just sucks. Never heard the rest. If what I hear of Cole on the radio is any indication, I don’t want to hear him live. Same with FGL. I’m on the fence about OD.
May 6, 2016 @ 10:52 pm
BTW ….what a piece of crap this JT song is ……wow ….
May 8, 2016 @ 2:16 pm
Jen, I’ve heard both LB and BG live. Neither were particularly strong vocally. There’s way too much emphasis these days… hell, these YEARS… on making musicians with above average talent into superstars through the recording studios. I’m not saying anything we all don’t already know. It’s just that I hear a lot of music from singers who can’t cut it live. As far as the JT article? He’s going to sell a shit ton of music anytime he releases something. When the time comes for him to release his country CD, it’ll most likely be the pop/country hybrid some of these other artists are trying to make work. JT is a driven artist so I’m sure he’ll make it happen.