Selfish (Justin Timberlake song)

2024 single by Justin Timberlake

For the song of the same name by Justin Timberlake's group NSYNC, see Celebrity (album).

"Selfish"

Promotional graphic

Single by Justin Timberlake
from the album  Everything I Thought It Was
Released| January 25, 2024 (2024-01-25)
Genre|

* Pop[1]
* R&B[2]

Length| 3:49
Label| RCA
Songwriter(s)|

* Justin Timberlake
* Amy Allen
* Henry Walter
* Louis Bell
* Theron Thomas

Producer(s)|

* Timberlake
* Bell
* Cirkut

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.

## Background and release

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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's 2014 single "Jealous".[13] The Daily Beast also compared "Selfish" to Jonas's song, and said it "seems to be mature, radio-friendly, well-produced, and, yes, ambitionless pop."[14]

## Promotion

[edit]

### Music video

[edit]

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

The music video on YouTube has received over 40 million views as of August 2024.[17]

### Live performances

[edit]

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] Timberlake also performs the song on his seventh concert tour, The Forget Tomorrow World Tour (2024).[23]

## Chart performance

[edit]

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.[24] In Canada, the track debuted and peaked at number 22 on the Canadian Hot 100.[25]

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.[26] 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;[27][28] it appeared on that chart for nine weeks.[29] "Selfish" climbed to its eventual peak at number 29 in the following week.[30] Six weeks after its release, the song peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart.[31]

## Personnel

[edit]

* Justin Timberlake – vocals, songwriter, producer
* Amy Allen – songwriter
* Henry Walter – songwriter, producer
* Louis Bell – songwriter, producer
* Theron Thomas – songwriter

## Charts

[edit]

### Weekly charts

[edit]

Weekly chart performance for "Selfish"  | Chart (2024)  | Peak
position

|

Australia (ARIA)[32] | 82
Belarus Airplay (TopHit)[33] | 14
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[34] | 36
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[35] | 22
Canada AC (Billboard)[36] | 7
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[37] | 8
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)[38] | 4
CIS (TopHit)[39] | 3
Croatia Airplay (HRT)[40] | 13
Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100)[41] | 51
Estonia Airplay (TopHit)[42] | 2
Germany (GfK)[43] | 56
Global 200 (Billboard)[44] | 33
Iceland (Tónlistinn)[45] | 37
Ireland (IRMA)[46] | 52
Israel (Media Forest)[47] | 4
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[48] | 3
Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)[49] | 9
Latvia Airplay (LAIPA)[50] | 13
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)[51] | 13
Moldova Airplay (TopHit)[39] | 107
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[52] | 39
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[53] | 100
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[54] | 5
Nigeria Airplay (TurnTable Top 100)[55] | 96
Panama (Monitor Latino)[56] | 6
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[57] | 17
Portugal (AFP)[58] | 169
Romania (Romanian Radio Airplay)[59] | 6
Romania (Romania TV Airplay)[60] | 8
Russia Airplay (TopHit)[61] | 10
San Marino (SMRRTV Top 50)[62] | 20
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[63] | 15
South Africa Airplay (TOSAC)[64] | 1
South Korea BGM (Circle)[65] | 92
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[66] | 60
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[67] | 45
Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)[39] | 168
UK Singles (OCC)[68] | 29
US Billboard Hot 100[69] | 19
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[70] | 11
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[71] | 2
US Dance/Mix Show Airplay (Billboard)[72] | 35
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[73] | 9
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[74] | 16
Venezuela (Record Report)[75] | 43

### Monthly charts

[edit]

Monthly chart performance for "Selfish"  | Chart (2024)  | Peak
position

|

Belarus Airplay (TopHit)[76] | 16
CIS Airplay (TopHit)[77] | 5
Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100)[78] | 67
Estonia Airplay (TopHit)[79] | 3
Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)[80] | 12
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)[81] | 14
Romania Airplay (TopHit)[82] | 14
Russia Airplay (TopHit)[83] | 12
Slovakia (Rádio – Top 100)[84] | 23

## Certifications

[edit]

Certifications for "Selfish"  Region  | Certification | Certified units/sales

|
|

Canada (Music Canada)[85] | Platinum  | 80,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[86] | Gold  | 25,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

## Release history

[edit]

Release dates and formats for "Selfish"  Region  | Date  | Format  | Label  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

Various  | January 25, 2024  |

* Digital download
* streaming

| RCA | [87]
Italy  | January 26, 2024  | Radio airplay | Sony Italy | [88]

## References

[edit]

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. ^ Rossignol, Derrick (April 30, 2024). "Here Is Justin Timberlake's 'The Forget Tomorrow World Tour' Set list". Uproxx. United States. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
24. ^ "Justin Timberlake Scores His Highest Hot 100 Debut in Six Years with 'Selfish'". Billboard.
25. ^ "Justin Timberlake | Biography, Music & News". Billboard.
26. ^ "Official Singles Sales Chart on 26/1/2024 26 January 2024 - 1 February 2024". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
27. ^ "Official Singles Chart Update 29 January 2024 - 4 February 2024". Official Charts. January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
28. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100 on 2/2/2024 2 February 2024 - 8 February 2024". Official Charts. February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
29. ^ "Justin Timberlake". Official Charts.
30. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100 on 2/2/2024 9 February 2024 - 15 February 2024". Official Charts. February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
31. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart on 1/3/2024 1 March 2024 - 7 March 2024". Official Charts. March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 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. ^ "Top Radio Hits Belarus Weekly Chart: Mar 14, 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 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 June 9, 2024.
37. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
38. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
39. ^ a b c Justin Timberlake — Selfish. TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
40. ^ "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.
41. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 8. týden 2024 in the date selector. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
42. ^ "Top Radio Hits Estonia Weekly Chart: Mar 28, 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
43. ^ "Justin Timberlake – Selfish" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
44. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
45. ^ "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.
46. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
47. ^ "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.
48. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of February 7, 2024". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 7, 2024.
49. ^ "Top Radio Hits Kazakhstan Weekly Chart: Feb 29, 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
50. ^ "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.
51. ^ "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Weekly Chart: Feb 15, 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
52. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 11, 2024" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
53. ^ "Justin Timberlake – Selfish" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
54. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
55. ^ "TurnTable Official Radio Songs: February 9th, 2024 – February 15th, 2024". TurnTable. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
56. ^ "Top 20 Panama – Del 18 al 25 de Marzo, 2024" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
57. ^ "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.
58. ^ "Justin Timberlake – Selfish". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
59. ^ "Media Forest – Weekly Charts. Media Forest. Retrieved September 22, 2024. Note: Romanian and international positions are rendered together by the number of plays before resulting an overall chart.
60. ^ "Media Forest – Weekly Charts. Media Forest. Retrieved September 22, 2024. Note: Select 'Songs – TV'. Romanian and international positions are rendered together by the number of plays before resulting an overall chart.
61. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Mar 7, 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
62. ^ "Top 50 – Radio San Marino RTV – 19/02/2024" (in Italian). San Marino RTV. February 22, 2024. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
63. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 7. týden 2024 in the date selector. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
64. ^ "Local & International Radio Chart Top 10 Week 22-2024". The Official South African Charts. Recording Industry of South Africa. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
65. ^ "BGM Chart – Week 4 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
66. ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 6". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
67. ^ "Justin Timberlake – Selfish". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
68. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
69. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
70. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
71. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
72. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
73. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
74. ^ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
75. ^ "Top 100 - Record Report". Record Report. Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
76. ^ "Top Radio Hits Belarus Monthly Chart: March 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
77. ^ "Top Radio Hits Global Monthly Chart: March 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
78. ^ "CZ – Radio – Top 100: Měsíc 2/2024" (in Czech). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
79. ^ "Top Radio Hits Estonia Monthly Chart: March 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
80. ^ "Top Radio Hits Kazakhstan Monthly Chart: March 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
81. ^ "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Monthly Chart: March 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
82. ^ "Top Radio Hits Romania Monthly Chart: March 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
83. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Monthly Chart: March 2024". TopHit. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
84. ^ "SK – Radio – Top 100: Měsíc 2/2024" (in Czech). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
85. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Justin Timberlake – Selfish". Music Canada. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
86. ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 9, 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Selfish in the search box.
87. ^ Ragusa, Paolo (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake Announces New Album, Reveals First Single "Selfish": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
88. ^ Sisti, Sara (January 25, 2024). "Justin Timberlake - Selfish (Radio Date: 26-01-2024)". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved February 1, 2024.

* v
* t
* e

Justin Timberlake songs

* Discography
* Songs

Justified|

* "Like I Love You"
* "Cry Me a River"
* "Rock Your Body"
* "Señorita"

Live from London|

* "I'm Lovin' It"

FutureSex/LoveSounds|

* "FutureSex/LoveSound"
* "SexyBack"
* "My Love"
* "What Goes Around... Comes Around"
* "LoveStoned"
* "Until the End of Time"
* "Summer Love"

The 20/20 Experience|

* "Pusher Love Girl"
* "Suit & Tie"
* "Don't Hold the Wall"
* "Strawberry Bubblegum"
* "Tunnel Vision"
* "Let the Groove Get In"
* "Mirrors"

The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2|

* "Gimme What I Don't Know (I Want)"
* "Cabaret"
* "TKO"
* "Take Back the Night"
* "Drink You Away"
* "Not a Bad Thing"

Trolls|

* "Can't Stop the Feeling!"
* "What U Workin' With?"

Man of the Woods|

* "Filthy"
* "Supplies"
* "Man of the Woods"
* "Say Something"

Everything I Thought It Was|

* "Selfish"
* "No Angels"
* "Drown"

Other songs|

* "SoulMate"
* "The Other Side"

Collaborations|

* "3-Way (The Golden Rule)"
* "3D"
* "4 Minutes"
* "Ayo Technology"
* "Believe"
* "Can't Believe It"
* "Carry Out"
* "Dead and Gone"
* "Dick in a Box"
* "Give It to Me"
* "Hallelujah"
* "Heaven"
* "Holy Grail"
* "Keep Going Up"
* "Love Dealer"
* "Love Never Felt So Good"
* "Love Sex Magic"
* "Motherlover"
* "The Only Promise That Remains"
* "Release"
* "Rehab"
* "Signs"
* "Stay with Me"
* "Work It"
* "Winner"

*[Ref.]: Reference
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template