Say Something (Justin Timberlake song)

"Say Something"
Single by Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton
from the album Man of the Woods
Released January 25, 2018 (2018-01-25)
Format
Genre Country rock, R&B[1]
Length 4:39
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Justin Timberlake
  • Timbaland
  • Danja
  • Larrance Dopson
Justin Timberlake singles chronology
"Supplies"
(2018)		 "Say Something"
(2018)		 "SoulMate"
(2018)
Chris Stapleton singles chronology
"Broken Halos"
(2017) Broken Halos2017		 "Say Something"
(2018) Say Something2018		 "Millionaire"
(2018) Millionaire2018
Music video
"Say Something" on YouTube

"Say Something" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake featuring vocals by American singer Chris Stapleton. It was released on January 25, 2018 as the third single from his fifth studio album Man of the Woods (2018) along with its music video. The song was written and produced by Timberlake, Larrance Dopson, Floyd Nathaniel Hills, and Timbaland, with additional songwriting by Stapleton. It debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Timberlake's 19th top 10 single as a solo artist and Stapleton's first.[2] It also reached number one in Slovakia and Slovenia and the top 10 in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Scotland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It was serviced to contemporary hit radio on February 13, 2018.[3] A live version of the song was released on March 31.

Background

Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton first collaborated at the 2015 Country Music Association Awards, performing "Tennessee Whiskey" and "Drink You Away".[4] Stapleton was initially only writing songs with Timberlake for the album, before being asked to sing on "Say Something". He told Billboard, "I really just went out to Los Angeles to write songs with him, it's a very fluid process with him, there's a lot going on. That was one of those things where there wasn't necessarily a plan. He was like 'All right, you hop in there and take a verse,' and I'm like, 'You want me to do what?' ... It came out great. I had a blast with him, he's a great creative force and one of those guys that if you get a chance to work with him, you should."[5]

Composition and interpretation

"Say Something" is an upbeat country rock ballad that blends the electronic structures of Man of the Woods previously released songs "Filthy" and "Supplies" with Stapleton's country blues styles.[6] The song comprises elements of gospel, pop, acoustic soul and jazz.[7] Timberlake and Timbaland previously incorporated country sounds such as twangy guitars on tracks like "What Goes Around... Comes Around".[8] The song features lyrics about reflection and regret, meditating on social pressure to have something to say and being unsure if you really do. Nashville Scene writer Stephen Trageser intrepreted the lyrics as:

"...recognizing that someone with the degree of celebrity Timberlake has can do more good by taking up less space. As in, realizing that weighing in on issues of public concern can easily turn into an event focused on him and his image instead of actually serving the cause at hand."[9]

Music video

Staircases and atrium interior of the Bradbury Building

Directed by Arturo Perez Jr. and produced by La Blogothèque, the video was filmed using a technique known as "continuous motion" and shot in one take at the Bradbury Building in Los Angeles – famous for its appearance in the 1982 cult science fiction film Blade Runner – with elevators, balconies, and stairs that "personified the labyrinth" the concept required.[10][11] The crew included 17 musicians and a 60-person choir, in order to record the video and audio live in only one take.[12] The video starts with Timberlake alone in a room creating beats and effects on an MPC sampler. The camera follows him as he straps on an acoustic guitar and ascends up an elevator. Stepping out, he encounters Stapleton on a nearby staircase.[13] The music video on YouTube has received over 250 million views as of September 2018. It received nominations for Video of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year at the 2018 CMT Music Awards,[14] for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction,[15] and for an iHeartRadio Much Music Video Award for Best Director.[16] It also received a nomination for Best Music Video at the 2018 Camerimage Festival.[17]

Critical reception

Lauren Tingle of CMT gave the song a positive review, writing "it definitely sounds like it could have been born in Timberlake's musically rich home state of Tennessee. The pop singer's high tenor and Stapleton's gravely melisma accent the song's driving acoustic rhythm guitars, horns and syncopated percussion."[7] In Billboard, Natalie Maher stated the climax of the song occurs "as the two are joined by a full choir, and added band, and then slowly comes down off itself with the line, "maybe it's greatest to say nothing.""[13] Stephen Trageser of Nashville Scene deemed the track "an anthemic tune about something ostensibly honorable," and went on to interpret the lyrics.[9] Cillea Houghton of Taste of Country called the song a "jam" where the singer "trade lines on an upbeat, genre-less track that could easily nestle into country radio."[18] Emily Yahr of The Washington Post said the song "has a guitar-driven sound that could theoretically fit into the modern country world."[19] Billboard's critics ranked it among the best songs of the first half of 2018.[20]

Uproxx's Aaron Williams opined the blend of styles created "a surprisingly danceable groove that isn't too far off from Timberlake's usual comfort zone," and added "their voices also blend well."[8] Will Lavin of Joe expressed "Say Something" is a "more refined Justin Timberlake. It feels like an organic blend of musical elements. From the hip hop-inspired drums, to the country-driven guitar riff, gospel harmonies, and triumphant introspective vocals, you're left feeling satisfied... this is JT at his best and most honest."[21] Forrest Wickman of Slate said the "long-anticipated duet lives up to the hype."[22] For Idolator, Mike Neid said it is "the first song that truly feels on brand with the more organic styling of Man of the Woods. It feels like a bit of a risk for JT, but it is one that should pay off," and opined it was the "best" on the album so far.[23] HotNewHipHop said it is different from his previous singles as it leans towards folk music, "but it's still another solid offering from Timberlake."[24] MTV's Madeline Roth said the song is "as close to Timberlake's Memphis roots as he's gotten so far... and it's a promising sign of things to come,"[11] while MTV UK's Sam Prance stated Timberlake "deliver some of the best vocals of his career to date. Not to mention, the chorus is massive and Chris complements Justin perfectly on it."[25]

Pitchfork's Marc Hogan in an unfavorable review said "apparently, the two have nothing to say, and they're absurdly proud of it."[26] Spin's Winston Cook-Wilson felt it is not the single for a listener that is "looking for clever, poignant, or just remotely sensical turns of phrase.".[27]

Commercial performance

In the United States, "Say Something" debuted at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 98,000 downloads sold, after selling additional 21,000 before the tracking week, and 12.8 million streams. It also marked Timberlake's seventh number one in Digital Songs, and first since "Can't Stop the Feeling!" in 2016.[2] The song has sold 431,000 downloads in the country as of June 2018.[28]

Live performances

On February 5, 2018, Timberlake and Stapleton performed "Say Something" on the post-Super Bowl episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[29] On February 21, 2018, both artists performed the song at the 2018 Brit Awards.[30]

Track listing

Digital download
No.TitleLength
1."Say Something" (featuring Chris Stapleton)4:38
Digital download[31]
No.TitleLength
1."Say Something" (live version) (featuring Chris Stapleton)4:02

Credits and personnel

Charts

Chart (2018) Peak
position
Argentina Anglo (Monitor Latino)[32] 11
Australia (ARIA)[33] 18
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[34] 9
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[35] 5
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[36] 4
Brazil (Billboard)[37] 6
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[38] 6
Canada AC (Billboard)[39] 22
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[40] 17
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)[41] 18
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)[42] 2
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[43] 11
Denmark (Tracklisten)[44] 11
France (SNEP)[45] 11
Germany (Official German Charts)[46] 9
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[47] 27
Hungary (Single Top 40)[48] 7
Hungary (Stream Top 40)[49] 14
Ireland (IRMA)[50] 16
Italy (FIMI)[51] 42
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[52] 7
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[53] 24
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[54] 20
Norway (VG-lista)[55] 39
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[56] 8
Portugal (AFP)[57] 23
Russia Airplay (Tophit)[58] 13
Scotland (Official Charts Company)[59] 2
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[60] 1
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[61] 17
Slovenia (SloTop50)[62] 1
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[63] 28
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[64] 6
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[65] 9
US Billboard Hot 100[66] 9
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[67] 16
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[68] 8
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[69] 15

Certifications

[70][71]

Region CertificationCertified units/Sales
Australia (ARIA)[72] 2× Platinum 140,000^
Belgium (BEA)[73] Gold 15,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[74] 2× Platinum 20,000^
Denmark (IFPI Denmark)[75] Gold 45,000^
Germany (BVMI)[76] Gold 200,000^
Italy (FIMI)[77] Gold 25,000double-dagger
New Zealand (RMNZ)[78] Gold 15,000*
Poland (ZPAV)[79] Platinum 20,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[80] Gold 400,000double-dagger

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone
double-daggersales+streaming figures based on certification alone

Release history

Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various January 25, 2018 Digital download Original [7]
United States February 13, 2018 Contemporary hit radio [3]
Italy February 16, 2018 Sony [81]
Various March 31, 2018 Digital download Live RCA [31]

References

  1. ↑
  2. 1 2 Trust, Gary (February 5, 2018). "Drake's 'God's Plan' Still No. 1 on Hot 100, Justin Timberlake & Chris Stapleton's 'Say Something' Debuts in Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Top 40 Mainstream Future Releases". All Access Music Group. February 14, 2018. Archived from the original on February 9, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  4. ↑ Moss, Marissa R. (November 4, 2015). "See Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake's Stunning CMA Awards Duet". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  5. ↑ Weatherby, Taylor (January 29, 2018). "Chris Stapleton Talks Working With Justin Timberlake on 'Say Something' & His Sneaky Appearance on 'Filthy'". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  6. ↑ Renner Brown, Eric (January 25, 2018). "Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton release country-rock duet". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 Tingle, Lauren (January 25, 2018). "Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton's "Say Something" Says Everything". CMT. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  8. 1 2 Williams, Aaron (January 25, 2018). "Justin Timberlake And Chris Stapleton's 'Say Something' Collaboration Is Finally Here". Uproxx. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  9. 1 2 Trageser, Stephen (January 25, 2018). "Watch Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton Work the Room in 'Say Something' [Fresh Vid]". Nashville Scene. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  10. ↑ Vallejo-Lopez, Abdiel (January 25, 2018). "Watch Justin Timberlake's "Say Something" Video, Featuring Chris Stapleton". Paste. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  11. 1 2 Roth, Madeline (January 25, 2018). "Justin Timberlake's Stunning New Video with Chris Stapleton Was Done in One Take". MTV. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  12. ↑ Miller, Matt (January 26, 2018). "Justin Timberlake's Stunning". Esquire. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  13. 1 2 Maher, Natalie (January 25, 2018). "Justin Timberlake Drops His Latest Single 'Say Something' With Chris Stapleton". Billboard. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  14. ↑ Brockington, Ariana (May 8, 2018). "CMT Music Awards Nominations Revealed; Little Big Town to Host". Variety. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  15. ↑ Reed, Ryan (July 16, 2018). "VMAs 2018: Cardi B, the Carters, Childish Gambino, Drake Lead Nominations". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  16. ↑ Kennedy, John R. (August 1, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Leads 2018 iHeartRadio MMVAs Nominations". iHeartRadio. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Nominacje W Konkursie Wideoklipow". Camerimage. Poland. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  18. ↑ Houghton, Cillea (January 25, 2018). "Hear Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton's "Say Something"". Taste of Country. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  19. ↑ Yahr, Emily (January 25, 2018). "Can Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton recreate that epic CMA moment with 'Say Something'?". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  20. ↑ "The 50 Best Songs of 2018 (So Far): Critics' Picks". Billboard.
  21. ↑ Lavin, Will (January 25, 2018). "Justin Timberlake reveals one shot music video for "Say Something"". Joe. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  22. ↑ Wickman, Forrest (January 25, 2018). "Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton's Long-Anticipated Duet Lives Up to the Hype". Slate. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  23. ↑ Neid, Mike (January 25, 2018). "Justin Timberlake & Chris Stapleton's "Say Something" Is The Best 'Man Of The Woods' Single Yet". Idolator. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Releases New Single "Say Something" Feat. Chris Stapleton". HotNewHipHop. January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Releases Epic New Single 'Say Something'". MTV UK.
  26. ↑ ""Say Something" [ft. Chris Stapleton] by Justin Timberlake Review - Pitchfork". pitchfork.com.
  27. ↑ "Review: Justin Timberlake – "Say Something"". 25 January 2018.
  28. ↑ Bjorke, Matt (June 21, 2018). "Top 30 Digital Country Singles: June 20, 2018". Roughstock. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
  29. ↑ Nordyke, Kimberly (February 5, 2018). "Super Bowl: Justin Timberlake Reveals How the Prince Tribute Happened". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
  30. ↑ Maher, Natalie (February 21, 2018). "Justin Timberlake Kicks Off 2018 Brit Awards With 'Midnight Summer Jam' & 'Say Something' With Chris Stapleton". Billboard. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  31. 1 2 "Say Something (feat. Chris Stapleton) [Live Version] – Single". iTunes Store (CA). Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Top 20 Anglo Argentina – Del 9 al 15 de Abril, 2018" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  33. ↑ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. April 23, 2018. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 Brasil". Billboard Brasil. July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  39. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  42. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201818 into search. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  43. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201805 into search. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  44. ↑ "Danishcharts.com – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". Tracklisten. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  45. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  46. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  47. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  48. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  50. ↑ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  51. ↑ "Top Singoli – Classifica settimanale WK 15" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  52. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 14, 2018" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  53. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved March 17, 2018.
  54. ↑ "Charts.nz – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  55. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". VG-lista. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  56. ↑ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  57. ↑ "Portuguesecharts.com – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  58. ↑ "Official Russia Top 100 Airplay Chart (week 13)" (in Russian). Tophit. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  59. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  60. ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201819 into search. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
  61. ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201805 into search. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  62. ↑ "SloTop50 – Slovenian official singles chart". slotop50.si. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  63. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". Singles Top 100. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  64. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  65. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  66. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  67. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  68. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  69. ↑ "Justin Timberlake Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  70. ↑ https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/?_gp_search=justin%20timberlake
  71. ↑ http://www.ifpi.dk/?q=certificeringer&page=3
  72. ↑ "ARIA Chart Watch #477". auspOp. June 16, 2018. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  73. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2018". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  74. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Justin Timberlake fest. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". Music Canada. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  75. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Justin Timberlake fest. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". IFPI Denmark. Retrieved May 1, 2018. Click on næste to go to page if certification is from the official website.
  76. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Justin Timberlake fest. Chris Stapleton; 'Say Something')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  77. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  78. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  79. ↑ "Polish single certifications – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton – Say Something" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  80. ↑ "British single certifications – Justin Timberlake Ft Stapleton – Say Something". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 18, 2018. Select singles in the Format field. Select Gold in the Certification field. Type Say Something in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  81. ↑ ""Say Something" – Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton (Radio Date: 16/02/2018)". radiodate.it. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
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