Review of Justin Timberlake's single 'Can't Stop The Feeling'

It’s been a while since nine-time Grammy winner, Justin Timberlake, released any new tunes. His latest offering,Can’t Stop The Feeling! (released 6 May 2016) is a polished performance, skilfully delivered with enthusiasm. It’s one of several original songs that will feature in the upcoming animated musical film Trolls produced by DreamWorks Animation. 

The song starts with a short intro of rhythmically echoed electric piano, hi-hat and finger snapping. This then acts as an undercurrent while Timberlake starts singing ‘I got this feelin’ inside my bones’ and it’s not long before the groovin’ bass and drums kick in. Throughout the song, different layers come and go, indicating the intention of the song – to be a dance track full of light and shade. 

Listeners don’t need to know all the lyrics straight away in order to sing along because there are repeated phrases such as ‘I can’t stop the feeling’ and ‘So just dance, dance, dance’ built in. 

Along with Timberlake, the music video features a swag of voice actors from the upcoming film, including Anna Kendrick, Kunal Nayyar, Gwen Stefani and James Corden. Towards the end of the song after the last chorus there’s a point where everyone (presumably the cast members, not a hired choir) sings a capella, ‘Got this feeling in my body’. 

Everyone in the film clip is either singing or dancing along to Timberlake’s track – it’s the kind of song you’d expect to hear being blasted at a primary school disco. There are no curse words for parents or teachers to fear, however more adult interpretations of the song are possible. Overall, it’s just a good song to hear and move along to. 


This review was first published on 13 May 2016 for Amnplify.

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