Pop Perspective: Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” Rated & Reviewed
At Idolator, the editors share a passion for high-quality pop. Occasionally, our tastes align. Other times, not so much. So, in the spirit of debate (and online drama), we’ve developed a recurring feature called Pop Perspective. In a nutshell, our editors dissect a particularly noteworthy pop happening, and give it a rating out of 10.
That way you’re getting a full spectrum of views and we can all vent. (It’s cheaper than therapy!) The latest event to be dragged under the Idolator microscope is Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling,” which arrived on iTunes last night. Is the disco-pop anthem another classic like “Sexy Back” or has the superstar slightly missed the mark? Read our thoughts below.
Robbie Daw — 6/10
Non-offensive, modern day disco-pop you or even mom and dad can drive/work out/rollerskate too. It’s not mind-blowing, and yet it doesn’t suck. Ain’t that a kick in the pants?
Rachel Sonis — 6/10
Ok, yes – this song is pretty much the definition of G-rated, fun-for-the-entire-fam pop. But you can’t deny that it’s pretty catchy. Maybe it’s the fact that it gives me serious Michael Jackson vibes. Maybe it’s the song’s clap-along melody. Maybe Max Martin and Shellback cast a spell on me. I don’t know, but this song just feels good.
Side-note: Justin, I get that you’re in full dad mode right now, but dude, why are you making songs for the Trolls movie? We want the album!
Carl Williott — 5/10
It’s very tough to get excited about a song for a kids’ film in 2016, which works for and against this particular one. It ain’t “Happy,” but like that song, it has serious pop muscle, which thankfully prevents JT from indulging his jokey side for trash like “Everything Is Awesome.”
It’s also very tough to get excited about disco-pop in 2016. This one’s got such an inoffensive groove that I probably won’t remember anything about it after writing this, but I’m pretty sure it’s better than like half of 20/20 Part 2.
Mike Wass — 5/10
JT’s transformation into a Michael Jackson tribute act continues apace. “Can’t Stop The Feeling” is a charming enough regurgitation of Off The Wall-era disco-pop, but the envelope is stuck to the table at this point through lack of pushing. If a female artist showed this little imagination and development 14 years into their solo career, they would be dragged up and down Twitter. Instead, fans and critics are falling over themselves to laud this. Please tell me again that there’s no double standard.
AVERAGE SCORE: 5.5/10
What would you rate the song out of 10? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!
