Justin Timberlake - "Drink You Away"

[Adam (UTR)]

Artist: Justin Timberlake
Song: "Drink You Away"
Album: The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2
Writers: Justin Timberlake, Timothy Mosley, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, James Fauntleroy
Adds Date: November 23
Source: PlayMPE

Performance from the CMA Awards with Chris Stapleton:

[Dustin J.]

Studio version is up on All Access: www.allaccess.com/country/cool-new-music

[robenglund]

Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the CMA performance a lot but I'm not sure how I feel about this being sent to country radio. Just to be clear I'm not calling it bad music because it isn't country. I love soulful bluesy tunes like this one. I'm just saying I don't know if this belongs on country radio. But there are a lot of songs that don't belong on country radio (cough Beautiful Drug cough) so who knows anymore. The studio version doesn't sound country at all. And I wouldn't say the live version is country either. The only thing in my opinion that makes the live version "country-er" is it's all organic and no studio production. The studio version sounds super produced. Country has long been known for it's organic-ness until now. Country nowadays contains a lot of studio production so maybe this is the perfect song for 2015 country radio. I hope that all made sense.

[rsmatto]

Not shocked at all. Think this could do better than Stapleton.

[cws3030]

Wonder which Sony Nashville imprint will work it at radio? It say RCA Records but Cam is RCA Records/Arista Nashville.

This will surely do better than David Fannings sad attempt with it.

[sabre14]

Nov 11, 2015 14:51:56 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Think this could do better than Stapleton.

I don't.

This will do better than David Fanning's country version of "Drink You Away" but I just can't see this one turning into a big hit on country radio. Whereas, "Nobody To Blame" already has close to 70 stations backing it as of the impact day (I'm certainly not guaranteeing Chris' will be a huge smash either). The initial buzz of the CMA's will certainly help, but in the long run? I just can't see that happening.

[dm2081]

Chris and Justin should just record a new studio version to send to Country radio. Either way, I will have no objections to this tune charting on Country radio. Justin Timberlake is one of the few Pop artists I would gladly embrace to the genre.

[Deleted]

They should do an actual remix with Chris Stapleton. Anyway, "Nobody To Blame" will easily be the bigger Country hit.

[carriekins]

Nov 11, 2015 15:06:01 GMT -5 dm2081 said:

Chris and Justin should just record a new studio version to send to Country radio. Either way, I will have no objections to this tune charting on Country radio. Justin Timberlake is one of the few Pop artists I would gladly embrace to the genre.

Agreed.

Justin has expressed his desire to dabble in country, so I wonder if this isn't being sent out not only based on the post-CMA feedback but also to test the country radio waters and audience a little before he makes a full-fledged move.

Either way - David Fanning should go hide and I'll gladly listen to this if I hear it.

Didn't the Highway play it last year when 20/20 was released, before Fanning's version came out?

[Kurt]

Nov 11, 2015 15:51:54 GMT -5 carriekins said:

Didn't the Highway play it last year when 20/20 was released, before Fanning's version came out?

Yes - I'm not sure how long they played it, but Justin did an interview with them, which started rumors it was going to be a single back then: blog.siriusxm.com/2013/11/15/justin-timberlake-on-the-highway-hot-30-let-me-enjoy-this-moment/

[carriekins]

Nov 11, 2015 15:59:59 GMT -5 Kurt said:

Nov 11, 2015 15:51:54 GMT -5 carriekins said:

Didn't the Highway play it last year when 20/20 was released, before Fanning's version came out?

Yes - I'm not sure how long they played it, but Justin did an interview with them, which started rumors it was going to be a single back then: blog.siriusxm.com/2013/11/15/justin-timberlake-on-the-highway-hot-30-let-me-enjoy-this-moment/

Ah, yes, that's right! Thanks Kurt!

[rsmatto]

Nov 11, 2015 15:03:17 GMT -5 sabre14 said:

Nov 11, 2015 14:51:56 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Think this could do better than Stapleton.

I don't.

This will do better than David Fanning's country version of "Drink You Away" but I just can't see this one turning into a big hit on country radio. Whereas, "Nobody To Blame" already has close to 70 stations backing it as of the impact day (I'm certainly not guaranteeing Chris' will be a huge smash either). The initial buzz of the CMA's will certainly help, but in the long run? I just can't see that happening.

Trust me, I hope I'm wrong. Stapleton still feels more like a radio outsider than Timberlake though.

[.indulgecountry]

Yeah I like this song and I'll welcome it on the radio, but this seems like it's a little too late for this. I'm sure radio will give this some love on the hype of the CMA Awards performance, but I doubt it translates into a big hit here for Justin, and I don't think that him/his label/etc. care if it does. This reads like them just capitalizing on the temporary momentum because why not? His last pop single was in the first half of 2014 and the album era has been over for awhile, so I don't see this getting a full-fledged push.

Nov 11, 2015 17:03:47 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Nov 11, 2015 15:03:17 GMT -5 sabre14 said:

I don't.

This will do better than David Fanning's country version of "Drink You Away" but I just can't see this one turning into a big hit on country radio. Whereas, "Nobody To Blame" already has close to 70 stations backing it as of the impact day (I'm certainly not guaranteeing Chris' will be a huge smash either). The initial buzz of the CMA's will certainly help, but in the long run? I just can't see that happening.

Trust me, I hope I'm wrong. Stapleton still feels more like a radio outsider than Timberlake though.

But CHR radio =/= Country radio. That's like assuming Katy Perry would have a bigger hit at country radio if she released something because she's "in" with pop radio than someone like Kacey Musgraves who is not "in" with country radio.

[The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷]

I'm one of the few people in here who don't really get the JT hype and why he gets a "free pass" at all so I'm not particularly excited by this being sent to country radio. It's a fine enough track, it will at least be interesting to see how far it can go.

[matty005]

Nov 11, 2015 18:49:40 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Yeah I like this song and I'll welcome it on the radio, but this seems like it's a little too late for this. I'm sure radio will give this some love on the hype of the CMA Awards performance, but I doubt it translates into a big hit here for Justin, and I don't think that him/his label/etc. care if it does. This reads like them just capitalizing on the temporary momentum because why not? His last pop single was in the first half of 2014 and the album era has been over for awhile, so I don't see this getting a full-fledged push.

Nov 11, 2015 17:03:47 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Trust me, I hope I'm wrong. Stapleton still feels more like a radio outsider than Timberlake though.

But CHR radio =/= Country radio. That's like assuming Katy Perry would have a bigger hit at country radio if she released something because she's "in" with pop radio than someone like Kacey Musgraves who is not "in" with country radio.

I have to disagree. JT is well known for so much more than just music (like Katy Perry). His stints on SNL, his movie career, and the fact that he is so well liked and respected make it seem like he would be a much better fit. I just think he COULD transition very easily if he wanted to. I am not saying it's a slam dunk it would be successful, but he has a lot better chance of getting a radio hit than Kacey at this point.

[.indulgecountry]

Nov 11, 2015 19:19:37 GMT -5 matty005 said:

Nov 11, 2015 18:49:40 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Yeah I like this song and I'll welcome it on the radio, but this seems like it's a little too late for this. I'm sure radio will give this some love on the hype of the CMA Awards performance, but I doubt it translates into a big hit here for Justin, and I don't think that him/his label/etc. care if it does. This reads like them just capitalizing on the temporary momentum because why not? His last pop single was in the first half of 2014 and the album era has been over for awhile, so I don't see this getting a full-fledged push.

But CHR radio =/= Country radio. That's like assuming Katy Perry would have a bigger hit at country radio if she released something because she's "in" with pop radio than someone like Kacey Musgraves who is not "in" with country radio.

I have to disagree. JT is well known for so much more than just music (like Katy Perry). His stints on SNL, his movie career, and the fact that he is so well liked and respected make it seem like he would be a much better fit. I just think he COULD transition very easily if he wanted to. I am not saying it's a slam dunk it would be successful, but he has a lot better chance of getting a radio hit than Kacey at this point.

Maybe you didn't understand my analogy, but I meant that just because someone like Katy Perry has a lot of pull at pop radio doesn't mean if she randomly gave a song to country radio that they'd respond to it like CHR would, and I expect that to be the case with Justin Timberlake here, too. There's buzz and respect for JT as an artist sure, but that doesn't equate to this becoming a big hit on country radio. It's probably just going to coast on the hype of the CMA performance and I'm not expecting a whole lot of promo is going to be pushed behind this release.

[matty005]

Nov 11, 2015 19:46:18 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Nov 11, 2015 19:19:37 GMT -5 matty005 said:

I have to disagree. JT is well known for so much more than just music (like Katy Perry). His stints on SNL, his movie career, and the fact that he is so well liked and respected make it seem like he would be a much better fit. I just think he COULD transition very easily if he wanted to. I am not saying it's a slam dunk it would be successful, but he has a lot better chance of getting a radio hit than Kacey at this point.

Maybe you didn't understand my analogy, but I meant that just because someone like Katy Perry has a lot of pull at pop radio doesn't mean if she randomly gave a song to country radio that they'd respond to it like CHR would, and I expect that to be the case with Justin Timberlake here, too. There's buzz and respect for JT as an artist sure, but that doesn't equate to this becoming a big hit on country radio. It's probably just going to coast on the hype of the CMA performance and I'm not expecting a whole lot of promo is going to be pushed behind this release.

No, I did get your point. But I feel like a lot more country fans "know" JT. Whether it be his music (N'Sync or his solo career), his viral SNL skits, or his successful movie career. Katy doesn't have that to the extend JT does - not even close. I feel like with JT being so well liked and respected, many people wouldn't think him releasing country music as a publicity stunt, but more of a genuine move.

[.indulgecountry]

Nov 11, 2015 19:51:01 GMT -5 matty005 said:

Nov 11, 2015 19:46:18 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Maybe you didn't understand my analogy, but I meant that just because someone like Katy Perry has a lot of pull at pop radio doesn't mean if she randomly gave a song to country radio that they'd respond to it like CHR would, and I expect that to be the case with Justin Timberlake here, too. There's buzz and respect for JT as an artist sure, but that doesn't equate to this becoming a big hit on country radio. It's probably just going to coast on the hype of the CMA performance and I'm not expecting a whole lot of promo is going to be pushed behind this release.

No, I did get your point. But I feel like a lot more country fans "know" JT. Whether it be his music (N'Sync or his solo career), his viral SNL skits, or his successful movie career. Katy doesn't have that to the extend JT does - not even close. I feel like with JT being so well liked and respected, many people wouldn't think him releasing country music as a publicity stunt, but more of a genuine move.

I disagree with this. I think Katy Perry is every bit as visible as Justin Timberlake to fans of country music. I mean, she literally performed on the Super Bowl this year and she's been a much bigger musical artist over the past 5 years than he has, even though that's not to discredit his success at all. He does have the advantage of being someone the industry collectively "likes" but I don't read that as him having a welcoming with totally open arms by the country world anymore than Kelly Clarkson has and she's essentially the female equivalent to JT in terms of critical praise and being respected by basically everyone. I just don't see him getting an easy hit with this. If it's a hit, it'll require a lot of promo that I'm just not expecting them to bother with, but that remains to be seen. Right now though I see this as them throwing this out there because they know it'll get some solid curiosity spins and that it can't hurt to bother since he's spent the last year and a half not doing much of anything.

[matty005]

Nov 11, 2015 20:06:10 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Nov 11, 2015 19:51:01 GMT -5 matty005 said:

No, I did get your point. But I feel like a lot more country fans "know" JT. Whether it be his music (N'Sync or his solo career), his viral SNL skits, or his successful movie career. Katy doesn't have that to the extend JT does - not even close. I feel like with JT being so well liked and respected, many people wouldn't think him releasing country music as a publicity stunt, but more of a genuine move.

I disagree with this. I think Katy Perry is every bit as visible as Justin Timberlake to fans of country music. I mean, she literally performed on the Super Bowl this year and she's been a much bigger musical artist over the past 5 years than he has, even though that's not to discredit his success at all. He does have the advantage of being someone the industry collectively "likes" but I don't read that as him having a welcoming with totally open arms by the country world anymore than Kelly Clarkson has and she's essentially the female equivalent to JT in terms of critical praise and being respected by basically everyone. I just don't see him getting an easy hit with this. If it's a hit, it'll require a lot of promo that I'm just not expecting them to bother with, but that remains to be seen. Right now though I see this as them throwing this out there because they know it'll get some solid curiosity spins and that it can't hurt to bother since he's spent the last year and a half not doing much of anything.

My point is she is known for her music. JT is known for so much more and has been around so much longer. He is the epitome of cool right now yet seems about as genuine as any star I've ever seen.

[kw9461]

Unless they re-work this with different production I just can't see country giving this more than a cursory sniff. He's a big enough name that he'll get some curiosity spins, and maybe even achieve a strong debut, but beyond that I can't see this doing anything. It's just too far removed from anything country radio has ever played before

[14887fan]

No surprise. This is a smart move. If they did a duet version w/ Stapleton, it'd be even better, but this'll do just fine. Wouldn't shock me at all to see Timberlake make a full transition to Country for his next album, which was already rumored to be happening anyways.

Nov 11, 2015 20:42:04 GMT -5 kw9461 said:

Unless they re-work this with different production I just can't see country giving this more than a cursory sniff. He's a big enough name that he'll get some curiosity spins, and maybe even achieve a strong debut, but beyond that I can't see this doing anything. It's just too far removed from anything country radio has ever played before

Uh...definitely not. It's Blues-ier, for sure, but it's more traditional Country sounding than just about everything else on Country radio right now, barring Stapleton's "Nobody to Blame".

[kw9461]

Nov 11, 2015 20:42:24 GMT -5 14887fan said:

No surprise. This is a smart move. If they did a duet version w/ Stapleton, it'd be even better, but this'll do just fine. Wouldn't shock me at all to see Timberlake make a full transition to Country for his next album, which was already rumored to be happening anyways.

Nov 11, 2015 20:42:04 GMT -5 kw9461 said:

Unless they re-work this with different production I just can't see country giving this more than a cursory sniff. He's a big enough name that he'll get some curiosity spins, and maybe even achieve a strong debut, but beyond that I can't see this doing anything. It's just too far removed from anything country radio has ever played before

Uh...definitely not. It's Blues-ier, for sure, but it's more traditional Country sounding than just about everything else on Country radio right now, barring Stapleton's "Nobody to Blame".

Have you listened to the studio version? If so, you and I have a very different definition of what traditional country sounds like. The song is littered with pop production tricks (likely put to in to keep the song from being "too country" for JT's usual fanbase). Remove those and you probably could have a pretty solid, organic sounding country song (the melody seems country enough, anyway). As is I just don't think it works.

[14887fan]

Nov 11, 2015 21:28:17 GMT -5 kw9461 said:

Nov 11, 2015 20:42:24 GMT -5 14887fan said:

No surprise. This is a smart move. If they did a duet version w/ Stapleton, it'd be even better, but this'll do just fine. Wouldn't shock me at all to see Timberlake make a full transition to Country for his next album, which was already rumored to be happening anyways.
Uh...definitely not. It's Blues-ier, for sure, but it's more traditional Country sounding than just about everything else on Country radio right now, barring Stapleton's "Nobody to Blame".

Have you listened to the studio version? If so, you and I have a very different definition of what traditional country sounds like. The song is littered with pop production tricks (likely put to in to keep the song from being "too country" for JT's usual fanbase). Remove those and you probably could have a pretty solid, organic sounding country song (the melody seems country enough, anyway). As is I just don't think it works.

I have, actually! Been listening to it for 2 years now. If you think this song is too poppy to fit in with the likes of "Crash and Burn", "Love Me Like You Mean It", and "Blown Away", then you and I are listening to two different types of Country radio stations.

[sbp17]

Nov 11, 2015 21:28:17 GMT -5 kw9461 said:

Have you listened to the studio version? If so, you and I have a very different definition of what traditional country sounds like. The song is littered with pop production tricks (likely put to in to keep the song from being "too country" for JT's usual fanbase). Remove those and you probably could have a pretty solid, organic sounding country song (the melody seems country enough, anyway). As is I just don't think it works.

Oh I agree. The production on this is far too much even for today's country radio.

[DJ General]

Nov 11, 2015 20:06:10 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Nov 11, 2015 19:51:01 GMT -5 matty005 said:

No, I did get your point. But I feel like a lot more country fans "know" JT. Whether it be his music (N'Sync or his solo career), his viral SNL skits, or his successful movie career. Katy doesn't have that to the extend JT does - not even close. I feel like with JT being so well liked and respected, many people wouldn't think him releasing country music as a publicity stunt, but more of a genuine move.

I disagree with this. I think Katy Perry is every bit as visible as Justin Timberlake to fans of country music. I mean, she literally performed on the Super Bowl this year and she's been a much bigger musical artist over the past 5 years than he has, even though that's not to discredit his success at all. He does have the advantage of being someone the industry collectively "likes" but I don't read that as him having a welcoming with totally open arms by the country world anymore than Kelly Clarkson has and she's essentially the female equivalent to JT in terms of critical praise and being respected by basically everyone. I just don't see him getting an easy hit with this. If it's a hit, it'll require a lot of promo that I'm just not expecting them to bother with, but that remains to be seen. Right now though I see this as them throwing this out there because they know it'll get some solid curiosity spins and that it can't hurt to bother since he's spent the last year and a half not doing much of anything.

Justin is way more known. While MAYBE (but I still say no) Katy might be more noticeable in music, Justin is still more of a household name. His SNL appearances have been massive. While he was away from music, he was very visible in many other ways. Not to mention he is still a household name from his NSYNC days.

[DJ General]

Also, let's not forget he also performed at the Super Bowl. And while it wasn't the most watched, it is the most talked about ;)

[.indulgecountry]

Nov 11, 2015 22:24:02 GMT -5 DJ General said:

Nov 11, 2015 20:06:10 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

I disagree with this. I think Katy Perry is every bit as visible as Justin Timberlake to fans of country music. I mean, she literally performed on the Super Bowl this year and she's been a much bigger musical artist over the past 5 years than he has, even though that's not to discredit his success at all. He does have the advantage of being someone the industry collectively "likes" but I don't read that as him having a welcoming with totally open arms by the country world anymore than Kelly Clarkson has and she's essentially the female equivalent to JT in terms of critical praise and being respected by basically everyone. I just don't see him getting an easy hit with this. If it's a hit, it'll require a lot of promo that I'm just not expecting them to bother with, but that remains to be seen. Right now though I see this as them throwing this out there because they know it'll get some solid curiosity spins and that it can't hurt to bother since he's spent the last year and a half not doing much of anything.

Justin is way more known. While MAYBE (but I still say no) Katy might be more noticeable in music, Justin is still more of a household name. His SNL appearances have been massive. While he was away from music, he was very visible in many other ways. Not to mention he is still a household name from his NSYNC days.

It's not really a contest but even taking his biggest era, FutureSex/LoveSounds, it wasn't as big as Teenage Dream. Anyone arguing Katy Perry isn't a household name is wrong; they both are. But either way you spin it, having enjoyable SNL appearances isn't going to get him a hit on country radio, lol.

This whole point I'm trying to make is that Justin Timberlake is not going to become a country star or even have a country hit simply because a lot of people know who he is or like him. That's all I'm saying. If it hits, it'll require a lot of promo that I'm just not expecting them to put into it. Country radio isn't going to just jump on this unless JT really commits to it, and even then it's iffy. But we'll see what happens.

[matty005]

Nov 11, 2015 23:12:25 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Nov 11, 2015 22:24:02 GMT -5 DJ General said:

Justin is way more known. While MAYBE (but I still say no) Katy might be more noticeable in music, Justin is still more of a household name. His SNL appearances have been massive. While he was away from music, he was very visible in many other ways. Not to mention he is still a household name from his NSYNC days.

It's not really a contest but even taking his biggest era, FutureSex/LoveSounds, it wasn't as big as Teenage Dream. Anyone arguing Katy Perry isn't a household name is wrong; they both are. But either way you spin it, having enjoyable SNL appearances isn't going to get him a hit on country radio, lol.

This whole point I'm trying to make is that Justin Timberlake is not going to become a country star or even have a country hit simply because a lot of people know who he is or like him. That's all I'm saying.

But why not? Jessica Simpson had a country hit and she's not nearly as liked or talented as JT. Stephen Tyler had a top 40 song that hung around the charts for weeks and while he is a legend, he is no where near's JT's star quality. Why couldn't he have a hit?

[.indulgecountry]

Nov 11, 2015 23:18:07 GMT -5 matty005 said:

Nov 11, 2015 23:12:25 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

It's not really a contest but even taking his biggest era, FutureSex/LoveSounds, it wasn't as big as Teenage Dream. Anyone arguing Katy Perry isn't a household name is wrong; they both are. But either way you spin it, having enjoyable SNL appearances isn't going to get him a hit on country radio, lol.

This whole point I'm trying to make is that Justin Timberlake is not going to become a country star or even have a country hit simply because a lot of people know who he is or like him. That's all I'm saying.

But why not? Jessica Simpson had a country hit and she's not nearly as liked or talented as JT. Stephen Tyler had a top 40 song that hung around the charts for weeks and while he is a legend, he is no where near's JT's star quality. Why couldn't he have a hit?

Unless Justin Timberlake is planning on going on a country radio tour, securing some strong promotional force out of Nashville (since he isn't on a country label), and releasing an actual country record (this is from a pop album that came out a few years ago that had already been 'done' as an era), among other things, then I don't see it. Steven Tyler is currently signed to a country label and recorded an album of country music, and I'd hardly call his Top 40 hit anything to write home about. It debuted in the Top 40 because of curiosity spins and then it absolutely bombed after the first week. Jessica Simpson "went" country, like she didn't just throw out a single randomly to country radio and sit back and watch what happened.

I've seen no indication yet that this is him trying to launch himself as a country singer and I don't think he will or wants to, honestly. He very randomly performed on an awards show and got a lot of attention for it and then they decided to put this out to country radio, but I'm not seeing it as a sign that Justin Timberlake is looking at seriously becoming a country artist because of it.

[carriekins]

He's not looking to move to country altogether, I don't think, but it's fairly well documented that he has hinted at making a country record in the very near future, and he and Jessica just bought property and moved outside of Nashville.

I think they're testing the waters with this single, and I won't be surprised to hear he's releasing something genre-specific in the next year.