Company (Justin Bieber song)

"Company" is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber from his fourth studio album Purpose (2015). Written by Bieber, Poo Bear, James Abrahart, Andreas Schuller, Thomas Troelsen, James Wong and Leroy Clampitt, the song was produced by Axident, Gladius, Big Taste and co-produced by Boyd. It was released to American rhythmic contemporary and contemporary hit radio stations on March 8, 2016 as the album's fourth and final single. It is an electropop and R&B song, with bass guitar, guitar and percussion in its instrumentation. Lyrically, "Company" talks about looking forward to getting to know someone attractive, but also sets some healthy boundaries for doing so.

"Company"
Single by Justin Bieber
from the album Purpose
ReleasedMarch 8, 2016 (2016-03-08)
Recorded2014–15
StudioJungle City Studios
New York City
Genre
Length3:27
LabelDef Jam
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Justin Bieber singles chronology
"Love Yourself"
(2015)		 "Company"
(2016)		 "Cold Water"
(2016)
Music video
"Company" on YouTube

As an album track, it reached the top-forty in the majority of the countries it charted. When it was released as a single, the song managed to reach the top-forty in Australia and peaked at number 53 in the United States. Bieber performed the track on the 3rd iHeartRadio Music Awards and 2016 Billboard Music Awards, as well as on his Purpose World Tour. Two music videos were made for the song: the video which is part of the "Purpose: The Movement" narrative, released on November 14, 2015, and the official music video released on June 8, 2016.

Background and release
This song was recorded at Jungle City Studios (pictured)

While working on the album, Bieber invited his personal friend, American songwriter and producer Poo Bear, to collaborate on the record – both had previously worked on Bieber's second compilation album, Journals, in 2013. They collaborated on the record, writing a lot of songs, until his label tried to set up writing camps for Bieber, but he declined and kept on working with Boyd. As declared by Boyd during an interview for The Fader, "We're just thinking about making sure that [the music] it's not negative, but uplifting. Even the music that talks about his relationships, it's feel-good music. It's nothing that will make you depressed. [...] We're so in tune with each other, that it's easy to know what we're both gonna love, what he would love to sing. We worked really hard on this project. We really honest with ourselves." While being asked if there were any songs that he was especially excited about, Boyd claimed that one of them was "Company".[3]

In early February 2016, it was reported that Def Jam Recordings, Bieber's label, was eyeing to release "Company" as the follow-up to his previous successful single, "Love Yourself". The label's promotional team informally tipped radio professionals the week of February 16, 2016, as reported by Headline Planet.[4] A week later, Billboard confirmed that "Company" would serve as the album's fourth single, and that it would impact both rhythmic contemporary and contemporary hit radio stations on March 8, 2016.[5] On April 7, 2016, a remix by The Knocks was posted on the band's SoundCloud account, as they announced they would be the opening act on selected dates of Bieber's Purpose World Tour.[6]

Composition and lyrics

"Company" was written by Justin Bieber, Poo Bear, James Abrahart, Andreas Schuller, Thomas Troelsen, James Wong and Leroy Clampitt. It was produced by Axident, Gladius and Big Taste, and co-produced by Boyd. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Alfred Publishing Company, the song is composed in the key of E minor with a moderately R&B groove of 95 beats per minute. Bieber's vocals range from the note of D4 to B5.[7] It is an electropop and R&B song,[1][2][8] with bass guitar, guitar and percussion in its instrumentation. The song has "a mellow, calm yet sparkly mood, which was noted to be reminiscent from his previous album, Journals (2013).[8] Lyrically, "Company" talks about seeking surface-level companionship on the dance floor.[1] During the track, the protagonist is looking forward to getting to know someone attractive, but also sets some healthy boundaries for doing so, which can be seen in the lyrics: "You ain't gotta be my lover for you to call me baby/ … Just wanna have a conversation."[9]

Reception

Critical

Patrick Ryan of USA Today called it a "pulsing come-hither."[10] Amy Davidson of Digital Spy opined that "'Company' is basically what happens when Justin Bieber feels like a non-committal hook-up during a stop on his gruelling tour and writes a cool R&B serenade to convince you it's a good idea."[2] Sheldon Pearce of Complex called it "a strutting electropop tune [that] project[s] emotional availability."[1] Brennan Carley of Spin named it "the triumphant Grecian sunrise that is the mid-album highlight."[11] For Al Horner of NME, "the funk-laced 'Company' is a hit-in-waiting,"[12] while Megan Downing of MTV UK labelled it "an easy-listening track oozing with coolness."[13] Casey Lewis of Teen Vogue thought that the song "sounds like the comeback track Usher wishes he had, which is to say that it's good, just absolutely nothing like the quartet of singles he released while hyping this album."[14]

Commercial

Commercially, "Company" charted after the release of Purpose in a number of countries. In the United States, the song debuted at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100, along with other sixteen tracks of the album.[15] After being released as a single, "Company" re-entered at number 89,[16] and it peaked once again at number 53.[17] It was later certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. In New Zealand, the song debuted at number 30, after the album's release, reaching the top-twenty the following week, at number 18, which became its peak position. Later, the song re-entered at number 36, when it was released as a single, but only went to reach number 27 as its highest position.[18] In Australia, the song entered at number 41, on the week of April 3, 2016, peaking two weeks later at number 34, becoming Bieber's first single to miss the top-twenty since "Hold Tight" (2013).[19]

Music videos

Purpose: The Movement

Two music videos were made for the song. The first was released along with the "Purpose: The Movement" project on November 14, 2015. As stated by Bustle's Claire Landsbaum, "[It] follows a group of women who meet a group of guys in a diner. One member of each party leaves the restaurant and does a sexy couple's dance in front of a lit-up Hard Rock Café, but at 3:17 [the] protagonists are replaced by lots of gyrating women behind a mysterious hotel room door."[20]

Official video

On May 16, 2016, Bieber revealed that another music video for the song was going to be released.[21] The official music video was directed by Bieber's personal videographer Rory Kramer and released on June 8, 2016.[22] It's a documentary-style compilation of clips of the singer on his world travels.[23] According to Bieber in a statement, "Personally, I love this video because it's an honest look at my journey. The process of putting together this album and this tour — surrounded by people I love to be with — has been really special. I'm proud of it, it's been a lot of fun and lot of hard work, and I think that really shows in video. I hope my fans like it as I much as I do, because it's really all for you."[22]

The video starts out with Bieber pensive, shirtless and downcast as he gazes over the calm waters of the Santorini basin and sits alone in the dark on a child's swing.[23] Later, the video also features footage from the Purpose World Tour, as well as clips of Bieber in the studio recording the album, and snippets of him on the set of his Calvin Klein photo shoot. Interspersed are sweeping images of Bieber looking out over nature, reminiscent of his earlier 'I'll Show You' video."[22]

Live performances

"Company" was first performed on April 3, 2016, at the 3rd iHeartRadio Music Awards after an acoustic rendition of "Love Yourself".[24] Sporting blond dreadlocks, gold chains and a loose-fitting red jacket, Bieber went into the crowd and danced with a fan during the performance.[24][25] The song was also performed on the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, before Bieber performed "Sorry". The performance featured jets of fire and a wash of lights.[26] It was also added to the setlist of his Purpose World Tour. During the performance, "a hidden platform anchored to the ceiling begins to descend and it turned out to be a giant, suspended trampoline, on which the singer completed a couple of backflips."[27]

Credits and personnel
Recording
  • Recorded at Jungle City Studios, New York.
  • Mixed at Record Plant Studios, California.
Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Purpose, Def Jam Recordings.[28]

Charts
Chart (2015–16) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[19] 34
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[29] 3
Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia)[30] 7
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[31] 38
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[32] 48
Denmark (Tracklisten)[33] 25
France (SNEP)[34] 181
Ireland (IRMA)[35] 30
Italy (FIMI)[36] 93
Lebanon (Lebanese Top 20)[37] 13
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[38] 14
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[18] 18
Norway (VG-lista)[39] 31
Portugal (AFP)[40] 66
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[41] 45
South Africa (EMA)[42] 1
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[43] 35
UK Singles (OCC)[44] 25
US Billboard Hot 100[45] 53
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[46] 16
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[47] 12

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[48] Platinum 70,000
Denmark (IFPI Denmark)[49] Gold 45,000
Italy (FIMI)[50] Gold 25,000
Mexico (AMPROFON)[51] Platinum 60,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[52] Platinum 30,000*
Sweden (GLF)[53] Gold 20,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[54] Gold 400,000
United States (RIAA)[55] Platinum 1,000,000

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history
Country Date Format Label Ref.
United States March 8, 2016 Rhythmic contemporary Def Jam [5]
[56]
Contemporary hit radio
Italy July 22, 2016 Universal [57]

See also

References
  1. Pearce, Sheldon (November 16, 2015). "Review: Justin Bieber's New Album Will Almost Make You Forgive Him for His Troubled Past". Complex. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
  2. Davidson, Amy (November 12, 2015). "Justin Bieber Purpose review: Track-by-track with his best album yet". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
  3. Golden, Zara (November 11, 2015). "How Justin Bieber Grew Into Himself, According To Poo Bear". The Fader. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  4. Cantor, Brian (February 16, 2016). "Def Jam Eyeing Justin Bieber's "Company" As Next Single". Headline Planet. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  5. Trust, Gary (February 25, 2016). "The Next Justin Bieber Single From 'Purpose' Is ..." Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  6. Grebey, James (April 7, 2016). "The Knocks Remix Justin Bieber's 'Company,' Will Open Two of His Tour Dates". Spin. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  7. "Justin Bieber - "Company" - Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing Company. MN0161497. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  8. "Justin Bieber 'Purpose' Album Review, Track-by-Track". Universal Music Canada. November 13, 2015. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  9. Holz, Adam R. "Purpose Album Review (2015)". Plugged In. Focus on the Family. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  10. Ryan, Patrick (November 13, 2015). "Album of the week: Justin Bieber finds 'Purpose'". USA Today. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  11. Carley, Brennan (November 12, 2015). "Justin Bieber's 'Purpose': SPIN's Impulsive Reviews". Spin. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  12. Horner, Al (November 12, 2015). "NME Reviews – Justin Bieber – 'Purpose' | NME.COM". NME. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  13. Downing, Megan (November 13, 2015). "A Track-by-Track Guide to Justin Bieber's Purpose". MTV UK. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  14. Lewis, Casey (November 13, 2015). "Purpose Is the Comeback Album Justin Bieber Needed". Teen Vogue. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
  15. Trust, Gary (November 23, 2015). "Justin Bieber Breaks the Beatles & Drake's Record for Most Simultaneous Hot 100 Hits". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  16. "Music: Top 100 Songs - March 26, 2016". Billboard. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  17. "Music: Top 100 Songs - April 23, 2016". Billboard. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  18. "Charts.nz – Justin Bieber – Company". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  19. "Australian-charts.com – Justin Bieber – Company". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  20. Landsbaum, Claire (November 17, 2015). "Which of Justin Bieber's Purpose Music Videos to Watch, and Which to Skip". Slate. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  21. "Purple Hair? Hailey? Here's Everything We Know About Justin Bieber's 'Company' Music Video". Capital FM. May 23, 2016. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  22. Kickham, Nick (June 8, 2016). "Justin Bieber shares documentary-style music video for 'Company'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  23. Bruner, Raisa (June 8, 2016). "Justin Bieber Just Wants 'Company' In His New Music Video". Time. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  24. Billboard Staff (April 3, 2016). "Justin Bieber Performs 'Love Yourself' & 'Company' at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards". Billboard. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  25. Rosen, Christopher (April 3, 2016). "Justin Bieber performs 'Love Yourself,' 'Company' at iHeartRadio Awards 2016". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  26. Rys, Dan (May 22, 2016). "Justin Bieber Brings 'Company' & 'Sorry' to 2016 Billboard Music Awards". Billboard. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  27. Rupert, Dylan (March 10, 2016). "Justin Bieber Finds New 'Purpose' at Seattle Tour Kickoff". Billboard. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  28. Purpose (inlay cover). Justin Bieber. Def Jam Recordings. 2016.CS1 maint: others (link)
  29. "Ultratop.be – Justin Bieber – {{{song}}}" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  30. "Ultratop.be – Justin Bieber – {{{song}}}" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  31. "Justin Bieber Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  32. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201613 into search. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  33. "Danishcharts.com – Justin Bieber – Company". Tracklisten. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  34. "Lescharts.com – Justin Bieber – Company" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  35. "Chart Track: Week 48, 2015". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  36. "FIMI – Search: Justin Bieber" (in Italian). FIMI. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  37. "The Official Lebanese Top 20 - Justin Bieber". The Official Lebanese Top 20. July 3, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  38. "Dutchcharts.nl – Justin Bieber – Company" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  39. "Norwegiancharts.com – Justin Bieber – Company". VG-lista. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  40. "Portuguesecharts.com - Singles (Week 1)". Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  41. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201547 into search. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  42. "EMA Top 10 Airplay: Week Ending 2016-06-07". Entertainment Monitoring Africa. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  43. "Swedishcharts.com – Justin Bieber – Company". Singles Top 100. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  44. "Justin Bieber: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  45. "Justin Bieber Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  46. "Justin Bieber Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  47. "Justin Bieber Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  48. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2016 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. August 17, 2016. Archived from the original on 10 August 2020.
  49. "Danish single certifications – Justin Bieber – Company". IFPI Denmark. August 17, 2016. Scroll through the page-list below until year 2016 to obtain certification.
  50. "Italian single certifications – Justin Bieber – Company" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. August 17, 2016. Select "2016" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Select "Company" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli online" under "Sezione".
  51. "Certificaciones" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017. Type Justin Bieber in the box under the ARTISTA column heading and Company in the box under TÍTULO
  52. "New Zealand single certifications – Justin Bieber – Company". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  53. "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 40, 2016 | Sverigetopplistan" (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. August 17, 2016.
  54. "British single certifications – Justin Bieber – Company". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 14, 2017. Select singles in the Format field. Select Gold in the Certification field. Type Company in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  55. "American single certifications – Justin Bieber – Company". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 14, 2016. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
  56. "Top 40/Mainstream > Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on March 2, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  57. "Justin Bieber "Company" - Radio Date: 22/07/2016)". Radio.Date. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
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