Just Can't Get Enough (The Black Eyed Peas song)

Background and composition

The Beginning's second single was announced on The Black Eyed Peas' official website on January 21, 2011.

Rodney Jerkins and Julie Frost composed the basic song together, with Jerkins on piano and Frost contributing the lyrics and topline melody. The Darkchild production team of Tommy Brown and Bah then worked on the producing the track and contributing to the music composition before finally Will.I.Am and the Black Eyed Peas, in the words of Frost, "cut it up and gave it their own twist".

Member Apl.de.ap told Beatweek Magazine that he wanted this to be the follow up The Time (Dirty Bit) because "It's a different tempo and it's also paying homage to the ladies."

Group member Taboo explained the meaning of the song to MTV News as: "The message is knowing that when you're gone from somebody, especially when you're on tour, you can't get enough of them or you're just thinking about them and you just want to let them know that you're always there for them."

Critical reception

Andy Gill from The Independent said, positively, that: "other highlights include "Just Can't Get Enough" – not the Depeche Mode song – which vaults suddenly from the rare dignity of string-synth textures to a sweatily pumping techno finale". Lewis Corner from Digital Spy rated it three stars (out of five) and commented that: "The back-and-forth production - reminiscent of vintage arcade game Pong - comprises electronic synths and soft strings teamed with heavy beats and, of course, the obligatory vocoded "mega switch up" - prompting its transformation into a thumping techno endgame. Throw in some "LOL" text lingo and computerised vocals, and we can't help but think he's perhaps spent a little too much time in front of the PC for this one. You want to be careful Will, we hear they make your eyes go square".

Music video

The music video for "Just Can't Get Enough" was directed by Ben Mor. It was shot over a three-day period in Tokyo, Japan while the group was on a press tour. The video was shot just one week before the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Fergie spoke of the clip and the natural disaster in Japan, saying, "It was the easiest video I ever shot because it was us living our lives. I love that it's showing a true perspective of how it can sometimes be lonely on the road away from our loved ones. It also demonstrates the love and connection we have with Japan. Our heart goes out to all of the Japanese people who have been affected by this natural disaster." Taboo was also quoted saying "It was an amazing moment in time because Japan has always been my favorite place on the planet. It was great to do our video there. God bless the Japanese. Our love goes out to them."

The video premiered on March 16, 2011 on music video website Vevo. It opens with the translator voice tells the caption "This video was filmed in Japan one week before the earthquake and tsunami. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of Japan. We love you." It was shot in a guerrilla-style. Fergie is seen in a hotel room, will.i.am is in the back of a car. Taboo sings his verse while walking in the city and apl.de.ap sings his "switched up" verse in front of a futuristic backdrop with flashing lights. It also includes vignettes of Tokyo's nightlife, such as young club-goers taking photos with mobile phones and the city's rail system. At a couple points it shows all four members wearing different styles of sunglasses and dressed in black performing at a nightclub. The clip closes with the translator voice with a message to encourage viewers to donate to the Red Cross.

The video received positive reviews from critics. Bill Lamb of About.com wrote that "The feel ... was already a bit melancholy depicting the loneliness and separation of being on the road. However, the fact that the clip was filmed in Tokyo, Japan just a week before the recent devastating earthquake gives the video even more depth and poignance." Becky Bain of Idolator wrote that "It's basically Lost In Translation with a more thumping soundtrack."

Live performances

The Black Eyed Peas performed the song for the first time on the tenth season of American Idol on March 17, 2011. The performance began with will.i.am, wearing a white suit and playing on the piano and dedicating the song to Japan. Fergie then opened the song while sitting atop the piano wearing a white halter dress. Later, will.i.am stood up and joined her onstage to sing his lines. apl.de.ap and Taboo, also wearing white clothing, sang and rapped along. Behind them, string players and dancers performed, and couples acted out skits. Near the end, the group jumped around onstage, while encouraging the audience to dance and clap along. They also performed "Just Can't Get Enough" at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2011 and in the show that they performed for MTV World Stage.

Track listing

1. "Just Can't Get Enough" – 3:40

1. "Just Can't Get Enough" – 3:40
2. "Just Can't Get Enough" (Instrumental) – 3:48

1. "Just Can't Get Enough" – 3:40
2. "The Time (Dirty Bit)" (Zedd Remix) - 6:00

Credits and personnel

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