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"Not Myself Tonight"
Single by Christina Aguilera
from the album Bionic
ReleasedApril 6, 2010 (2010-04-06)
Recorded2009
Studio
  • The Red Lips Room (Beverly Hills, CA)[1]
  • The Boom Boom Room (Burbank, CA)[1]
Genre
Length3:05
Label
Songwriters
ProducerPolow da Don
Christina Aguilera singles chronology
"Keeps Gettin' Better"
(2008) 		"Not Myself Tonight"
(2010) 		"Woohoo"
(2010)
Music video
"Not Myself Tonight" on YouTube

"Not Myself Tonight" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera for her sixth studio album Bionic (2010). It was released by RCA Records as the lead single from the album on April 6, 2010. Produced by Jamal Jones a.k.a. Polow da Don and co-written in collaboration with Greg Curtis, Ester Dean and Jason Perry, "Not Myself Tonight" is an electropop, electro-R&B and dance-pop song, which explores Aguilera's adoption of different personas on the dance floor.

"Not Myself Tonight" received mixed to positive reviews from contemporary music critics: some of whom praised the song's musical style, while others criticized its lyrics. Internationally, the song reached Top-5 peaks in Hungary and Japan, while reaching Top-15 in Canada, Scotland, Italy and the United Kingdom. Elsewhere, the song peaked inside the Top-40 in a total of 21 countries, including the United States where it peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, the song peaked at number one on the Dance Club Songs chart. The single was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments exceeding 35,000 copies in Australia.

An accompanying music video for "Not Myself Tonight" was directed by Hype Williams, and was released on April 28, 2010. Serving as an homage to the music video for Madonna's "Express Yourself", the video was S&M-themed. To promote the song, Aguilera performed "Not Myself Tonight" at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, VH1 Storytellers and The Oprah Winfrey Show, amongst others.

Background and release

[edit]

"This song was just me and Ester [Dean] freestyling one day as another friend of mine was jumping and dancing around the studio. Christina's people reached out and asked if I had anything hot for her. I sent this, which happened to fit the fresh, different angle Christina told me she wanted to hit people with on this album."

— Songwriter and producer Polow da Don on "Not Myself Tonight".[2]

After the birth of her son, Max Bratman, Aguilera stated in an interview with Ryan Seacrest that her forthcoming album would include a totally new aspect of herself as an artist, because of the pregnancy with her son.[3] During an interview with People in 2008, Aguilera stated that she was going to start recording new material for her forthcoming album at her home in Beverly Hills.[4] Aguilera listened to a lot of electronic music during her pregnancy, and she was inspired to include the genre on Bionic.[5][6]

Aguilera originally considered servicing the track "Glam" as the lead single from Bionic.[7] However, after the conclusion of a day-long countdown on her website on March 23, 2010, it was announced that "Not Myself Tonight" would be released as the official lead single instead.[8] The single cover was simultaneously released, featuring a black-and-white image depicting Aguilera as a devil, dressed in a black leather suit with devil ears and a tail.[9] Tamar Anitai from MTV Buzzworthy compared Aguilera's look on the cover to Madonna and Lady Gaga.[10] The lyrics of "Not Myself Tonight" were released the following day,[11] and an eighteen-second snippet of the song was previewed on March 26.[12] On March 30, the track was streamed in its entirety through Aguilera's official website.[13] The single officially impacted US contemporary hit radio on April 6, 2010.[14]

Composition

[edit]
"Not Myself Tonight"
A 19 second sample of "Not Myself Tonight", an uptempo electropop, electro-R&B and dance-pop song with tribal house elements
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Not Myself Tonight" is a "straight forward", uptempo electropop, electro-R&B and dance-pop song,[15][16][17] which incorporates elements from tribal house.[18] Written in the key of G minor, it has a moderate tempo of 120 beats per minute.[19] Aguilera's vocals on the track span from the low-note of G3 to the high-note of D5.[19] Aguilera opted to explore and create a "fresh, sexy feel using both electronic and organic elements with subject matter ranging from playful to introspective" in the track;[20] the track features "dripping" synthesizers, "pulsing" basslines and house drums in its instrumentation.[21] Eric Henderson from Slant Magazine compared "Not Myself Tonight" to Britney Spears songs "Gimme More" and "If U Seek Amy" for having similar musical style.[22]

Lyrically, "Not Myself Tonight" talks about Aguilera adopting a new persona and new musical experiments.[23] At the beginning, Aguilera admits that "Tonight I'm feeling a little out of control".[18] At the pre-chorus, she sings "The old me's gone and I feel brand new, and if you don't like it, fuck you", which takes aim at anyone who dismisses her new style;[23][2] meanwhile, she declares her musical departure from her previous 1940s and 1950s inspired album Back to Basics (2006) at the chorus with the line, "I'm not myself tonight, tonight I'm not the same girl".[23] The song also evokes sexual theme,[24] with lyrics such as "I'm dancin' a lot, I'm takin' shots and I'm feelin' fine/ I'm kissin' all the boys and girls".[18] Writing for Billboard magazine, Michael Menachem opined that Aguilera channeled a "more 'Euro-glamorous' version" of her previous alter ego "Xtina", featured in her 2002 hit "Dirrty" from Stripped.[21]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Billboard(positive)[21]
BBCStarStarStar[25]
The Village Voice(negative)[24]

Upon its release, "Not Myself Tonight" received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic picked "Not Myself Tonight" as one of the highlights from Bionic,[26] while Michael Menachem from Billboard complimented Aguilera's vocal delivery and suggested that the track proved that "the current dance-pop craze would be incomplete without [Aguilera]".[21] Digital Spy editor Nick Levine gave the single a four out of five stars rating, writing that "on first listen, it feels a bit too ordinary to be trailing such a potentially audacious long-player. However, after a few spins it becomes clear that this is far from a flop".[16] On a negative side, Mesfin Fekadu from The Boston Globe described the single as "mediocre at best."[27]

Sharon Dastur, program director of WHTZ New York, noted that "Christina definitely delivered on high expectation. It's well-produced, offering the tempo and energy that top 40 needs heading into spring, not to mention an amazing vocal."[2] Fraser McAlpine writing for BBC Music praised the song's composition yet criticized its lyrics for "[not] escaping the feeling that she's only getting up in our collective grill once again with the sexy and the [atti]'tude".[25] Gavin Martin from the Daily Mirror wrote that "Not Myself Tonight" "shows the post-natal Aguilera has pumped up her sex appeal. And, although her top-shelf strategy is hardly startling in its originality, it's accomplished with more class than her obvious competitors".[28] On behalf of The Village Voice, Drew Hinshaw criticized Aguilera's vocals and lyrics on the song.[24] Likewise, Dan Martin from NME opined that with the new musical style of Bionic and its lead single, Aguilera had very little chance to explore her vocal ability.[29] Writing for Drowned in Sound, Richard Wink concerned that "Not Myself Tonight" showcased an "apparent identity crisis" that Aguilera experienced during the production of Bionic; he questioned whether the alter ego "Xtina" was "the character that represents a freewheeling, risk taking, carefree party girl" or the contrasting "mask a desperate popstar wears when they are struggling to maintain relevance".[30]

Retrospective commentary and impact

[edit]

In his retrospective commentary on the album Bionic, Billboard's Glenn Rowley called "Not Myself Tonight" a "brashly sexual lead single".[31] The Gay Times writer Daniel Megarry labelled the song as "an empowering feminist anthem that blended a new electropop sound with the attitude of Aguilera's Stripped era".[32] It was ranked as the 40th best song of 2010 by Digital Dream Door.[33] Christopher Rosa from The Celebrity Cafe placed it at number nine on the list of Aguilera's ten best songs ever, calling it a "thumping, glittery synth sashay".[34] According to Kelley Dunlap of BuzzFeed, "Not Myself Tonight" influenced Beyoncé's 2013 song "Drunk in Love".[35] In 2020, the British magazine i-D ranked the song on a list of the Best Pop Comebacks of the 21st Century.[36] Mike Wass from the Idolator ranked "Not Myself Tonight" at number three on his list of Aguilera's forty best songs.[37] LGBTQ-related website Queer.pl called it a "gay classic".[38]

Chart performance

[edit]

During its first week on U.S. radio, "Not Myself Tonight" became the most added song on Mainstream Top 40 (886 plays in its first six days) and Rhythmic Radio stations in the United States,[39][2] debuting at number 27 on the Mainstream Top 40 (Pop Songs) chart.[40] Digitally, it sold 77,000 copies in its first week, entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 23, becoming Aguilera's third solo highest chart debut behind 2008's "Keeps Gettin' Better", which debuted at number 7, and 2006's "Ain't No Other Man", which opened at number 19.[40] According to Nielsen BDS, the song reached a Billboard Hot 100 audience of 11.8 million after a week of airplay.[2] "Not Myself Tonight" became a success on the Hot Dance Club Songs, peaking atop the chart.[41] The single became an airplay hit in the US soon after its premiere, and it was the number one most requested song at WHTZ (Z100) New York.[2] As of March 2011, the single has sold 368,000 copies in the US.[42]

The track managed to peak at number 11 and 12 on the Canadian Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, respectively.[43][44] In the UK, however, the single spent just six weeks in the top 100, with a chart run of 12–24–39–64–48–83. In Australia, "Not Myself Tonight" debuted and peaked at number 22, remaining at its peak position for a further week.[45] Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the single charted at number 32 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and managed to remain on the chart for only one week.[46] The single fared better in South Korea, debuting at number 4 on the Gaon International Digital Chart,[47] and later peaking at number three.[48] In Japan, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[49]

Music video

[edit]

Background and development

[edit]

The music video for "Not Myself Tonight" was filmed from April 7 to 9, 2010, in Los Angeles, directed by Hype Williams.[50] It officially premiered on Vevo on April 30, 2010.[51] On working with Williams and the new looks she developed in the video, Aguilera stated, "...someone with that much of a catalog under his belt and success as a video maker, he's like a legend. So again entering into the collaborating factor, I didn't know what to expect ... and he's probably thinking the same about me. And when we walked away from working with each other, it was just a love connection. I wanted to maintain and keep consistent with the look of the album packaging and book, and I really wanted to keep all that in line, and so he really paid attention, and I think it's really iconic and classic. We totally made magic together on a creative level, it was absolutely amazing. He really got in and listened to where my music was at".[52]

In the video for "Not Myself Tonight" (left), Aguilera paid tribute to Madonna's visual for "Express Yourself" (right).[53]

Aguilera revealed that some of the inspiration for the music video came from her work in Burlesque, stating, "There is dancing, and I learned so much also as a dancer doing the Burlesque film, moving my body in ways that were, I feel, never as precise before [...] I really fell in love and I adapted that in the dancing for 'Not Myself Tonight', but it was really, really fun to take what I learned from the movie."[54] She further elaborated, "A lot of that [video] was based on my visual inspiration. I took Hype into my salon area in my home ... it's like my creative den. He took the ideas and then took other ideas and related to the ideas, and it just was really iconic imagery."[54] The video itself features a strong sexual theme with scenes of S&M and bondage, as well as scenes in a church and several prestigious-looking buildings. Aguilera wore several hairstyles and outfits, including many which were dominatrix-style.[55] Make-up artist Kristofer Buckle, who worked on the set of the video, said that Aguilera "wanted to push it" during the shooting.[56]

As Aguilera performs the song, she adopts identities of many different personas, including a sex kitten.[56][57][58] She kisses a bound female dancer portrayed by Jenna Dewan, which reflects the song's lyrics ("I'm kissing all the boys and the girls"),[59][60] and is being surrounded by look-alikes whom she dominates.[58] The singer is seen wearing a special, glamorous eye clamps — in a scene which echoes Stanley Kubrick's dystopian film A Clockwork Orange, according to the entertainment industry-related website The Vigilant Citizen.[58] The video features a church orgy[57] and a clothes-burning scene which was likely inspired by George Michael's music video for "Freedom! '90".[61][58]

According to Aguilera, the music video of "Not Myself Tonight" is a tribute to Madonna, citing her music videos as its major influence, most notably "Express Yourself" (1989).[53] She viewed the visual for "Express Yourself" as "really strong and empowering which [she] always try to incorporate through my expression of sexuality."[62] Several critics further noted that the S&M-inspired theme of the music video for "Not Myself Tonight" was also resembled other Madonna music videos such as "Human Nature" (1995) and "Like a Prayer" (1989).[55][61] MTV News' Gil Kaufman also opined that Aguilera recalled her "Dirrty" video for sharing the same sexual depiction.[63]

Reception

[edit]

The music video to "Not Myself Tonight" received mixed reviews from music critics. James Montgomery of MTV News called the video "jaw-dropping".[61] Tanner Stransky from Entertainment Weekly commented that the video was similar to visuals by Lady Gaga and Madonna, further noting that Aguilera "did indeed seem desperate" in the "unoriginal" clip, saying that "maybe she should have gone in a totally different direction to avoid comparisons".[64] On behalf of Rolling Stone, Daniel Kreps stated that "Aguilera assumes no less than a dozen different guises, all scantily clad, ranging from carbon copies of Lady Gaga (borrowing heavily from her unique wardrobe), Madonna, Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, the girls from Robert Palmer's 'Simply Irresistible' video and Michelle Pfeiffer's S&M-inspired Catwoman from Batman Returns. Despite the video's attempt to shock, it's unlikely Aguilera will ever out-Gaga Gaga or out-controversy Madonna. ... Hopefully next time she steps in front of the lens she'll be more herself and less like everyone else".[65] Idolator's editor Mike Wass opined that "the Hype Williams’ directed video is equal parts fetish porn and high-fashion shoot".[66] NME ranked the "Not Myself Tonight" music video at number 8 on its list of the "50 Worst Music Videos Ever".[67] Writing for the Gay Times, Daniel Megarry believed the video was a clear tribute to Madonna but "its message was lost on critics".[32]

In May 2020, as a result of the "#JusticeforBionic" social media campaign, the song's music video reached number one positions on the iTunes Top 100 Videos charts in multiple countries, including France, Spain, and the United States.[68][69][70]

Live performances

[edit]

Aguilera first performed the song live on The Oprah Winfrey Show on May 7, 2010, in a black one-piece and long black trench coat with high boots, accompanied by green laser lights and smoke. Her dancers were dressed in Matrix-like costumes. She ad-libbed several times during the performance, at one point explaining the song's concept, stating to the audience, "This song is all about letting go and expressing yourself!"[71] On June 8, 2010, Aguilera performed the song on The Today Show.[72] She also performed the song on Live with Regis and Kelly on June 10, 2010,[73] and as a part of her concert on CBS's The Early Show on June 11, 2010.[74] Aguilera performed "Not Myself Tonight" in a medley with "Bionic" and "Woohoo" at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.[75] The song was also included on Aguilera's set for VH1 Storytellers.[76]

Aguilera performed "Not Myself Tonight" on numerous occasions throughout the years, like the Justin Timberlake's all-star benefit show in Las Vegas in October 2010,[77] the Mawazine Festival in Morocco in May 2016,[78] and at the Black Sea Arena in Georgia in July 2016.[79][80] In 2019, the Bionic single was included in the setlist for Aguilera's Vegas residency The Xperience. It was one of the two opening songs, along with "Your Body".[81] The song was selected as a show opener for the singer's second concert residency Christina Aguilera at Voltaire (2023–2024), performed by Aguilera in a "mountainous gown" and a double-strand diamond necklace.[82]

Impact and legacy

[edit]

A remix of "Not Myself Tonight" was featured in Christian Dior's "Cruise" fashion show in May 2010.[83][84] The song was used in the 2023 Netflix comedy drama series Glamorous, starring Kim Cattrall.[85] Farrah Moan paid tribute to Aguilera's attire from the "Not Myself Tonight" music video in a 2019 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where Aguilera also appeared as a guest.[86][87] Similarly, Dorit Kemsley referenced Aguilera's "Not Myself Tonight" dress during her appearance at the 47th People's Choice Awards ceremony, where the singer received the Music Icon Award.[88] The song was also performed by a contestant of a reality singing show Sing Your Face Off Thailand in 2019.[89][90] Swiss figure skater Sarah Meier choreographed a dance routine to "Not Myself Tonight" in a show titled All That Skate.[91][92]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Ceremony Category Result Ref.
2010 EarOne Awards Best Song Won [93]
You Choice Awards Video of the Year Won [94][95]
2011 MuchMusic Video Awards Most Watched Video of the Year Nominated [96]
J-Wave Awards Song of the Year Nominated [97]
Spetteguless Awards Best Pop Song Nominated [98]

Track listing and formats

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[142] Gold 35,000^
South Korea (Gaon) — 258,935[143]
United States — 432,000[42]

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Italy April 2, 2010 Contemporary hit radio Sony Music [144]
United States April 6, 2010 RCA [14]
Russia April 9, 2010 Sony Music [104]
Australia April 12, 2010 Digital download [145]
New Zealand [146]
United Kingdom RCA [147]
United States April 13, 2010 [148]
Germany May 7, 2010 Digital download (EP) Sony Music [149]
Belgium May 18, 2010 Digital download (remixes) [150]
Finland [151]
Germany [152]
Norway [153]
Portugal [154]
Spain [155]
Sweden [156]
Switzerland [157]
Canada May 11, 2010 CD [158]
United Kingdom May 17, 2010 RCA [25]
Germany May 21, 2010 Sony Music [159]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Not Myself Tonight

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Not Myself Tonight" is a song by American singer , released as the lead single from her sixth studio album, Bionic, on April 6, 2010, via . An electro-pop track produced by and co-written with , it explores themes of personal liberation and shedding inhibitions through its lyrics, such as "Tonight I'm feelin' a little out of control / Is this me?". The song debuted at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number one on the Billboard chart, while achieving moderate international success, peaking in the top 20 in several countries including the (number 12) and (number 11). The accompanying , directed by and released on April 30, 2010, features Aguilera in a series of bold, costume-heavy sequences inspired by the of Madonna's videos, including elements of S&M and rapid visual changes that drew both praise for its artistic homage and criticism for its overt sexuality. Despite mixed reviews—some outlets lauding its energetic production and Aguilera's vocal performance while others noted its similarities to contemporary electro-pop trends like Lady Gaga's work—the track marked Aguilera's attempt to reinvent her image post-Back to Basics (2006), emphasizing empowerment and experimentation in her sound.

Background

Development

Following the birth of her son Max in November 2007, sought to reinvent her artistic identity for her sixth studio album Bionic, emphasizing a futuristic, edgier that celebrated multifaceted as a mother and performer. By late 2008, she had begun songwriting and collaborative work in studios, drawing on electronic and influences to break from the of her previous release Back to Basics. "Not Myself Tonight," selected as the album's , emerged from this exploratory phase as a track co-written by , Gregory "G. Curtis" Curtis, Jason Perry, and . Although Aguilera typically co-wrote her material, she made an exception for the song upon hearing a demo, immediately recognizing its bold, confident energy as the perfect embodiment of her desired shift toward electro-pop rebellion. The track's ideation aligned with broader Bionic sessions, which involved direct outreach to collaborators like Sia Furler and to infuse postmodern elements.

Recording

The recording of "Not Myself Tonight" occurred primarily at The in Hollywood, . handled production, integrating synthesizers for a synth-house texture, heavy pulsing basslines, and electronic beats to drive the track's electro-R&B foundation. Christina Aguilera's vocals were captured by Oscar Ramirez. These sessions wrapped in early 2010 amid the album's final push. Ramirez's work on the vocals contributed to the song's club-ready polish, complementing the instrumental elements for a cohesive dance-floor energy.

Music and lyrics

Composition

"Not Myself Tonight" follows a conventional verse-chorus structure typical of tracks, beginning with an introductory spoken-word segment that sets a provocative tone, followed by verses, pre-choruses, a repeating chorus, a bridge, and an outro that fades with echoing effects. The song's arrangement emphasizes a driving anchored by a four-on-the-floor beat, which propels the track's energetic pace throughout much of its duration. Pulsating synths provide the melodic foundation, creating a layered, electronic backdrop that builds tension leading into the chorus drops. The track fuses elements of synth-pop with contemporary EDM influences, evoking the cold, buzzing synth tones of early while incorporating modern club-ready production. This blend draws parallels to the theatrical electro-pop style prominent in Lady Gaga's early work, such as on her debut album , though critics noted Aguilera's approach as more overtly sexualized and less innovative. Instrumentation highlights processed vocals with effects via technology, giving Aguilera's delivery a robotic, futuristic edge, complemented by glitchy electronic flourishes and filtered synth stabs that add textural depth. A mid-song breakdown introduces heavier, distorted low-end elements, shifting focus to a throbbing that intensifies the track's club atmosphere before resolving back into the main groove. The production team, led by Polow da Don alongside writers Christina Aguilera, Ester Dean, Greg Curtis, and Jason Perry, shaped the song's sound to prioritize dancefloor immediacy, emphasizing synthetic textures over organic instrumentation.

Themes and production

"Not Myself Tonight" explores themes of sexual liberation and empowerment through hedonism, with lyrics depicting a persona shedding everyday inhibitions in favor of uninhibited self-expression. Aguilera has described the song as incorporating her signature approach to empowerment via sexuality, emphasizing confidence in exploring different facets of one's identity. The narrative arc transitions from restraint to release, illustrated by metaphors of bondage and fantasy, such as the line "Tonight I'm gonna trade my outfit for a straitjacket," symbolizing a deliberate embrace of altered, carefree states over conventional norms. This progression underscores a bold rejection of judgment, as Aguilera noted the track's intent to push boundaries and affirm personal freedom. The production, helmed by , enhances these themes through an framework infused with futuristic and elements, creating a synthetic that mirrors the song's altered-state fantasy. Bouncy, club-oriented beats and electronic flourishes evoke a mechanized that amplifies the lyrical uninhibition, positioning the track as a dance-floor anthem of sensual release. Aguilera's vocal delivery—brash and powerful in the choruses yet seductive in verses—contrasts the aggressive electronic pulses, further embodying the tension between restraint and liberation central to the song's message.

Release and promotion

Single release

"Not Myself Tonight" was released by as the from Christina Aguilera's sixth studio album, Bionic, with the digital download becoming available on in the United States on April 13, 2010. Physical CD singles followed in select international markets, including a maxi-single edition in on May 21, 2010. The rollout targeted urban and pop radio formats for initial , with the track shipped to U.S. stations on March 30, 2010, where it quickly gained traction as the most-added song at both top 40 and rhythmic radio in its debut week. Promotion centered on Aguilera's artistic reinvention, highlighting a bolder, electronic sound to signal evolution from her prior work, with teaser clips of the song premiering exclusively on her official website on March 30, 2010, amid early planning for the supporting Bionic Tour. This strategy built anticipation ahead of Bionic's full release on June 8, 2010.

Formats and track listing

"Not Myself Tonight" was released as a digital single and in limited physical formats, primarily as a CD maxi-single in and promotional copies for DJs. The standard edition featured the album version of the lead track, while editions included club-oriented versions by producers such as Chus & Ceballos and Jody Den Broeder. No official vinyl releases were produced, though promotional CDRs were distributed to radio and club DJs containing instrumental and extended mixes.

Digital download

The standard digital single was made available for download on April 13, 2010, via , consisting of the sole version. A separate digital EP, titled Not Myself Tonight (The Remixes), was released on May 18, 2010, compiling 12 club and radio edits aimed at dance markets. Standard single track listing
No.TitleLength
1"Not Myself Tonight"3:05
Remix EP track listing (selected representative tracks; full EP includes additional variants)
No.TitleLength
1"Not Myself Tonight" (Chus & Ceballos Club Vocal)6:54
2"Not Myself Tonight" (Chus & Ceballos Iberican Christina Beats)5:10
3"Not Myself Tonight" (Jody Den Broeder Radio)3:31
4"Not Myself Tonight" (Jody Den Broeder Club Dirty)6:22
5"Not Myself Tonight" (Mark Roberts Ultimix Dirty)4:52

Physical formats

A CD maxi-single was released in Europe by RCA on May 21, 2010, featuring the main version alongside radio-friendly remixes. Promotional formats, including CDRs for US and European DJs, were issued in 2010 to support club play, often containing clean, dirty, and dub versions without commercial packaging. European CD maxi-single track listing
No.TitleLength
1"Not Myself Tonight" (Main Version)3:05
2"Not Myself Tonight" (Mark Roberts Ultimix Dirty)4:52
3"Not Myself Tonight" (Jody Den Broeder Radio Mix)3:31
Promotional CDR track listing (club remixes edition; selected tracks)
No.TitleLength
1"Not Myself Tonight" (Jody Den Broeder Club Dirty)6:22
2"Not Myself Tonight" (Jody Den Broeder Dub)6:25
3"Not Myself Tonight" (Chus & Ceballos In Stereo Club)6:22
4"Not Myself Tonight" (Chus & Ceballos Vocal Club)6:56
5"Not Myself Tonight" (Album Mix)3:07

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release as the from Christina Aguilera's 2010 album Bionic, "Not Myself Tonight" garnered mixed initial reviews from music critics, who often highlighted its electro-influenced sound while debating its place in the contemporary pop scene. praised the track's fierce dance energy through Polow da Don's production, featuring dripping synths, pulsing bass, and drums, alongside Aguilera's vocal prowess with her signature octave-straddling runs and glory notes, positioning it as an essential addition to the landscape. echoed this enthusiasm, calling it a modish electro-R&B club thumper with an energetic vibe that improves upon repeated listens, deeming it far from a flop. Critics on the negative end were less forgiving, with detecting a "whiff of desperation" in the song's attempt to recapture Aguilera's provocative edge. The BBC's Chart Blog review described it as a backwards step, overly eager to chase modern R&B trends with monotonous one-riff structure and generic appeal, though it acknowledged Aguilera's fine vocal harmonies in the chorus. A recurring theme across these 2010 responses was the tension between the song's lack of originality—frequently compared to prevailing electro styles from artists like and —and its commercial viability as a high-energy club track designed for mainstream pop radio play.

Retrospective assessments

In the years following its 2010 release, "Not Myself Tonight" has been reevaluated by critics as a prescient fusion of and EDM elements, blending futuristic synths and bass-driven production that anticipated the dominance of in mainstream pop. A 2020 retrospective in Gay Times highlighted the track's innovative sound as part of Bionic's broader experimental edge, describing it as an "empowering feminist " with like "The old me’s gone, and if you don’t like it, fuck you," which embodied a defiant reinvention ahead of its time. Similarly, a 2017 analysis in Attitude magazine praised the song's ironic, tone as a bold retort to critics and industry pressures, noting its playful yet provocative style as emblematic of Aguilera's willingness to push boundaries in a post-Stripped era. These views contrast with the song's initial mixed reception, which often critiqued its overt sexuality, but later assessments emphasize its role in bridging Aguilera's earlier attitude-driven work with emerging electronic trends. Gay Times (2020) connected "Not Myself Tonight" to later "girl gang" anthems, positioning it as a precursor to pop's evolving discourse on autonomy and rejection of patriarchal norms. A 2020 look-back in Entertainment Focus further underscored this, calling Bionic—and by extension its lead single—a classic album for its genre-blending exploration of a "fresh, sexy feel," despite contemporaneous dismissal of its bolder elements. However, the album's commercial struggles, including the single peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Bionic dropping from No. 3 to No. 9 in its second week, initially overshadowed these qualities, framing the project as a misstep in Aguilera's trajectory. Retrospectively, this underperformance is seen as contextual rather than indicative of artistic failure, with Attitude (2017) arguing it buried brilliance amid overambition, ultimately solidifying Bionic as a bold pivot toward experimental pop in her discography. In June 2025, the 15th anniversary of Bionic prompted further reevaluations, with Roc Nation releasing a video retrospective highlighting the album's visionary elements and enduring influence on pop music. Academic discussions in pop music studies have examined the song's portrayal of gender and sexuality, often focusing on its S&M-infused lyrics and video aesthetics as a negotiation between subversion and mainstream commodification. In a 2011 master's thesis from the University of Oslo's Department of Musicology, Kai Arne Hansen analyzed "Not Myself Tonight" through the lens of hyperembodiment and technological mediation, arguing that Aguilera's post-human vocal effects and pornographic visual references blur gender boundaries while challenging normative heterosexual desire, though ultimately accommodating the male gaze for commercial viability. Hansen's work reevaluates the track as a critical site for exploring emancipation amid objectification, using S&M motifs to expose constructed power dynamics in Western pop culture. These scholarly notes position the song within broader conversations on sexual agency, influencing later analyses of how female artists like Aguilera use spectacle to both critique and conform to cultural expectations.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Not Myself Tonight" debuted at number 23 on the chart dated May 1, 2010, which was also its peak position, held for one week, and spent a total of eight weeks on the chart. The song's ascent was primarily fueled by strong radio airplay, amassing an audience of 11.8 million listeners in its initial week according to Nielsen BDS data. On dance-oriented charts, it performed more strongly, reaching number 1 on the chart for one week in July 2010 and peaking at number 3 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Internationally, the single saw varied success across markets. In the , it debuted at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart on April 25, 2010, marking its peak position, and remained on the chart for six weeks. In , "Not Myself Tonight" entered the ARIA Singles Chart at number 22, which became its peak, while achieving a higher number 3 on the ARIA Dance Singles Chart. The track reached number 11 on the Canadian Hot 100, spending 13 weeks in the top 100 after debuting at number 86. In , it peaked at number 24 on the German Singles Chart for five weeks. It also peaked at number 3 in . However, the song failed to enter major charts in .
Chart (2010)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Billboard Hot 100238
US Dance Club Songs110
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs3N/A
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)1113
UK Singles (OCC)126
Australia (ARIA)226
Australia Dance (ARIA)3N/A
Germany (Official German Charts)245

Certifications and sales

It was certified Gold by the ARIA in for 35,000 units. In the United States, the single has accumulated approximately 1.2 million equivalent units, including digital downloads and streams. It ranked at number 48 on the year-end Dance/Electronic Songs chart for 2010. Globally, the track has sold and streamed approximately 1.2 million units as of 2025.

Music video

Production

The music video for "Not Myself Tonight" was conceptualized around S&M and futuristic bondage themes, drawing inspiration from the visual style of Madonna's "Express Yourself" video, which itself homaged the 1927 film directed by . This approach aligned with the song's lyrical exploration of personal liberation and shedding inhibitions. Filming took place over three days from April 7 to 9, 2010, in , utilizing elaborate sets such as mirrored rooms to create disorienting, immersive environments. The production featured numerous latex and bondage-inspired costumes designed by Simone Harouche, emphasizing rapid changes to convey transformation and intensity. Directed by and produced by Tony McGarry at HSI , the video incorporated by Jeri Slaughter to highlight dynamic, seductive sequences. was handled by John Perez, with by Regan Jackson and by Dean Miyahira, while added CGI elements to enhance the surreal, otherworldly effects.

Synopsis and themes

The music video for "Not Myself Tonight," directed by , depicts as a commanding figure navigating a dystopian, dimly lit club filled with surreal and provocative elements. The narrative begins with Aguilera emerging into this shadowy environment, embodying a transformed that explores themes of uninhibited desire and control. As the video progresses, she transitions through escalating S&M scenarios, interacting dominantly with a ensemble of dancers in a futuristic, industrial space that evokes a sense of confinement and release. This plot arc mirrors the song's exploration of shedding inhibitions, culminating in moments of ecstatic freedom. Key scenes highlight Aguilera's bold physicality and wardrobe transformations, including whipping scantily clad dancers with a riding crop while clad in corsets and , and crawling seductively across the floor in a glossy, oil-slicked black latex bodysuit that accentuates her movements. Other visuals feature her in a slashed red , engaging in intimate, rain-soaked dances with male performers, and a charged encounter where she writhes against a male model, amplifying the song's sensual energy. The sequence builds intensity through mirrored walls and stark lighting, emphasizing her central role amid a diverse group of backing dancers. The video reaches a symbolic climax in a stark , where Aguilera appears in a flowing white ensemble, shedding the darker attire for a purified, liberated state that signifies emotional and sexual . This transition underscores the thematic extension of the song's lyrics, particularly the "straitjacket" metaphor referencing restraint and wild abandon ("Put me in a / 'Cause I can't behave"), rendered through BDSM-inspired visuals like bondage gear and dominance play. By visualizing these elements, the video reinforces female agency and sex positivity, aligning with Aguilera's intent to reclaim her authentic, empowered self amid personal frustrations during the Bionic era.

Critical and fan reception

The music video for "Not Myself Tonight" received mixed critical reception, with praise for its bold aesthetics juxtaposed against critiques of its . highlighted the video's "jaw-dropping" visuals and daring presentation upon its April 2010 premiere. In contrast, of described it as an S&M-style clip featuring frantic costume changes reminiscent of , implying a dated reliance on provocation. Fan response was polarizing, with many appreciating its themes and celebration of sexual liberation, while others decried the explicit as overly gratuitous. The official video has amassed over 44 million views on as of November 2025. It received a for MuchMUSIC.COM Most Watched Video of the Year at the 2011 iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards.

Live performances and legacy

Performances

Aguilera performed "Not Myself Tonight" live on NBC's Today Show on June 8, 2010, alongside dancers in coordinated outfits that echoed the song's bold, futuristic aesthetic from its music video. The song was slated to be a centerpiece of Aguilera's planned Bionic Tour, announced in May 2010 as a 20-city North American outing to promote her album, but the tour was canceled later that month due to insufficient rehearsal time stemming from her commitments to the film Burlesque and promoting the album. Despite the tour's cancellation, Aguilera delivered a high-energy rendition at the on June 6, incorporating burlesque-inspired choreography and a medley blending it with "Bionic" and "Woohoo," which highlighted the album's electro-pop themes and her preparation for the film . The track saw a revival during Aguilera's Liberation Tour in 2018, where it was featured in a Bionic medley including segments of "Elastic Love," "Woohoo," and the title track, adapting the original's provocative stage dynamics for a more celebratory, career-spanning show. Aguilera has continued performing the song during her residency at The , with notable appearances in December 2023 and March 2024, often paired with "Your Body" in a high-energy set.

Cultural impact

The music video for "Not Myself Tonight" has been recognized as a deliberate homage to Madonna's iconic visuals, particularly drawing from the aesthetic and thematic elements of videos like "Express Yourself" and "." Aguilera explicitly described the project as a , incorporating futuristic outfits, fetish wear, and S&M-inspired imagery to channel Madonna's boundary-pushing style while adapting it to her own persona, such as through a direct reference to Madonna's signature eyeglass . This connection positioned the video within a lineage of pop artists exploring sexual liberation and , reinforcing Madonna's enduring influence on female pop icons in the . The song and video's explicit themes of , , and post-human embodiment—featuring digital effects, robotic vocals, and pornographic aesthetics—sparked cultural discourse on gender norms and female agency in . Academic analyses highlight how it negotiated and , using S&M elements and queered imagery to challenge traditional , though often accommodating the through sensationalized display. This reflected broader shifts in Western pop culture toward the mainstreaming of explicit since the late , blending with in a way that both critiqued and conformed to expectations. Retrospectively, "Not Myself Tonight" is viewed as ahead of its time, pioneering an sound and feminist attitude that anticipated trends in the , such as "girl gang" collaborations and experimental club anthems. As part of the Bionic album, it has gained cult status, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, where its unapologetic self-expression and tracks like the accompanying singles resonate as queer anthems celebrating identity and defiance. In 2025, marking the 15th anniversary of Bionic, the song received renewed acclaim for its forward-thinking production and themes, highlighted in fan and media retrospectives. Despite initial commercial underperformance, its bold fusion of electronic production with themes of shedding inhibitions has contributed to Aguilera's legacy as a vocal innovator pushing pop's boundaries.

References

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