Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors”: Review Revue
Twelve hours after Justin Timberlake‘s new song “Mirrors” was released as part of iTunes pre-orders of The 20/20 Experience (out March 19), we can’t seem to tear our ears away from it — or take the track off repeat. From the strings and the soaring chorus to Timbaland’s slick production and the epic quality of the jam, it’s clear there’s more to JT’s upcoming third solo LP than just “Suit & Tie”-esque throwbacks. (That said, “Mirrors” does have us thinking back to 2006. So there’s that…)
But what does the rest of the Internet think of the eight-minute-long song? We rounded up a few reviews, which you can peruse below, pop fanatics!
:: Paste notes that “the song was produced by frequent Timberlake collaborator Timbaland. The eight-minute jam builds upon a classic Timbaland beat before leading into a heavily orchestrated interlude, all while Timberlake coos lines like ‘It’s like you’re my mirror/ my mirror staring back at me’.”
:: MTV Buzzworthy appeared to mirror our own review: “Unlike ‘Suit & Tie”s sultry and retro vibes, the selfie-taker’s new jam reminds us a bit more of Justin’s FutureSex/LoveSounds days with layered synths and ridiculously club-ready pop production courtesy of JT’s main man Timbaland. That said, Justin’s lush, harmony-laden vocals remain the core of the track.”
:: Neon Limelight also felt the vintage JT vibe: “Following the same formula as his smash sophomore album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, JT mashes up two songs in one on ‘Mirrors,’ transitioning from one mid-tempo confessional to another smooth, finger-snapper, both as heartfelt as the next.”
:: The Prophet Blog concurs: “From the crunchy urban-pop production to the switch into a completely different song during the final few minutes, ‘Mirrors’ is typical 2006-era Timbaland/Timberlake. Whether or not you think that’s a good thing depends on your personal taste.”
:: Hypebeast ponders who the tune might have been written about: “Displaying strong vocal attributes over a poignant R&B-style production that gives nod to his last LP Future Sex/Love Sounds, ‘Mirrors’ sees the American artist narrate an emotive memoir about realizing a certain someone is his other half. It’s not clear whether the reference here is aimed at Timberlake’s wife Jessica Biel, but the melodious song comes as a ubiquitous theme for anyone who’s gone through rough patches in their relationship.”
:: SPIN seems to have an aversion to the new offering, though: “And how does the former ‘N Sync singer choose to crown his return to pop prominence but with a pickup line even MxPx wouldn’t touch? Backed with music that’s a cross between luxe Bruno Mars ’80s-grenade balladry and those human beatbox hiccups that, in all honesty, were starting to be played out even when Timberlake tapped Timbaland to use them, brilliantly, on FutureSex?”
What do you think of Justin’s new song “Mirrors”? Hit us up below with your thoughts, or let us know on Facebook and Twitter!
