Music, like they say, is food for the soul, but there are barely enough songs that deliver a listener with the kind of soul food that Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors” brings. Many call it one of the greatest songs of our time, and rightly so! Eight minutes of pure, undiluted goodness is indeed proof of greatness to us!
For me, those minutes sit as a strong reminder of when songs used to mean much more. Artistes spent more time singing their hearts out, and listeners listened through it all with glee. These days, the length of songs is way shorter, and it makes you value “Mirrors” as proof of passion, talent and awesome delivery.
“Mirrors” was released on February 11, 2013, an era with undoubtedly the best music run. The 63-year marriage of Justin’s grandparents inspired him to write this song, which he later co-wrote with Timbaland, J-Roc and a few others. Interestingly, it was dedicated to his wife, highlighting the themes of love, trials and commitment to remain devoted to their relationship.
The intro to the song is a hook that instantly captures the attention of the listener. On every first listen, it delivers on appeal and curiosity to understand what more to expect from a line that hinges confidently on admiration.
A deeper listen to the chorus and refrain helps to understand the intro. Justin uses mirrors as a metaphor to express clarity on the constant changes reflected through his relationship journey, coming to a realization that the valuable things and conscious actions are most earned and achieved with two hearts working together. In simple terms, the mirror describes finding a partner who reflects his true self, completes him, and inspires him to change through the rough patches.
The lyrics also serve as a reassurance to a lover through different phases. A commitment of love; to yearn for, hold and protect a precious kind of love that changes every negative narrative from the past.
Verse 3 reads aloud like the total confession of a yearner. It passionately speaks of Justin's partner in perfection and the constant yearning to have her present by his side.
Throughout the song, you will notice a genius mix of orchestral strings complimenting the falsetto and an incredible drumming done at the chorus, where “you’re the love of my life” is repeated around a beat that rebuilds itself in the most never-boring way.
While many critics may have a common stance about this, my favourite thing about Mirrors remains how it mixes R&B with pop. It makes you feel deep personal emotions whilst still having the elements that ignite a different rush of feeling at a concert. The Timbaland claps win my heart every single time I give this song a listen. It was a beautiful addition to the outro, and I dare say the length of this song, which could’ve been a bore but isn’t, is a testament to how great it is.
My only criticism of this song would be the selfish lyrics, where Justin's best and most resonant part happens to be his lover being a reflection of him, and thus, an inspiration to fight to keep them.
You hear repeated lines like “You reflect me, I love that about you” and “Your shine is something like a mirror,” which constantly insists on Justin loving his partner deeply because of how well she reflects him.
While this may be highly romanticized, I believe the lyrics could’ve done more to articulate that lovers with similar personalities do complement each other while retaining their individuality.
Away from this, I’ll call Mirrors an utterly beautiful song that has everything to stand through more eras.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
Rating: 95/100
Originally posted through scrobble.life/music.