With the release of Justin Timberlake’s newest single, “Suit & Tie”, I was underwhelmed at best. “A” for effort, but the repetitive, poorly rhymed lyrics sound more like a theme song for Barney Stinson from “How I Met Your Mother” (here’s a helpful link for all those non-HIMYM fans) than a song for a skilled, established musician such as himself.
When I stumbled upon another one of JT’s new tracks, however, I was shocked. And the more I listen to it, the more I like it. “Mirrors” is a complete departure from “Suit & Tie”. The 8 minute song is at its core, a romantic serenade (wife Jessica Biel-Timberlake is one lucky woman!), yet somehow avoids the stereotypical “mushy” words and slow tempo that may turn a lot of listeners off. Instead, it’s upbeat pace and surprisingly ‘real’ lyrics prove that this track is leagues away from your dime-a-dozen pop hits that are so popular now. And as an added bonus, you can play this in the car or at the gym without everyone around you knowing you are either feeling melodramatic and/or extremely emotional about your relationship(s) (ehem, T-Swift…).
My favorite lyrics are by far the following:
I don’t wanna lose you now/
I’m lookin’ right at the other half of me/
The vacancy that sat in my heart/
Is a space that now you hold/
Show me how to fight for now/
And I’ll tell you, baby, it was easy/
Comin’ back into you once I figured it out/
You were right here all along
But don’t take my word for it- go listen for yourself! And don’t be ashamed to hit the ‘repeat’ button a few too many times. 🙂
Stephanie Keltner 
