Mirror Master cover

Released 8 years ago this October

Mirror Master

Young the Giant · 2018

44 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies weave through introspective lyrics, creating a soundscape that balances youthful exuberance with contemplative depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Superposition — Kicking off the album, this track captures the essence of duality and uncertainty in relationships through its layered instrumentation and haunting vocals.
  • →
    Heat of the Summer — This song stands out for its infectious energy and nostalgic reflection on fleeting moments, blending vibrant rhythms with poignant lyrics about love and loss.
  • →
    Brother’s Keeper — A heartfelt exploration of familial bonds, this track highlights vulnerability and connection, showcasing lead singer Sameer Gadhia's emotive delivery against a rich harmonic backdrop.
  • →
    Oblivion — Delving into themes of existential dread, this track features minimalist production that allows Gadhia's introspective lyrics to resonate powerfully within its spacious arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album balances introspective lyrics with ethereal melodies, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, atmospheric sound.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and personal growth, with a focus on emotional resonance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady flow for reflective moments
  • introspective themes of connection
  • vibrant melodies for daytime listening
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic music
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 12, 2018, Mirror Master is Young the Giant's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Home of the Strange. At this point in their career, the band was exploring deeper lyrical themes and expanding their sonic palette, marked by a more mature musical approach and collaboration with producer Alex da Kid.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Call Me Back

    The perspective shifts from longing to acceptance as the narrator reflects on lost connections without bitterness.

    This transition in tone marks a pivotal shift in emotional depth, moving from desperation to a sense of resolution that encapsulates growth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Superposition 3:50
  • 2 Simplify 3:32
  • 3 Call Me Back 3:57
  • 4 Heat of the Summer 3:31
  • 5 Oblivion 3:48
  • 6 Darkest Shade of Blue 2:13
  • 7 Brother’s Keeper 4:10
  • 8 Glory 3:18
  • 9 Tightrope 3:58
  • 10 Panoramic Girl 4:02
  • 11 You + I 4:14
  • 12 Mirror Master 4:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata