What makes Mirrors by Justin Timberlake notable?

'Mirrors' achieved commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance. The song's critical acclaim highlighted Timberlake's prowess in blending genres and deepened his influence in the contemporary R&B and pop landscape. By the time 'Mirrors' was released in 2013, Justin Timberlake was returning to music after a lengthy hiatus following his successful album 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' from 2006. This marked his third studio album and served as a pivotal comeback, showcasing his evolution as an artist while maintaining his pop sensibility.

How many songs are on Mirrors?

Mirrors has 2 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

Mirrors

Justin Timberlake · 2013

12 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

A lush blend of contemporary R&B and electropop, underscored by soaring melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mirrors — This title track serves as an emotional centerpiece, blending heartfelt lyrics with a sweeping production that showcases Timberlake's vocal range and artistic maturity.
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Suit & Tie — Featuring Jay-Z, this track highlights a sophisticated take on classic R&B with modern production elements, emphasizing Timberlake's ability to bridge old and new styles.
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Pusher Love Girl — Incorporating rich instrumentation and layered harmonies, this opener sets the tone for the album while exploring themes of love and desire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The track showcases strong songwriting and production, blending R&B and pop elements effectively.

What we noticed

The song features a gradual build-up, starting with a simple piano line that layers in strings and percussion as it progresses.
The chorus employs a call-and-response structure, where Timberlake's vocals alternate with backing harmonies to create depth.
The bridge introduces a shift in dynamics, dropping to a quieter section before returning to the full instrumentation for the final chorus.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Re-established Timberlake's presence after a hiatus, gaining significant commercial success.
Themes: heartfelt commitment· modern romance· sophisticated R&B
Career context: By the time 'Mirrors' was released in 2013, Justin Timberlake was returning to music after a lengthy hiatus following his successful album 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' from 2006. This marked his third studio album and served as a pivotal comeback, showcasing his evolution as an artist while maintaining his pop sensibility.
Stylistic neighbors: Usher· Bruno Mars· The Weeknd