"Mirror, Mirror" is a song by American singer Diana Ross. Written by Dennis Matkosky and Michael Sembello, and produced by Ross, the song was released as the second single from her Platinum-certified album Why Do Fools Fall in Love on December 11, 1981, by RCA Records.
| "Mirror, Mirror" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Diana Ross | ||||
| from the album Why Do Fools Fall in Love | ||||
| Released | December 11, 1981 | |||
| Recorded | 1981 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 6:08 (album version) 3:59 (single version) | |||
| Label | RCA | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | Diana Ross | |||
| Diana Ross singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Mirror Mirror" on YouTube | ||||
Background
The song talks of a love lost that the singer was going through and her deliberately asking herself while looking in the mirror why she allowed the love "to fall" apart, referencing the Wicked Queen's chant to the Magic Mirror in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: "Mirror, mirror on the wall". "Mirror Mirror" is also notable as one of the few songs that Ross sung both lead and background vocals.[citation needed]
Music video
The accompanying music video for "Mirror Mirror" was played on BET, but was rejected by MTV. It showcases the glamorous diva lip-synching the song and during the break, she dances with the video dividing her in double vision as she spins around. Despite the rudimentary production values, it was an early BET favorite. However, it was conspicuously left off of her best-selling VHS, and later DVD, compilation Visions of Diana Ross.
Personnel
- Diana Ross − lead vocals, backing vocals, producer
- Michael Brecker − tenor saxophone
- Randy Brecker − horn arrangements
- Ray Chew − musical arrangements, acoustic piano
- Eric Gale − rhythm guitar
- Yogi Horton − drums
- Neil Jason − bass
- Ralph MacDonald − percussion
- Jeff Mironov − rhythm guitar
- Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, New York City − mastering
- Bob Kulick − lead guitar
Charts
"Mirror Mirror" became another hit for Ross, reaching No. 2 on the soul singles chart and peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.[1] It became her second top ten hit after leaving her longtime label, Motown, in the summer of 1981.
Year-end charts
| Chart (1982) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Top Pop Singles (Billboard)[12] | 86 |
Live performances
- "Mirror Mirror" was performed during Diana Ross' live concert in front of 800,000 people, Diana Ross Live in Central Park.
- "Mirror Mirror" was performed on her 2010 concert tour. It was the first time it was performed in over 15 years.[citation needed]
- "Mirror Mirror" debuted live on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1981)[citation needed]