SZA & Justin Timberlake, The Other Side | Track Review

SZA & Justin Timberlake bring positive, uplifting vibes on “The Other Side,” the promo single from Trolls World Tour soundtrack.

Ah, another Trolls film is on the horizon – Trolls World Tour. Grammy-winning pop superstar Justin Timberlake struck gold the first time he contributed a song to the Trolls soundtrack: “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Sure, he had his fair share of haters, but it’s hard to deny the infectiousness of the record, period.  This time around, Timberlake collaborates with Grammy-nominated R&B star, SZA, on “The Other Side.”

“The Other Side” is quite a funky, upbeat pop joint.  It features production by Justin Timberlake alongside Grammy-winning producer Ludwig Göransson (“This is America”).  Considering it’s intended for a children’s film, it’s not surprising that SZA and Timberlake keep things incredibly positive.  SZA kicks things off, singing the first verse in uplifting fashion, “You’re preachin’ to the choir, stop hatin’ on yourself,” later adding, “The clouds will open up, blue skies are willing.” As for JT, he handles most of the second verse, singing, “I promise the stars will light the path you walk, don’t give in.”  Both join forces on the chorus, clearly the centerpiece of “The Other Side”:

“Back on your feet again, lift your head, hold it high
You wanna run it back, but you can’t turn the time
You start to feel like you’re losing your shine
But the grass ain’t always greener on the other side
The other side…”

Final Thoughts

SZA and Justin Timberlake make a great team.  “The Other Side” is a fun, positive, and well-rounded children’s song.  Does it transcend such a label? It’s not the second coming or anything, but the positive vibes and messaging (“…The grass ain’t always green on the other side”) is sound advice for the young and older alike.  So, lives may not be changed listening to this single from the Trolls World Tour soundtrack, but it’s definitely a worthwhile listen.

Various Artists • TROLLS: World Tour (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • RCA • Release: 3.13.20

Photo Credit: RCA