“Sorry” is a song by Justin Bieber, released as the second single from his 2015 album Purpose. The song, composed in E♭ major at a tempo of 100 beats per minute, blends dancehall pop, tropical house, and moombahton elements. It features instrumentation including “brassy horn bleats,” warm island rhythms, and a dembow riddim beat. The lyrics function as a plea for forgiveness, with Bieber requesting a second chance with a former lover, later confirmed to be Selena Gomez. The song’s production involved a collaboration between Michael Tucker (BloodPop), Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, and Skrillex. It received critical acclaim for its sonic qualities and marked a progression in Bieber’s artistry.
Composition and Musical Characteristics
According to sheet music published by Universal Music Publishing Group, “Sorry” is structured in the key of E♭ major and maintains a tempo of 100 beats per minute. Bieber’s vocal range within the song extends from E♭3 to B♭4. The song’s genre classification encompasses dancehall pop, tropical house, and moombahton. The instrumentation incorporates a variety of elements, including “brassy horn bleats,” warm island rhythms, and a dembow riddim beat. The song begins with a single piano note, followed by a high-pitched coo motif. Bieber employs a smooth falsetto throughout the track.
Comparisons have been drawn between “Sorry” and Bieber’s previous single, “What Do You Mean?”, with both sharing a similar tropical pop aesthetic. Critics noted the presence of “sweet, beachy and dancehall-inspired notes” in “Sorry,” building upon the foundation established in its predecessor. Sonic similarities between the two songs were widely observed.
Lyrical Interpretation and Inspiration
The lyrical content of “Sorry” centers on a request for forgiveness from a past lover. Bieber asks for a second chance to redeem himself and repair the relationship. The song’s inspiration stemmed from a personal experience shared by songwriter Julia Michaels, who recalled the word “sorry” spontaneously arising during a writing session. The lyrics were then developed around this central theme. Bieber himself reportedly made minor adjustments to the lyrics to align them more closely with his personal style and experiences. The song was later confirmed by Bieber to be about his relationship with Selena Gomez.
Production and Collaboration
The production of “Sorry” was a collaborative effort involving several key figures. Michael Tucker, known as BloodPop, was responsible for the song’s musical composition. Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels contributed to the lyrics. Skrillex played a role in developing the beat and providing support to Bieber’s artistic vision, aiming for simplicity and memorability. Initially, Bieber expressed concerns that the song was too simplistic, but Skrillex argued for its refined simplicity. The song was recorded at Record Plant in Hollywood and EastWest Studios in Los Angeles on August 29, 2015.
Critical Reception
“Sorry” garnered significant critical acclaim upon its release. Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly described the song as “stripped down for maximum aerodynamics,” highlighting the use of subtle vocal and instrumental effects. Andy Kellman of AllMusic identified “Sorry” as a standout track on the Purpose album, alongside “What Do You Mean?”, noting that both songs demonstrated Bieber’s growth as an artist and his deeper connection to his material. Brad Nelson of Pitchfork praised the song’s “vivid tropical house tracks,” characterizing them as evocative of sunlight filtering through palm fronds. He also commented on Bieber’s vocal performance, noting his rhythmic playfulness and emotional restraint. USA Today’s Maeve McDermott described “Sorry” as an “earworm” with “summery neon-hued electronic production,” drawing parallels to “What Do You Mean?”. Bianca Gracie of Idolator considered “Sorry” to be superior to its predecessor, citing the combination of dancehall flair and Bieber’s laid-back vocals.
Chart Performance and Related Tracks
Billboard data indicates that “Sorry” peaked at position number 8 on July 18, 2015. Other songs by Justin Bieber listed in Billboard’s trending tracks include “Beauty and a Beat” (featuring Nicki Minaj), which peaked at number 5 on January 5, 2013, and “Boyfriend,” which reached number 2 on April 14, 2012. “10,000 Hours,” a collaboration with Dan + Shay, is also listed.
Several other songs in Bieber’s discography share stylistic or thematic similarities with “Sorry.” “Love Yourself” explores themes of relationship reflection and accountability, while “Where Are Ü Now” (a collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo) features a similar dance-electronic production style and emotional vulnerability. “Ghost” carries a comparable dance-pop energy and emotional depth, and “Peaches” maintains the danceable tropical vibes and catchy chorus structure. “Stay” (with The Kid LAROI) follows the same formula with a dance-pop foundation and emotionally charged lyrics.
Further Context and Bieber’s Statements
Initially, Justin Bieber clarified that “Sorry” was not intended as a direct apology for his past actions, stating that the song was “about a girl.” However, he later confirmed that the song was indeed written about his ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez, and their past relationship.
Conclusion
“Sorry” represents a significant moment in Justin Bieber’s musical evolution. The song’s blend of dancehall pop, tropical house, and moombahton, coupled with its emotionally resonant lyrics, contributed to its critical and commercial success. The collaborative production process, involving BloodPop, Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, and Skrillex, resulted in a track that showcased Bieber’s artistic growth and solidified his position as a prominent figure in contemporary pop music. The song’s lyrical inspiration, rooted in a personal experience, and its eventual confirmation as being about Selena Gomez, added another layer of intrigue to its reception.