Lost in Japan
"Lost in Japan" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Shawn Mendes. It was written by Mendes, Scott Harris, Nate Mercereau and Teddy Geiger, with production handled by Mendes, Mercereau, Geiger and Louis Bell. The song was released by Island Records on March 23, 2018, as a second single for Mendes' self-titled third studio album. An official remix by German music producer Zedd was released on September 27, 2018.
"Lost in Japan"
March 23, 2018
3:20
- Shawn Mendes
- Scott Harris
- Nate Mercereau
- Teddy Geiger
- Teddy Geiger
- Shawn Mendes
- Nate Mercereau (add.)
- Louis Bell (add.)
Release[edit]
The song's title was first spotted in the background of Mendes' Instagram posts from when he was recording the album in Jamaica, leading to speculation on the possibility of Mendes releasing two singles,[1] hence the two dates in an earlier teaser.[2][3][4] He announced the song mere hours after the release of "In My Blood", writing on Twitter: "Wanted to give you another song".[5]
Composition[edit]
"Lost in Japan" is a funk, pop and R&B song,[6][7] with "funky strings and driving bass" that bears resemblances to the work of Justin Timberlake.[8] During interviews, Mendes stated that he was inspired by all of the Timberlake songs he was listening to at the time, especially Justified–and a dream. "I had this dream that I was lost in this country and I woke up the next day and we had this cool piano part and the song was birthed."[9][10]
Lars Brandle of Billboard wrote that the song "opens with a subtle spell of piano then changes gears with a fat bass sound and groove".[11] It transformed from "a slow, piano-driven number" into "a passionate, hook-laden love song", according to CBS Radio's Robyn Collins.[12] Lyrically, Mendes offers to travel the globe in order to be closer to his love interest.[13]
Critical reception[edit]
Mike Nied of Idolator regarded the "atmospheric" song as "another solid gold bop", complimenting its ability "to present a new, more mature version of the superstar".[14] Sam Damshenas of Gay Times opined that the song "displays a saucier, funkier side" to Mendes.[15] Jordan Sargent of Spin praised the track, deeming it "notably well-made pop music" and "refreshingly spacious", despite being ambivalent towards his previous single "In My Blood".[16] Billboard named it the 22nd best song of the first half of 2018,[17] Elle considered it the 2nd,[18] while Uproxx listed it at No. 8 for the best pop songs of 2018.[19]
"Lost in Japan" (remix)
September 27, 2018
3:21
- Shawn Mendes
- Scott Harris
- Nate Mercereau
- Teddy Geiger
- Zedd (add.)[61]
- Teddy Geiger
- Shawn Mendes
- Nate Mercereau (add.)
- Louis Bell (add.)