Isn't it strange that the Bieber fever that has overtaken the world over the past two years actually hasn't come with a whole lot of new Justin Biebermusic? Since "My World 2.0" was released in March 2010, Bieber has toured the world, released a 3D movie, issued every piece of merchandise available (do YOU have your Justin Bieber trading cards handy?), and even scored two more No. 1 albums, first with a "Never Say Never" remix package, and then with a very solid holiday offering, "Under The Mistletoe."
Those latter two releases gave Bieber's rabid fans a quick fix and hinted at the pop superstar's newfound maturity, all while whetting appetites for "Believe," his highly anticipated new full-length. Unlike with artists such as Lady Gaga or Rihanna, the trajectory of Bieber's career has been based more on the 18-year-old as a person and brand more than a slew of hit singles -- "Baby" certainly seems like a long time ago, and we, as music fans, have gotten to learn everything imaginable about this good-looking Canadian kid before hearing its grown-up follow-up singles.
And so, "Believe" has arrived. It is a very enjoyable, dance-leaning pop record, but it is not the new Justin Timberlake album. And why should it be? Bieber is still just 18 years old and trying to find his musical lane while grappling with an unprecedented amount of attention. Because his growth in front of the camera has occurred so quickly and steadfastly, his music has been (unfairly) expected to do the same. "Believe" has multiple songs that hint at what Bieber could become someday -- "Fall" is a very capable ballad that scratches the surface of truly affecting songwriting; "Right Here" features Bieber being inspired by a rapper whose own mind has been freed, "Matrix"-style; and "Boyfriend" and "Die In Your Arms" remain undeniable singles, the former especially pushing the young singer into new stylistic territory.
Overall, "Believe" sinks its tendrils into the listener's brain by riding the dance music phenomenon and offering some whizz-bang production alongside Bieber's sticky-sweet singing voice. The lyrics are unfussy and at times too complacent in their rhymes, but the music powers the weaker moments through unnoticed. This is a pop record, and even if the flashes of poetic brilliance aren't there, the hooks very much are.
"Believe" does not offer any moments of transcendence, nor does it include a "Cry Me A River." And that's okay. Justin Bieber may not have crossed over into the fearless stomping grounds of the Timberlakes yet, but he may very well get there someday, and that's all we need to know for now.
Which songs on "Believe" are worth repeated listens? Check out our track-by-track breakdown of Bieber's latest.
Those latter two releases gave Bieber's rabid fans a quick fix and hinted at the pop superstar's newfound maturity, all while whetting appetites for "Believe," his highly anticipated new full-length. Unlike with artists such as Lady Gaga or Rihanna, the trajectory of Bieber's career has been based more on the 18-year-old as a person and brand more than a slew of hit singles -- "Baby" certainly seems like a long time ago, and we, as music fans, have gotten to learn everything imaginable about this good-looking Canadian kid before hearing its grown-up follow-up singles.
And so, "Believe" has arrived. It is a very enjoyable, dance-leaning pop record, but it is not the new Justin Timberlake album. And why should it be? Bieber is still just 18 years old and trying to find his musical lane while grappling with an unprecedented amount of attention. Because his growth in front of the camera has occurred so quickly and steadfastly, his music has been (unfairly) expected to do the same. "Believe" has multiple songs that hint at what Bieber could become someday -- "Fall" is a very capable ballad that scratches the surface of truly affecting songwriting; "Right Here" features Bieber being inspired by a rapper whose own mind has been freed, "Matrix"-style; and "Boyfriend" and "Die In Your Arms" remain undeniable singles, the former especially pushing the young singer into new stylistic territory.
Overall, "Believe" sinks its tendrils into the listener's brain by riding the dance music phenomenon and offering some whizz-bang production alongside Bieber's sticky-sweet singing voice. The lyrics are unfussy and at times too complacent in their rhymes, but the music powers the weaker moments through unnoticed. This is a pop record, and even if the flashes of poetic brilliance aren't there, the hooks very much are.
"Believe" does not offer any moments of transcendence, nor does it include a "Cry Me A River." And that's okay. Justin Bieber may not have crossed over into the fearless stomping grounds of the Timberlakes yet, but he may very well get there someday, and that's all we need to know for now.
Which songs on "Believe" are worth repeated listens? Check out our track-by-track breakdown of Bieber's latest.
01. All Around The World ft. Ludacris - Breathy vocals swirl around a beat that pierces the listener on first contact. Ludacris raps in double-time as the album's electronica obsession is immediately presented.
02. Boyfriend - One swaggy single to rule them all: Justin softly offers fondue recommendations and Buzz Lightyear metaphors on top of Mike Posner's loopy production. What shouldn't be one of the year's strongest singles most certainly is.
03. As Long As You Love Me ft. Big Sean - A massive yet somehow intimate dance track, with the drums almost reaching hair metal levels in their vibrations. The Biebs handles his business, but Big Sean's verse probably isn't necessary.
04. Catching Feelings - Flush with guitar and drums, "Catching Feelings" is a showcase for Bieber's blossoming voice to emote about butterflies in his stomach. "Could it be a possibility?/I'm tryin' to see what's up," he sings, the lines feeling like wind through the listener's hair.
05. Take You - Roboticized Euro-dance that sweeps through different tempos. After a "Hold It Against Me"-esque breakdown, the climax is cold and beautiful.
06. Right Here ft. Drake - Drizzy is right in line with Bieber's screwed-up, pit-in-your-stomach romantic feelings, and even throws out similarly constructed warbles and ad-libs. Two young stars brushing love letters off their shoulders.
07. Fall - According to manager Scooter Braun, "Fall" was inspired by the weepy romance "A Walk To Remember." Bieber tries to extract sorrow from the rumbling percussion, falling to his knees as layered vocals increase the melodrama.
03. As Long As You Love Me ft. Big Sean - A massive yet somehow intimate dance track, with the drums almost reaching hair metal levels in their vibrations. The Biebs handles his business, but Big Sean's verse probably isn't necessary.
04. Catching Feelings - Flush with guitar and drums, "Catching Feelings" is a showcase for Bieber's blossoming voice to emote about butterflies in his stomach. "Could it be a possibility?/I'm tryin' to see what's up," he sings, the lines feeling like wind through the listener's hair.
05. Take You - Roboticized Euro-dance that sweeps through different tempos. After a "Hold It Against Me"-esque breakdown, the climax is cold and beautiful.
06. Right Here ft. Drake - Drizzy is right in line with Bieber's screwed-up, pit-in-your-stomach romantic feelings, and even throws out similarly constructed warbles and ad-libs. Two young stars brushing love letters off their shoulders.
07. Fall - According to manager Scooter Braun, "Fall" was inspired by the weepy romance "A Walk To Remember." Bieber tries to extract sorrow from the rumbling percussion, falling to his knees as layered vocals increase the melodrama.
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