Album Review: Justin Bieber - Purpose
By Kenyetta Whitfield, Contributor
[Def Jam; 2015]
Rating: 3/5
Key Tracks: "What Do You Mean?," "Where Are Ü Now?," "Sorry"
Since 2009, Justin Bieber has dominated the Top 40's pop charts using his boyish good looks and infectious vocals. Bieber's fourth studio album, Purpose, comes after his compilation album Journals in which the pop singer tried to rebrand himself as a sort of "Justin Timberlake of his time" with an assortment of R&B slow jams.
The 13-track album features the hit singles “What Do You Mean?,” “Sorry”, and “Where Are Ü Now?” Upon first listen it's obvious that Bieber is best suited for songs that follow the direction of these singles. “The Feeling,” which features new mega-star Halsey, is a sweet and breathy song on which the two singers question their true feelings for a crush. The song fits perfectly with the rest of Bieber's singles providing his young listeners with surface-level lyrics about young love.
One of the album’s biggest downfalls is the song “Children,” on which Bieber croons on about the future generation. It's a feeble attempt at social consciousness and is at best laughable.
Between his dance-pop hits, Bieber struggles to keep the listener’s attention with tracks “Mark My Words,” “I'll Show You,” and “Company.” On “No Pressure,” Bieber’s slow-jam R&B flair seems reflective of his tracks on Journals. On the track Bieber sings, "You ain't gotta make your mind up / No pressure." Rapper Big Sean joins the singer for the track; however, his verse is mostly forgettable.
Overall, like most pop albums these days, Purpose features an array of generic songs that Beliebers will ultimately enjoy but simply won’t appeal to the casual listener. Despite this, the singles on the album are shining moments in Bieber’s career, and feature some of his best work to date.
