Opening his new record with 'Mark My Words', Justin Bieber's immediately pulling back on overproduced vocals with a short track that acts as an introduction to the rest of 'Purpose' - his chance to start over.
Second song 'I'll Show You' includes lyrics which see the young star reminding others that he's human, despite the media circus surrounding him. "You act like you know me / but you never will / but there's one thing that I know for sure / I'll show you", he sings. It's a trend that runs through a majority of the songs on the album, with the pop culture sensation begging for a second chance.
Singles 'What Do You Mean?' and 'Sorry' act as some of the best of a great bunch, with other gems coming in the form of the stripped back 'Love Yourself', taking huge shots at a former flame through gentle tones, and Halsey feature 'The Feeling' where both artists are given the chance to shine. It's a swooping and enigmatic tune, luring the listener into a sense of security and transcendence.
'Children' is the club banger we've all been waiting for, and signing off the LP with the title track was a very clever move. Bieber moves into monologue territory to remind everybody exactly why he's made this new album, and it certainly leaves a lasting impression.
Bieber is one of the most interesting stars of the modern-day. Seeing this honestly and rawness to his music is refreshing, you almost forget about all of the ridiculous things he may or may not have done in the past. Though it's likely he'll never be fully able to shed the skin of his past, he's certainly done a good job in reminding everybody exactly why he's famous in the first place.
If you're not a fan, picking up this record could do one of two things. The first: you could see Bieber as a whiny youngster who needs to stop going on about his past, what's done is done and he should move on. The second: he's genuinely apologetic for what he has done and deserves to be given another opportunity to change public perception. Hopefully, the latter will ring true for the majority.
Justin Bieber's new album 'Purpose' is available now.
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