In 2009, Justin Bieber released his first album My World, which sold 137,000 copies within the first week. Flash forward 11 years, Bieber is now married to model and TV personality, Hailey Bieber (formerly Hailey Baldwin) and has five studio albums including Changes. His music has gotten better over the years and there is a positive jump from his last album Purpose to Changes. Bieber is different now with both his music and his personal life. Changes is Bieber’s most unique album to date and possibly his best.
Bieber hinted that he would release a new album in 2020. The album features several collaborations and a whopping 17 songs. His music is more unique now than what it once was; Changes is a blend of R&B and pop, while his previous albums seemed to be more pop. It’s euphoric and not molded to fit society’s standards of what his music should be, breaking away from the “cutesy” man that we all know. With Changes, he has established who he is as both an artist and a human being.
Habits die
All traces of the old Bieber are gone. He delves into different genres like country with “10,000 Hours” (featuring Dan + Shay) and rap with his “Yummy” remix (which we’ll get to in a minute). Nothing in this album is cookie cutter. Everything shows a vast amount of diversity, and it honestly works. Even for those that aren’t Bieber fans, there is something here for everyone.
“Bonafide stallion”
Hate on me all you want, but “Yummy” is arguably Bieber’s best single. Expressing sexual desire toward your recently married wife is gutsy and different. He’s not talking about something taboo, but it’s something that isn’t presented by many artists. It’s different from what he has sung in the past and that’s why it works so well. So far in 2020, we are seeing artists leave their safe spaces behind. Bieber is no exception.
A new purpose
Bieber has struggled with depression for an unknown number of years, which he opened up about to BBC News in a 2019 article. He has struggled with drug addiction and even checked himself into a facility at one point. But through all that, he has never stopped doing what he loves. He’s on a new journey with his life and his music. His music has changed toward something more progressive and based in self-love. With this change, though, his vocals stay just as impressive as they have always been, and he doesn’t fade away from reality or the music world.
He also has turned to religion to get him through tough times. Vox claimed that Bieber had been “redeemed” through Hillsong Church after being baptized by Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz. His music reflects this journey and Changes expresses this in a way that’s not entirely noticeable, but is softer and more appealing to people who are not fans of Bieber.
The changes
Justin Bieber has changed. His fans have changed. Some lost hope for the artist after his controversy with the law and with longtime ex Selena Gomez. His music is different now, but not in the way you would think. Changes brings a new Bieber to the world, if you will. His focus is on his wife and on living a fulfilling life. He seems to be living for others, and it shows through this album.
Recommended if you like:
Post Malone
Harry Styles
Charlie Puth
Top Tracks:
Yummy
Forever
Confirmation
Featured Image: Twitter
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