With a newfound techno-dance sound and deeper subject matter that’s representative of his turning point in maturity, born-again bad boy Justin Bieber’s fourth studio album “Purpose” delivers a pop star apology worth hearing.
From his sentimental crooning in the first track, “Mark My Words,” to the R&B influences of the last, the once-troubled Canadian singer expresses the pitfalls of fame and proving himself as a new man, while still incorporating the lovestruck pop songs that gave his career its start.
For the last few years, as he’s grown up in the spotlight, Bieber has been surrounded by major controversies concerning his good-boy-gone-bad image. For a while, public opinion of Bieber plummeted due to scandals surrounding his high-profile and rocky relationship with singer and actress Selena Gomez, run-ins with paparazzi, house-egging sprees, marijuana possession, publicly peeing in a mop bucket whilst cursing out Bill Clinton— and the list goes on.
Through “Purpose,” Bieber is willing to prove just how far he’s risen from his downward spiral— especially in the heartfelt and uplifting “Life Is Worth Living,” where he states, “From what the world may see / They try to crucify me / I ain’t perfect, won’t deny / My reputation’s on the line / So I’m working on a better me.”
The album-titled track “Purpose” gives a similar message, where Bieber thanks God for his blessings, with lines like, “I put my heart into your hands / Learn the lessons you teach / No matter what, wherever I am / You’re not hard to reach / And you’ve given me the best gift / That I’ve ever known / You give me purpose everyday / You give me purpose in every way.”
Amidst serious tracks like these are the club-pulsating beats in “Company” and “Children,” as well as a host of features from artists such as Big Sean, Travis Scott, Halsey and Nas.
And then there are the chart-topping singles, from the summer smash collaboration with Jack Diplo and Skrillex, “Where Are Ü Now,” to the extremely catchy “Sorry,” proving that this album has a little something for every listener.
And with his spoken reflection at the end, Bieber could jerk a tear or two from even the coldest of hearts.
So whether you classify yourself as a “Belieber” or not, Bieber has done a complete 360 with his public image, and his new music reflects it. “Purpose” is an album that’s promising and characteristic of young man coming-of-age and coming to terms with himself. Justin Bieber has commenced a new chapter of his life, music and stardom.
