Justin Bieber's re-invention proved to be a success. Now poised to become the chart-leader for the Billboard 200 for his fourth studio effort, "Purpose" before the Adele-hurricane arrives this week! Why is it a success? The answer is simple, it's made for the charts, and it's also made from the heart.
Purpose is a collection of 13 songs that Bieber collaborated with other artists. Dominantly produced by Skrillex, Diplo, Benny Blanco and the likes, it also features guest stars such as up-and-coming Halsey, Big Sean, Travis Scott and a hand-in-writing with the "Thinking Out Loud"-singer Ed Sheeran.
"Mark My Words" opens the album. A 2:14-long track that is basically bare and a new dimension of Bieber's vocal delivery. One of the three songs present in the album that is about Bieber's ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez. "You're the only reason why I don't wanna live in a lie," he sings in the heartfelt chorus, which basically represents his love for Gomez. Rating: 6/10
The second track in the album is the greatly vulnerable "I'll Show You", which shows the sorry side of Bieber. "My life is a movie, and everyone's watching" he sings in the beginning of the song in which he depicts the life of being a celebrity and how everyone is judging him by his actions in front of the camera. "Don't forget that I'm human, don't forget that I'm real," he reaches out in the chorus as he's trying to correct his mistakes. Produced by Skrillex, it's surprising that there's no breakdown here but it's a good song. Rating: 7/10
The highly-catchy "What Do You Mean?" serves as the third track and the lead single of the album. Bieber is one of the producers of the song. It's about the vague responses girls give to men. Rating: 10/10
The highlight and centerpiece of the album is definitely it's fourth track, "Sorry" has all the good things to become a huge hit. It has that maturity I've never expected from Bieber, and that seriously good breakdown in the chorus of the song. It is definitely catchy and groovy. Written about his failed relationship with Gomez, "Is it too late now to say sorry?" he asks humbly in the hook of the song. Rating: 10/10
This Ed Sheeran co-wrote song "Love Yourself" is another dimension from Bieber. The rest of the album relies on heavier beats, but this one definitely took a step back and made the production very sparse and barren. But it's full of emotion and heart. Two contradicting descriptions but they work perfectly. Whomever the girl Bieber is talking about here, I pity her. Bieber seemed to drag her down to the bottom of the pits here, "My momma don't like you and she likes everyone," he confesses to her. Rating: 10/10
"Company" is definitely filler-material. It could fit to his previous albums, it doesn't offer anything that is nice and good that this album has seen. It's very R&B, something that was cool about 7 years ago, but in this day and age, Bieber is more-suited with his EDM-fueled beats. Rating: 4/10
"No Pressure f/ Big Sean" seems to be an improvement from the previous track, but it doesn't stand well enough with the rest of the tracks. The song has a very catchy hook, "You ain't gotta make your mind up" he keeps repeating as he sways in an R&B-flavored beat. This is the 3rd collaboration of Bieber and Big Sean. Rating: 6/10
"No Sense f/ Travis Scott" reminds me a little bit of Rihanna's "Bitch Better Have My Money", which was a good song. However, Bieber's failed in comparison because it's a bit try-hard. It does feel a bit groovy at times, and would certainly make for a good Sunday drive. Rating: 6/10
It's in this song that Bieber regains consciousness of what direction he is heading, the more matured versions of the previous tracks in the song. "The Feeling" features Alternative-pop singer Halsey, and she really adds a beautiful tone in the chorus of the song. Produced by Skrillex, it is a very beautiful blend of pop and alternative elements. Definitely a hit in the future if he ever releases this. "Am I in love with you? Or am I in love with the feeling?" Halsey asks in the chorus. I'm definitely in love with both. Rating: 10/10
"Life Is Worth Leaving" is the 10th track in the album, it's mostly piano-driven and speaks about the importance of life for Bieber. A nice message for his fans or in general, nothing more, nothing less. Rating: 8/10
"Where Are U Now" is presumably a bonus track, the song that relaunched Bieber as a re-invented artist earlier this year. Probably the blueprint of this album and his view towards his future music. Rating: 10/10
"Children" is another Skrillex-produced track, and it too features that signature breakdown at the end of the chorus. It's definitely a perception that this will be released to radios, but I hope not too soon because he needs to slow it down. But good to know that this album doesn't run out of fuel too soon. It's definitely not as good as Where Are U Now or Sorry but it's up there with his gorgeous works. Rating: 9/10
The album closes out with the title track "Purpose", a beautiful piano-ballad that has a real surprise at the end. The story behind this album was certainly long, including his plan to make a big comeback (which he's achieving), and the changes he made over the years. Basically a "thank you" from him to God and also his fans. Purpose is a nice closer to a nice album. Rating: 9/10
Overall, the album could pass for 8/10. It definitely has its lows but the highs are very high. His re-invention proved to be a success, and hopefully, we see similar progress in the future.
Listen to the entirety of Purpose album below:
Spotify: Purpose - Spotify
iTunes: Purpose - Buy on iTunes
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