Purpose
Justin Bieber shows there’s art in resilience on his fourth studio album. After a turbulent 2014, *Purpose* sees the pop prodigy return with his strongest work to date—an atmospheric, introspective set that’s built on smart production and intimate songwriting. From the radiant “What Do You Mean” to the soulful, Skrillex-produced “I’ll Show You,” this is Bieber at his most vulnerable and honest.
The advance singles for Justin Bieber’s Purpose showcased his best performances to date while hinting at a successful transition beyond teen pop. And yet, the full record too often comes off like a redemptive PowerPoint presentation while suggesting that the singer’s idea of "adulthood" involves the ability to convey pettiness without emotional intelligence.
Pop music loves a good comeback narrative, especially if these stories involve an underdog overcoming adversity or a bad boy changing his spots. Perhaps that’s why the party line about Justin Bieber’s fourth studio album, Purpose, is that it’s all about rebirth: At the moment, the pop star needs to be perceived as…
Justin Bieber plots a path away from being pop's biggest joke with a sophisticated fourth album. Read the NME 'Purpose' review.
Across only three days of December 2013, Journals was released, Justin Bieber announced his retirement -- surprise! -- and Justin Bieber's Believe opened in theaters.
Going from a teen star to a serious recording artist is anything but easy. Just ask anyone who isn't Justin Timberlake. But Justin Bieber is certainly
Justin Bieber’s transition from teen heart-throb to breathy R&B grown-up sounds purposeful but makes, er, no sense
Shortly after the surprise brass-and-vocalese bridge of the Ed Sheeran co-write “Love Yourself,” Purpose starts rehashing its distinct set of formulas.
Justin Bieber casts an eye over his youthful indiscretions and tries to forge forward on his enjoyable fourth album
Justin Bieber - Purpose review: We've moved beyond prior indiscretions, Justin. It'd be nice if you could do the same.
One Direction and Justin Bieber's latest albums are the sound of teen idols weary with fame, says Neil McCormick
From troubled child to grown-up star, the singer takes a leap of faith, music review by Barney Harsent