Justin Bieber will release his much anticipated third studio album Believe on Tuesday, June 19. Drex and Maney had a chance to talk to the Biebs Monday morning while he was promoting the release.
The teenage heartthrob has done a bit of growing up since the release of his last album My World 2.0 in 2010. His voice has changed, he has been in a very public romance with starlet Selena Gomez and he has ditched the infamous "Bieber swoop." The now 18-year-old presents a more mature, R&B sound on the new album. There is also a nice mix of pop and dance tracks that make Believe more diverse than previous releases. It may be hard for some to take his lovey-dovey, for-swooning-teenage-girls-only music seriously, but this new musical direction may help him gain some respect.
Bieber co-wrote all but one of the tracks on the album and collaborated with various producers and artists. Big Sean, Ludacris, Drake and Nicki Minaj all make appearances on the album, the best of these tracks probably being 'Right Here,' featuring Drake. 'All Around The World' with Ludacris was released to iTunes in early June and brings a very catchy, upbeat hook. The Nicki Minaj collaboration, 'Beauty and The Beat,' is a disappointment and a definite low-point of the album. The first single off of the 13-track album, 'Boyfriend,' is Bieber's most successful single to date, although live performances of the song have been unimpressive at best. The album includes three bonus tracks including 'Maria,' a single is inspired by his paternity suit scandal.
Justin's talent and voice are best displayed on the slow, guitar-driven ballads of the album like 'Fall' and 'Catching Feelings.' The new Bieber has been frequently compared to a post 'N Sync Justin Timberlake with that charming falsetto voice and slick dance moves. Timberlake successfully made the transition from Disney, boy-band material to a mature solo artist and Believe just might be a step in the same direction for the younger Justin.
Those who previously cringed at the pop prince's phony love songs may want to give him another chance. Believe appeals to a much wider audience and is an overall pleasure to listen to.
By: Gina Wheeling
Track List:
1. All Around The World ft. Ludacris
2. Boyfriend
3. As Long As You Love Me ft. Big Sean
4. Take You
5. Right Here ft. Drake
6. Catching Feelings
7. Fall
8. Die In Your Arms
9. Thought Of You
10. Beauty And A Beat ft. Nicki Minaj
11. One Love
12. Be Alright
13. Believe
14. Out Of Town Girl
15. She Don't Like The Lights
16. Maria
Follow Justin on Facebook & Twitter
Buy the album on iTunes or Amazon
