Search
Search
News
Multimedia
Sports
Arts & Culture
Opinion
Subscribe
Life & Times
Fine Arts
Features
Send a News Tip
100 Years
Archive
Advertise
Donate

Subscribeto The Echo

The Echo

Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Print Edition

Donate

  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Arts & Culture
  • Life & Times
  • Features
  • Fine Arts
  • Multimedia
  • Archive
  • 100 Years
  • Advertise
  • Send a Tip
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Arts & Culture
  • Life & Times
  • Features
  • Fine Arts
  • Multimedia
  • Archive
  • 100 Years
  • Advertise
  • Send a News Tip
Search

Subscribe

Subscribe to The Echo

The Echo aims to represent the views of diverse voices on Taylor University's campus fairly and without bias and to be a vehicle of accurate and pertinent information to the student body. The Echo also aims to be a forum that fosters healthy discussion about relevant issues, acting as a catalyst for change on our campus.

Fill out my online form.

2/24/2020, 8:00am

Justin Bieber releases new album on Valentine’s Day

Is Bieber back?

By Holly Gaskill
Justin Bieber releases new album on Valentine’s Day

Justin Bieber has returned to the spotlight with new album “Changes.”

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print

Justin Bieber is mixing things up.

Specifically, he’s incorporating new music style and life experiences in his album, “Changes.” 

Released on Feb. 14, the album marks Bieber’s first in five years. After teasing the new album for months and releasing “Yummy” on Jan. 3, it was much-anticipated and expected to soar on Billboard.

However, Bieber, also known for having one of the most liked and disliked YouTube videos for his music video, “Baby,” continues to bring mixed reviews.

In previous albums, Bieber has sung primarily pop songs with occasional acoustic influences. However, in “Changes,” he tries to bring a more mature sound.

In his previous album “Purpose,” Bieber gravitated toward a mid-tempo, ambient R&B style in many of the tracks. In contrast, “Changes” does not make any diversion to his pop roots — many of the songs contain similar beat loops and sounds.

Assistant Professor of Music Loralee Songer said that as a fan of hip-hop and Bieber’s previous album, this repetitiveness in the melodies came as a disappointment.

“Maybe it isn't fair to compare this new album to his 2015 album ‘Purpose,’ but I feel that ‘Purpose’ had more creative song writing,” she said.

Songer added that a strength of the album came from the collaborations. Of the 17 songs on the album, six tracks feature other artists. These artists include Quavo, Post Malone, Clever, Lil Dicky, Travis Scott, Kehlani and Summer Walker.

While Bieber has tirelessly promoted his new music with other musicians, online creators and advertising, the single and album have received dichotomous reactions.

For some, this new album shows a comeback for a childhood star after years of struggle. For others, it was rather underwhelming.

“The majority of the songs sound alike — no new or revolutionary content,” said freshman Sarah Wordhouse.

The album’s content also stands out from previous albums. As Bieber has become more public with his faith, love and health issues, his music has followed suit. 

After years struggling with addiction, Bieber became a professing Christian and member of Hillsong Church in 2014. Since then, he has spoken extensively about his faith, even singing covers of popular Christian music on social media.

Coinciding with his faith becoming a prominent part of his celebrity personality, Bieber quickly dated and married model Hailey Baldwin in 2018. Their relationship is a primary focus of the album, often in steamy lyrics and melodies.

“It’s also the emergence of a brand new Bieber, a happily married 25-year-old with everything to lose,” Jeremy Helliger writes in his review in Variety. “It’s no surprise that he chose to release it on the romantic holiday that he did . . . He's now presumably happily married to Hailey Baldwin, and if his lyrics are to be taken at face value, the redemptive power of her love is strong."

With the release of his album, Bieber has also responded to accusations about his drug use based on his appearances and behaviors. In an Instagram post, Bieber disclosed his continuing struggles with Lyme disease, which has affected his skin, brain function, energy and overall health. In the end, Bieber claimed to be an overcomer in his health issues and the music industry.

Regardless of personal taste and preference, it seems that Bieber has returned to the music industry with the intent to continue releasing singles. While this album has not produced any instant hits, it may be the relaunching of Bieber’s career in a different direction.

Share



Related Stories

Photo provided by Taylor Music Department

Taylor Chorale celebrates 23 years of musical excellence

By Emily Pawlowski

Freshman Elizabeth Hammond has assisted the history department in preparing for Taylor's upcoming weekend of remembrance.

Remembering World War One

By Abigail Roberts

Junior Landry Long (front center) and his team pose for a light-hearted photo. (Photograph provided by Landry Long)

Sing Noel comes to town

By Grace Hooley


Most Popular


Last Updated < 1 minute ago

 

The Echo To Homepage
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Covers
  • Awards
  • Get Involved

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2022 The Echo

Powered by
Solutions by The State News.

Taylor University