Introduction
Justin Bieber’s latest album, Justice, reflects the artist’s growth and evolution. It was released on March 19th, 2021, to both critical and commercial success (Jenkins). Bieber has been a household name since his start in the music industry in 2009 and has since released many albums, singles, and collaborations (Jenkins). His latest album, Justice, delves into the emotional and sonic depths of his music. Justin Bieber’s sixth studio album, Justice, is a musically complex and politically charged collection of songs that draw upon various genres and sonic features. By analyzing the track list, exploring the album’s political orientation, and examining its media representation, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the musicality of Justice.
Songs
The track list of Justice is composed of twelve tracks, ranging from slower ballads to upbeat dance tracks. A common theme throughout the album is the exploration of emotional expression, as heard in tracks such as “Peaches” and “Unstable”. Bieber also draws upon various genres, including pop, rap, and R&B (Lipshutz). Two tracks that stand out in terms of sonic features and genre are “Somebody”, an upbeat dance track that draws upon elements of house music, and “2 Much”, a slower, more melodic R&B track. “Somebody” is an excellent example of Bieber’s ability to craft a danceable and emotionally powerful track. At the same time, “2 Much” reflects his skills as a songwriter and vocalist.
The political orientation of Justice is one of empowerment and self-expression. Tracks such as “Holy,” “Off My Face,” and “Lonely” celebrate individual growth and resilience. Bieber also takes a stand against systemic racism and police brutality in the track “2 Much,” a powerful protest anthem that will resonate with listeners. The album also features a variety of sonic elements, including heavy bass lines, catchy melodies, and dynamic vocal performances.
Critique
Justin Bieber’s Justice has garnered critical acclaim in the media. Critics have praised Bieber for the album’s experimentation and smoothness. In a review for Pitchfork, critic Rawiya Kameir notes Bieber’s strong vocal performances, the warm instrumentation, and “the renewed vigor in his performance points to the transformational potential of love, be it terrestrial or heavenly” (Kameir). As for Rolling Stone critic Keith Harris, he says that “Justice is professionally crafted pop, many of its tracks already familiar, chart-validated hits, toned up with timely rhythmic adjustments” (Keith).
He also points out that while Bieber avoids self-pity on most tracks, the album closes with two huge, very different ballads that are perfect for him and make the listener feel for Bieber’s past self (Keith). I agree with the quotes; it is clear that a lot of effort went into creating an interesting and complex sound. Implicit bias is evident in the quotes, as critics praise Bieber for his experimentation and vocal performances. This could be seen as a bias favoring Bieber and his music.
Musicians have also weighed in on the album, with artists such as The Weeknd and Khalid praising Bieber’s music on social media. There have been a few controversies surrounding Justin Bieber and his Justice album. Bieber was criticized for using a photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote the album.
Conclusion
Justin Bieber’s sixth studio album, Justice, stands out as a musically intricate and politically expressive work. Analyzing the album’s track list, political themes, and media portrayal can provide a deeper insight into its overall musical and social significance. Bieber’s ability to craft a patchwork of genres and sonic features makes this album unique and powerful. Through Justice, Bieber can express his emotions and make a statement on systemic racism and police brutality. Ultimately, Justice is a testament to Bieber’s growth as an artist and a powerful statement on the state of the world.
Works Cited
Harris, Keith. “Justin Bieber Is a Serious Adult Who Really Likes His Wife on ‘Justice’”. Rolling Stone, 2021. Web.
Jenkins, Craig. “Justin Bieber’s New Album Is Mostly Peace, No Justice (Phew)”. Vulture, 2021. Web.
Kameir, Rawiya. “Justice. Justin Bieber”. Pitchfork, 2021. Web.
Lipshutz, Jason. “Justin Bieber Explores the Edges of His Happiness (And The ‘80s) on ‘Justice’”. Billboard, 2021. Web.