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| Justin Bieber - Believe |
Although it took a bit of time to happen, Justin Bieber's third Studio Disc Believe gives every indication that he is a few steps further in the right direction to a lasting career, defying the nagging perception that his best is behind him already, having first burst onto the scene in 2008 to instant success.
The parallels to Justin Timberlake are undeniable. It is clear here that Bieber has given his Collaborators a clear mandate to make an Album in the same vein as that one's Justified Disc and as much as Bieber might want to make a full-on R&B Disc, he makes a few choices here which will get him some much-needed Airplay. Many would be surprised to know that despite his status as an International Superstar, the 18-year-old still has yet to achieve a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one. The Disc's first Single Boyfriend, co-penned by Mike Posner, came awful close though reaching number two.
Although hardly different from any of Chris Brown's more recent material, official second Single All Around the World (ft. Ludacris) is one of the Disc's best Tracks, reuniting Bieber with Toronto Duo Adam Messinger and Nasri. Die in Your Arms, which samples Michael Jackson's We've Got a Good Thing Going, is all but lacking in the Charm Department, showcasing Bieber vocally at his best with his silky-smooth Runs and Riffs. Fans are rewarded fully after waiting this long for a second Disc of original material, as he navigated triumphantly that ever-tricky lowering in Vocal Range.
Toronto's Drake lends a helping hand on mid-tempo Jam Right Here to solid results, but a Collaboration with Nicki Minaj is where the fun is at on Max Martin Production Beauty and The Beat with Minaj rapping, "Justin Bieber/You know I'ma hit it with the eager/Buns out - Weiner/But I gotta watch out for Selener". Yup.
Fans of Vintage Bieber - if that even exists - will love Title Track Believe, a humbling Ballad about believing in oneself which gives the Disc that extra oomph of Substance. Those who buy the Deluxe Edition will hear Bieber's scathing dedication to Mariah Yeater - who v. publicly alleged that the Star was the Father of her Child.
Universal Music Canada releases Justin Bieber's Believe, which now is in stores. I have a feeling Bieber's best still is ahead of him, but for now this is great for where he is in his Career.
