Justin Bieber Finds His ‘Purpose’ With Latest Album

Justin+Bieber+poses+for+a+recent+photoshoot.

Justin Bieber poses for a recent photoshoot.

Justin Bieber, world-renowned singer and songwriter, released his eighth album titled Purpose on Nov. 13. In spite of the singer’s much-needed respite after multiple criminal accusations and a DUI arrest, the album rose to the number one spot in hours subsequent to the release with the aide of his newfound faith.

Purpose is composed of 18 tracks, complete with a number of collaborations with featured artists such as Ariana Grande, Travis Scott, Nas, Halsey, Diplo, Big Sean and Skrillex. Each song varies in subject, but is, however, unified in theme. Bieber gave an interview with national radio station iHeart Radio immediately following the debut of the album, outlining the backbone of the record, and his motivation for producing it. “The significance of my album Purpose is basically just to let people know that whether you lost your purpose, or you don’t feel like you have a purpose, it’s really important you find it.”

“I’ll Show You” is the second track off the album, intermingling with the overall theme. It explores the singer’s struggle with being projected into the spotlight at such a young age, along with his own experience with cynics and skeptics with lyrics such as “My life is a movie and everyone’s watchin’” and “This life’s not easy, I’m not made out of steel/Don’t forget that I’m human, don’t forget that I’m real.”

'Purpose' album cover.
‘Purpose’ album cover.

While tunes such as “The Feeling” and “Purpose” exhibit the hopeful nuance of Bieber’s album, the collection also possesses a group of songs with buoyant rhythms and lyrics such as “Been You,” “Get Used To It” and “Where Are Ü Now” which was co-produced with artists Skrillex and Diplo. When asked about his favorite memory assembling the album, Bieber recalls, “Working in the studio with Skrillex and Diplo, and just being able to collaborate on such a level head and everyone on the same page. It was really cool.”

“Life Is Worth Living” nonetheless reverts back to the authentic and bona fide essence of Purpose with its melodic piano background and crooning vocals. The track illustrates the entertainer’s battle with a previous lifestyle that not only ravaged his thriving career, but his health. In a recent interview conducted by the New York Times, journalist Joe Coscarelli sat down with Bieber’s talent manager, Scooter Braun to discuss the inner workings of Team Bieber, and divulge a few intimate details of the performer’s brooding past. “After I started to see it [his career] going in the wrong direction, I started to prepare. I put deals in place for the long run…because I was not going to let him work. After Journals [Bieber’s 2013 digital album], he wanted to tour, and I honestly at that time felt, if he toured, he could die.” Throughout the year of 2013, to the near-end of 2014, Bieber was seduced into a lifestyle of narcotics, alcohol and childish behavior, including the egging of a neighbor’s house and Bieber’s private jet being investigated for cocaine possession. Additionally, when asked if Braun “played up” his real-life lows to produce a redemption that was more powerful, he responded with a simple, “Absolutely not.”

Overall, the conviction of Purpose was flourishingly portrayed with its track mix of catchy party anthems, as well as songs fit for a quiet evening at home. Coming from a fan background of 7 years, I truly believe the album is his best compilation yet. Each song possesses its own personal story, coinciding with different events in his life, good and bad. In the end, we as human beings are prone to mistakes, some more publicized than others. However, I do believe that while people can make mistakes, forgiveness is available to all. With its million copies sold and counting, Justin Bieber can certainly consider this album a resurgence to remember.