Most have probably heard by now – Bieber is back. Justin Bieber has released a new album with some of the singles getting music videos and radio play in the build-up to the release…but, is Bieber really “back”? The consensus thus far is that not only is he “back”, but that his latest music is ground breaking for the pop genre. The Justice album is definitely a pop album though it does dabble in other areas as well such as rhythm and blues, with also a touch of acoustic. No doubt almost everyone would’ve heard the album already, though Bieber has also made a stopover on YouTube for a brief concert.
Whilst his new album is fresh in the media, the topic of today is the live performance Bieber gave on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. The Canadian born popstar took it upon himself to provide fans and music lovers a jam session with a live band, as due to the result of the world’s recent events, live audiences aren’t much of an option now. JB puts on a short but entertaining set, playing four songs for about a total of fifteen minutes. Each song is from the star’s latest album Justice though Bieber and the band lay them down with an alternative style that contrasts with the pop vibe of the recorded versions.
Bieber has done live studio sessions before but his stint at Tiny Desk Concerts is showing the world a different Bieber than it’s used to. Now in his mid-twenties, Bieber appears more comfortable and grounded whilst singing. This concert performance shows what once was a young teen in the game has now blossomed into a grown man and seasoned performer. His vocals hold out through the entire set, his individual instrumental play has unquestionably evolved, and his ‘stage presence’ is indicative of a performer who is motivated with each song he sings. The band is first rate, accommodating Bieber’s approach to music with composure and obvious experience. Part of the fun is also in the diversity of the chosen songs. Holy, Peaches, Hold On, and Anyone are all different from each other in content, sound, and even somewhat in genre. Holy is almost more comparable to a hymn, with Peaches ringing more like R&B, Hold On as his signature pop song, and Anyone coming off as alternative rock. The song picks were clearly selected with the intent of keeping the set from being too one dimensional, which was a wise decision on their part.
Tiny Desk Concerts: Justin Bieber can be found on YouTube for with no fees to view
This set paints an encouraging picture of the artist that Bieber is continuing to shape himself into. He’s proving that he can play and experiment without the need to make every song a popular hit. His live performance on Tiny Desk Concerts can be found on YouTube for with no fees to view, and to fans who have yet to still get around to it, Bieber’s new album Justice is streaming across all platforms. Trust and believe, this isn’t the Bieber everyone’s familiar with.
