Album Review: Justin Bieber - Changes

Justin Bieber is back with his latest album Changes, nearly five years after his 2015 album, Purpose. In 17 tracks, Bieber reflects on his journey full of ups and downs he has experienced over the past few years, which we have all seen play out through the media. We do get a few cheesy tracks in there too as Changes speaks to his recent marriage, but rest assured, all these songs are all tastefully done!

 On this album, Bieber has a line-up of interesting collaborations including Quavo, Post Malone, Clever, Little Dicky, Travis Scott, Kehlani, and Summer Walker. To get quite a few respected artists on this album was really good, as it definitely gave his much-anticipated comeback a bit more recognition.

 Even though this album is mainly focused on the newlywed bliss he shares with his significant other, Hailey Bieber, songs such as the title track, ‘Changes’, focus on self-reflection and how the singer is taking steps to better himself to heal what he has been through. The rest of the album is pretty much an ode to his wife and it seems that he has matured in recent years and is dedicated to becoming the best that he can be to better his relationship.

 All of the songs throughout Changes definitely are all influenced by a modern Hip-Hop, Pop, and R&B sound. Bieber also still gives a strong vocal performance throughout the album as he has on all his prior records. Some of my personal favourites from this album that show off the singers’ range include ‘All Around Me’, ‘Intentions’, ‘Get Me’, and ‘That’s What Love Is’. When listening to the album some of the songs started to sound a bit similar in melody and lyrics, which can make it a little bit hard to listen to at times.

Overall, Changes and releasing 'Yummy' as the first single off the album was a good way for Bieber to establish himself within the music industry again after having a little time out of the spotlight. Although this album was mainly a dedication to his wife, each track was clearly well thought-out and was meaningfully written and performed. As Bieber recently released his YouTube series, ‘Seasons’, around his life and the creation of Changes, it was definitely good to see the final product of all the work that he had put into this project. It will be interesting to see how the singer performs all of the songs from this album on his highly anticipated upcoming tour.

Reviewed by: Shelley Earwaker