It’s hard being a fangirl.
Not only do you know so much about people you will most likely never meet, you’re also wildly defensive about those people and are always ready to read anyone who doesn’t understand why they’re famous. It’s even harder to be apart of two conflicting fandoms. Therefore, Nov.13 was a hard day for Beliebers and Directioners.
Justin Bieber and One Direction both released their newest albums and both were fantastic. But also how disrespectful to release such amazing music at the same time, leaving little room to have a second to process them? Also, they both were releasing songs leading up to Friday. That being said, I think we can all agree last week was #theworst so it was nice to have music to escape to.
Originally, I was going to go through JB’s new album song by song, but One Direction also deserves to be addressed, so I’ll give my overall *official pop culture* opinion of both. Also, it might have been a tadbit too emotional/ fangirly for the DTH so I decided to spare you. You’re welcome. I listened to both albums for approximately 72 hours straight and this is I came up with.
Purpose by Justin Bieber
After listening to this album, I’ve learned the following things. One, JB is ready to prove that he’s all about the music. Forget the drama and the scandals — he just wants to put all his energy into music and get back into people’s good graces. Two, he wants to encourage people to find their passion and go after it. Third, he’s been in love and it was hard but he’s ready to move on.
Overall, this album is passionate and emotional. Even though most songs are upbeat, the lyrics still have a lot of depth to them. Words can’t describe how proud I am for Justin and this album, and can’t wait to get tickets to see him on tour. There is a really cool EDM/ techno pop vibe enhanced with his signature underlying R&B tones. Bieber is back.
PROS: Vocals are on POINT! Especially on the songs where it’s limited instruments, you can really appreciate how his voice has matured over the years. Plus his falsetto always makes me have to take a minute.
CONS: While I did enjoy the album, I feel like Justin released his most of his best songs as singles. That being said, holistically the album does not disappoint. Also, "Children:" I like the message, I’m just not sure why it needed to be accompanied by a techno beat.
Five favorite songs (in no particular order and excluding pre-released singles): No Sense, Life is Worth Living, Mark My Words, Get Used to It, The Feeling
Made in the A.M by One Direction
Wow. How do I even describe this album, except as fantastic. With each album, the boys really prove themselves as being more than just a stereotypical boy band. Their sound is more mature, the lyrics are deeper and their vocals are stronger.
However, this album isn’t a transition into anything, but more of an overall growth. 1D has always played into the rock/pop sound, but this album is kind of doing it’s own thing with being a bit of both and neither at the same time. I’m not really sure how to explain it other than it just works extremely well. 1D also does a great job with using music to empower their (largely) female fanbase. The lyrics have a general message of “hey, you’re beautiful and I’m really glad you’re in my life and I just want you to know how much I appreciate you,” which is really nice to hear from four extremely good looking, talented, young men. Just saying.
Pros: LYRICS. The songwriting on this album is just A++ which is saying something because this is the first album where Ed Sheeran hasn’t given them a song. Louis and Niall really step up on this album vocally and I’m here for it. Also, Harry and Liam GO OFF as usual. Okay, so basically everyone contributed quality vocals.
Cons: Moment of silence for the loss of Zayn Malik’s beautiful high notes. They are clearly missing from this album...and our hearts of course. But 1D did write him a very touching tribute (Walking in the Wind) which is lowkey heartbreaking.
Five favorite songs (in no particular order and excluding pre released singles): Never Enough, I Want to Write You a Song, Temporary Fix, Long Way Down, Love You Goodbye
Overall, both albums are seriously great in their own regards. One of the best things is seeing an artist you love get the respect they deserve, and over the weekend I saw so many tweets of people being surprised how much they actually liked songs off either album. So if you weren’t planning to listen to them, I encourage you to give them a chance. Despite thinking that either artists are popular based off looks, really it’s their talent, energy, passion, and mutual love and respect they have for their fans that makes them serious musical artists.
@hotbeansmorgan
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