On March 19, 2021 Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber released his sixth studio album, Justice. The singer states his new album serves as a follow-up to his album, Changes, released in early 2020.
Justice is the first album the singer has released since the pandemic began. While the album is not focused much on the COVID-19 pandemic itself, it does address the feelings that surround it.
“My objective in making this album was to provide comfort to the listener…I know a lot of people have been isolated, but music is really an outlet to bring people together,” Bieber stated in an interview with Vogue Magazine.
In an interview with Apple Music, Bieber stated that this album deals heavily with what he has learned about himself and others during his first year of marriage to Hailey Bieber.
“This is an album I wrote in the first year of our marriage, so it's so fresh. There's so much more to learn about commitment, and building trust and foundation. I'm looking forward to continuing to build and make music that's going to reflect that.” Bieber said.
Here are the 6 best songs from Justice, ranked:
6. “As I Am”
“As I Am” feat. Khalid is a soulful and hopeful track. The singer discusses doubts in himself, but expresses gratitude to his wife for loving him for who he is. Bieber sings, “Take me as I am, swear I'll do the best I can / Say, "I'm not goin' anywhere”. The song is a sweet reminder of being grateful for the people who love you even when you are not perfect.
5. “Ghost”
“Ghost” has an electronic pop vibe, which immediately pulls listeners in. This track deals with loss and missing loved ones. Bieber told Vogue that the song can be taken as a loss of a loved one or just missing dear ones during this difficult time. He sings, “If I can’t be close to you / I’ll settle for the ghost of you” The emotional song provides comfort and something to relate to during the pandemic.
4. “Deserve You”
“Deserve You” is a disco-inspired song on Justice. This is another song on the album that deals with feeling unworthy to the person you love, yet it is a completely different take on the concept. Rather than focusing on himself in the track, the artist discusses more about his lover’s perfections and how he feels inferior in an endearing way.
3. “Somebody”
“Somebody” is a hopeful and encouraging song, with an extremely catchy throwback pop beat. This song is about standing together with others in order to be brave and how it’s OK to rely on others to help you feel alright sometimes.
2. “Off My Face”
“Off My Face” is a beautifully emotional song about how in love someone can be. Bieber has stated this is another song dedicated to his wife, Hailey. The soft guitar and the singer’s falsetto notes create an alluring track you’ll want to listen to for years to come.
1. “Hold on”
Released as a single before the entire album dropped, “Hold on” is a catchy, upbeat song great to include in a road trip playlist. With positive lyrics about pushing through hard times and relying on support from those who care about you, Bieber makes yet another track to pick you up during a bad day.
Overall, Bieber has provided the world with catchy songs with meaningful, yet light lyrics. Justice is one of the best albums to have emerged from the pandemic.
Review: 4.5 / 5
