Artist: Justin Bieber
Album: Believe Acoustic
Release Date: Jan. 29
Label: Island Records
Grade: B+
Who would have thought a rap about Buzz Lightyear with mainstream pop-radio appeal would sound decent?
Pop heartthrob Justin Bieber surprises haters and fans alike by taking his hit single "Boyfriend" from last year's Believe and transforming it into a soothing acoustic track on Believe Acoustic. The album boasts eight acoustic renditions from his third release, as well as three fresh tracks written a little over a month ago.
Naysayers around the world are quick to say Bieber doesn't deserve his chart-topping success. He proves them wrong.
Believe Acousticallows Bieber to showcase his growth from the pre-pubescent vocals of "Baby" off his debut album My World into a soulful croon that would make his mentor, Usher, proud.
Bieber definitely needed this album considering the high publicity of his latest scandals, which constantly flood the Internet. Between his relationship woes with Disney starlet Selena Gomez and being caught smoking marijuana by paparazzi, his clean-cut charm has taken a hit in the past year.
Believe Acousticis a solid release that forces listeners to realize Bieber is a normal teenager behind the scenes and he is still growing up.
Out of all the remixed songs on the album, "Beauty and a Beat" is the most refreshing. The absence of rap artist Nicki Minaj stuttering about how she better watch out for Selena is a relief. Her rap in the original version contributed nothing but publicity.
"She Don't Like the Lights," a track about Gomez, is another solid moment from the album. Bieber's falsetto combines with the stripped-down sound to give him a new dimension. He sounds emotionally vested and vulnerable - something his fans crave and critics praise.
The three new tracks on Believe Acoustic offer a look into the Bieber's future.
However, "Yellow Raincoat" falls flat. Once again, the lyrics are about Gomez, and Bieber's vocals sound forceful. The song is predictable and offers nothing new to listeners.
While "I Would" is the only non-acoustic track, it doesn't detract from the overall album. An air of soul floats over the drumbeats and vocal overdubs, and it meshes well with the faint strumming of an acoustic guitar.
After listening toBelieve Acoustic, it's possible you might develop a slight case of Bieber Fever. Don't be embarrassed.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
