By RJ Bardsley
So this really weird thing happened to me the other day on the walk to work. I was listening to a random Spotify list on my mobile phone and this song came on that I didn’t recognize. At first I didn’t pay any attention – I might have fast forwarded if I didn’t have a coffee in one hand and a bag in the other. But the tune kind of grew on me. It was sort of Usher meets Justin Timberlake, and it had a catchy and slightly sophisticated beat. It wasn’t Coldplay, but it was interesting. By the time I reached the office the song had passed, but I scrolled back through the playlist as I was taking my earphones out and I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw who the song was by. Could it be? Had I really just listened to and actually liked a Justin Bieber song? Yes. Actually, I had listened to and liked “Boyfriend,” his newest release.
Now, to be fair, I don’t actually know that much about Bieber’s music. I just know a few of his bigger hits, but the fact is that I can’t see myself as a Bieber fan. It’s something about the guy’s Tiger Beat image that I can’t relate to and I just don’t want to think of myself as associated with. But maybe he’s transitioning to a brand/image that will appeal to older audiences? Not a lot of artists move from teeny bopper to mature musician – Justin Timberlake comes to mind as one. Timberlake’s first solo album was a major success and set him worlds apart from his former boy-band colleagues.
Will I listen to more Bieber? Maybe… we’ll see. Will I admit to listening to more Bieber? That’s a different story.
I have to say, I like the song. I have always appreciated the awe factor of Bieber, but never really paid attention to his music. After listening to this song, I think he might actually be able to cross over to mainstream.
I like the song too! And, I think you are right on the money with him. He has found a way to cross over and if he bangs out a couple more singles like this, he may achieve his mark! I wrote an article a long time ago about the Biebster and, in doing so, I learned a lot about his story and rise to fame. He has a good story and he is very talented – with vocals, dance and instruments. I don’t have Bieber Fever, but I love music and if he can continue to put songs out like this, I won’t be a hater, that’s for sure!
P.S. My son makes me play Never Say Never all the time so he can listen to “Justin Beaver”.
Thank you, Usher!