This last year something changed. Biebz. Got. Good.
Imagine this: It’s 2015, you are driving along blasting the radio, rocking out to a new tune (and probably awkward car dancing). After the song finishes the radio host announces that the last song was the latest release from Justin Bieber. I would argue that over 90 percent of you immediately started hating yourself for actually enjoying the song. So, why the Bieber shame?
I’ll admit I was never much of a belieber. Sure, in the beginning my interest was piqued. He was one of those miracle stories – plucked from total obscurity by a celebrity to go on and become a household name. A mini Ken doll with the voice of an angel and backed by Usher – what was not to like? However as his fame grew (assemble teeny boppers everywhere) and his songs … well, one was called “Eenie Meenie” #needisaymore; my care factor regarding Biebz’ music dropped significantly.
Watch Justin Beiber’s video for ‘Baby’. Post continues below.
To be fair to Biebz maybe it was the age difference. I had four years longer on this earth than he did. While he was singing about babies (so appropriate because he practically was one) I was going to house parties and getting drunk on two vodka cruisers #killingit. The guy was just not old enough to relate to me and my pre-adult issues (like how was Ryan ever going to deal with Marissa’s death #cannotdeal #oc4eva).
Over the years I’d hear announcements of Biebz dropping hit single after hit single (none of which I can actually remember) but what interested me more was how much of an #epicfail he was becoming. Initially it would be rumours of minor mishaps like the time he didn’t know what “German” was, adding “We don’t say that in America” #blessyoubiebz #fyiyouarecanadian #iknowitsconfusing. However, over time Biebz’ downfalls appeared to occur every other week, and they weren’t mere rumours anymore, they were breaking headlines.
And let’s not forget the poor Capuchin monkey …
It was fair to say that as much as I was across Biebz’ extra-curricular activities I was definitely not paying attention to his music career. Even though Biebz had smashed music records and garnered himself an army of beliebers he was still just another little wiseacre with a perfectly formed hairflip and shit for lyrics songs. But this last year something changed. Biebz. Got. Good.
Whether it was a perfectly strategised piece of re-branding or of his own volition we will never know, but either way Biebz’ road back to being cool has been one smooth ride. The first time I began to notice his transformation was earlier this year when I sat down to watch “The Roast of Justin Bieber” on Comedy Central. As comedian, celebrity and TV personality alike took to the stage to berate, degrade and down-right humiliate Biebz, he sat there, took the lot and even had a few witty comebacks. Biebz had become an adult.
It wasn’t just a one off either – Biebz continued to surprise me throughout the year. From car karaoke with James Corden to crying actual tears after his VMA performance (he just has a lot of feelings, okay?) Biebz had started to win me over.
Watch Justin Beiber’s video for ‘What Do You Mean’. Post continues below.
But in spite of all the cool Biebz has mustered I recently found myself in the following situation:
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I am ten years Justin Bieber's senior (almost exactly to the day - yes I googled him and remembered!). When he first 'hit the scene' my only opinion was that he was a young boy targeting a complete different demographic to mine. He looked like a kid and sang cheesy pop-songs that clearly targeted pre-teen and early teen girls. Whilst I had nothing against him, I was of the opinion that like Hanson (who my younger cousins have never even heard of) he would fade into obscurity eventually and only be remembered by one generation.
Later I started believing he was a bit of an arrogant twat after reading all the negative stories about him the media.
However, just this year I found myself listening to 'Sorry' and thinking - damn this is catchy, who sings this?! Justin Bieber...say what?! It took me by surprise more than anyone!! I now find myself listening to his music OUT OF CHOICE. Clearly he has a great marketing / public relations team behind him who have helped him to change his image and made his music more appealing to a range of generations. They must have done a great job as this almost-32-year-old is totally rocking out to Biebs now. Any other over 30's out there listening too?!
I think everyone was way too harsh on this kid. He was given so much at such a young age, and was surrounded by toxic hollywood idiots; it's not wonder he went off the rails.
Kudos to him for finding himself and facing reality; there are people double his age who seem unable to do that.
Side note: I agree, his latest music is surprisingly good!!
There are a lot of artists out there who started working while they were young. None of them felt the need to piss in a bucket in a hotel or egg someone's house. Or to scream at fans for not clapping in time.
I agree. From the get go he has always been extremely talented. I've never minded his music, having said that though I listen to absolutely everything. I really love his new album. He did go off the rails but to be honest, he didn't pull a Lindsay Lohan. He managed to recover at still quite a young age (21???). Good on him.