“Boyfriend” and “Love Yourself” ranks among the best songs from former teen-heartthrob Justin Bieber. Check out what other songs made our brief, ultra-selective ‘best-of’ list. 

Justin Bieber went from teen-pop heartthrob to an incredibly polarizing, bad-boy pop star.  While the heavily tatted Canadian continues to have his fair share of fans and skeptics, undeniably, he’s had his share of hits throughout his career.  This list examines six of his best songs – one from each album.  This is a flexible list –  songs selected on this list can come from full-length albums, EPs, compilations, or projects where Justin Bieber isn’t necessarily the lead artist.  While his main albums – My World, My World 2.0, Believe, and Purpose – are all covered, not every EP or project is represented.  Without further ado, the Best Justin Bieber Song from Each Album.     

1. “One Time”

My World • Island • 2009

“One Time” was the breakthrough hit for a 15-year old Justin Bieber. The good-looking kid with the mop-top made the young girls swoon and the guys roll their eyes.  Early on, it’s clear that Bieber actually has vocal potential (despite what the haters assert), but his instrument certainly wasn’t fully developed at this point. Still, this was an excellent starting point for what was to come.

Honorable Mentions: “One Less Lonely Girl”

2. “Baby”

Ft. Ludacris

My World 2.0 • Island • 2010

“And I was like Baby, baby, baby, oh / Like baby, baby, baby no!” “Baby” was annoying AF, but its significance within pop culture and Bieber’s career is undeniable.  Admit it, didn’t everybody get hyped when Ludacris asserted his ludicrousness on his guest verse? “LUDA! When I was 13, I had my first love, there was nobody that compared to my baby.” Yeah, it’s schmaltzy AF, but even if Bieber himself wanted to write off his top-five hit he couldn’t.

Honorable Mentions: “Somebody to Love” & “Runaway Love”

3. “Boyfriend”

Believe • Island • 2012

Believe was a more mature Justin Bieber album. That maturity should be examined contextually of course.  At the time, Bieber was still just 18 years old with a predominately tween fan base.  “Boyfriend” amped up the hip-hop swag, but that swag is diminished when Buzz Lightyear is uttered during the second verse… No shade Toy Story. The fondue reference prior to that wasn’t exactly the sharpest lyric either…  Regardless how utterly silly “Boyfriend” may be, it reached no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was/still is hella catchy.

Honorable Mentions: “As Long as You Love Me” (Ft. Big Sean) & “Die in Your Arms”

4.“PYD”

Ft. R. Kelly

Journals • Island • 2012 

“PYD,” which stands for “put you down,” is by far Bieber’s best track on Journals as well as his most sexual.  Bieber doesn’t restrict himself to bubblegum pop, instead, opting to “do it right” to his boo.  Perhaps he plans to be an emotional, he’s definitely going to “get it in” regardless. R. Kelly’s guest appearance wipes away doubts as the sex-savvy R&B vet is “…Your dope man in the bedroom / You can make me your drug babe.” Overall, the results are impressive.  The moodiness and sensuality contrast Bieber’s past. 

Honorable Mentions: “Recovery,” “Roller Coaster” & “Confident”

5. Diplo & Skrillex, “Where Are Ü Now”

Ft. Justin Bieber

Jack Ü • 2015

“Where Are Ü Now” was one of the best songs from 2015.  Reprised on Purpose after originally appearing on Diplo and Skillex album Jack Ü, “Where Are Ü Now” is nothing short of infectious.  This isn’t a songwriter’s song, nor is it intended to be.  It’s a Grammy-winning, unique electro-pop record that plays to Bieber’s vocal strengths.

6.“Love Yourself”

Purpose • 2015

Initially, I asserted that “Love Yourself” was merely good but failed to set itself apart from the crème de la crème of Purpose. My, my, how opinions change. Bieber and his co-writers, Benjamin Levin and Ed Sheeran, deserve credit for the singer/songwriter.   “Cause if you like the way you look so much / Oh baby you should go love yourself,” he asserts on the chorus.

Honorable Mentions: “What Do You Mean?” & “Sorry”

Photo Credit: Def Jam