Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Justin Bieber & BloodPop, Friends © RepublicJustin Bieber build upon his extraordinarily successful year with “Friends,” a collaborative single with music producer, BloodPop.

Justin Bieber has a had a huge 2017.  Amazingly, he’s experienced this incredible success without releasing a new album. “I’m the One,” “Despacito Remix,” and “2U” – enough said.  Continuing his impact in the music industry, the tattooed, oft-shirtless, Canadian heartthrob returns with a new single, “Friends.” “Friends” is a collaboration with Kansas City music producer, BloodPop.

“Friends” exemplifies the modern pop sound, influenced with dance and electronic cues.  From a first listen, “Friends” sounds like a hit, no questions asked.  There are plenty of pros.  Bieber, as always, sounds like he’s in command, painting the electro-pop palette with sound, enjoyable vocals.  His tone has only improved with age and experience – haters don’t have much ammunition anymore vocally.  Sure, there are more innovative, distinct singers, but lately, Bieber has been on a roll.  The roll doesn’t stop with “Friends.”

There are no leering cons to be found.  That said, “Friends” isn’t game changing by any means. The production by Bloodpop is great, but doesn’t cover new territory.  The song itself suits Justin Bieber, but doesn’t offer anything we haven’t heard already.  Still, honestly, these are the most notable cons and they’re nothing more than nitpicks.  Neither is particularly objectionable.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Justin Bieber has another hit on his hands with “Friends.” With the singles that he’s issued throughout 2017, it seems that the Purpose singer is setting himself up for a monstrous new album.  Here everything seems to work well.  Great production work by BloodPop, great vocals and catchy chorus by J.B. – the whole shebang works soundly.

Justin Bieber & BloodPop • Friends – Single • Republic • Release: 8.18.17
Photo Credit: Republic
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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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