Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Justin Bieber, Justice [πŸ“·: Def Jam]Justin Bieber serves up nothing but positive vibes on β€œHold On,” the fourth advance single from his sixth studio album, Justice.

Prior to making his comeback with πŸ’Ώ Changes in 2020, πŸŽ™ Justin Bieber hadn’t released a new album in nearly five years (πŸ’Ώ Purpose, 2015).  This round, Bieber fans won’t have to wait nearly as long as the πŸ† Grammy winner announced the release of πŸ’Ώ Justice arriving only a year after Changes.  Bieber has been building up to his new album not long after Changes releasing a number of singles set to appear on Justice.  The song at hand, 🎡 β€œHold On,” arrives just a week before the album itself.  The premise? β€œA hopeful record of just holding on, because a lot of us want to give up at times,” Bieber tells NME.

Indeed, lyrically, β€œHold On” finds Justin Bieber offering both encouragement and support.  On the first verse, he’s supportive, asserting, β€œI’ll pick up the pieces if you come undone.”  On the second, he describes feelings of loneliness and uncertainty, singing, β€œYou need connection but you can’t get close.” Prior to the chorus, on the pre-chorus, he lends his support once more, while on the chorus itself, he uses his own mishaps as β€œsomeone who loses their way” as means not to give up and hold on.  On the bridge, he further confirms his willingness to be supportive. As far as messaging and writing (Bieber, 🎼✍ Alexandra Tamposi, 🎼✍ Andrew Watt, 🎼✍ Jon Bellion, 🎼✍ Louis Bell, 🎼✍ Luiza BonfΓ‘, and 🎼✍ Walter de Backer), Justin says the right thing. Furthermore, Bieber sings well; he sounds smooth and performs expressively. Helping his cause is a pleasant, modern pop backdrop, produced by πŸŽ› Watt and πŸŽ› Bell.


Final Thoughts πŸ’­

All in all, β€œHold On” is a winner for Justin Bieber.  The message is positive, the vocals are solid, and the production and overall sound is just that – sound.  β€œHold On” is not a game changer, but honestly, compared to some of the singles that graced Changes, this is a better sound for Bieber. Worth listening to by all means.  

3.5 out of 5 stars


πŸŽ™ Justin Bieber β€’ πŸ’Ώ Justice β€’ 🏷 Def Jam β€’ πŸ—“ 3.14.21
[πŸ“·: Def Jam]

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's 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 freelance music blogger. 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.