Justin Bieber, Lonely | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winning pop superstar Justin Bieber shines on his authentic, reflective, and vulnerable single, “Lonely” with Benny Blanco.

Admittedly, I was a bit underwhelmed by Changes, the highly anticipated comeback album by Justin Bieber.  That said, I though he sounded great on the LP.  Post-Changes however, Bieber has earned my ears, beginning with “Holy”. Once more, he has me in his corner on the short but personal (and sweet) “Lonely,” which features Benny Blanco.

“Lonely” is indeed short, clocking in at a modest two-and-a-half minutes. Honestly, it’s sufficient for Bieber to deliver arguably the most personal song of his career. Written by Blanco, Finneas O’Connell, and Bieber, Blanco and FINNEAS ultimately provide Bieber with a reflective, somber backdrop. Definitely not rousing production work, it’s a perfect fit for this particular song by all means.

As always, Justin gives us beautiful vocals; his tone is quite expressive. He reflects on the effects of fame, particularly at a young age. On the first verse, he sings, “Maybe when I’m older, it’ll all calm down / But it’s killin’ me now.” He goes on to drop the f-bomb, for the first time to my knowledge in song on the pre-chorus:

“‘Cause I’ve had everything
But no one’s listening
And that’s just fuckin’ lonely.”

The chorus which follows is simple but effective, highlighting the titular lyric. On the second verse, he continues his honesty regarding fame, specifically asserting, “And everybody saw me sick / And it felt like no one gave a shit / They criticized the things I did as an idiot kid.”

Final Thoughts 

Admittedly, given Justin’s age and how bad his downward spiral was years back, it’s been tough to like him or relate to him.  That said, on “Lonely,” I appreciate the fact that he is so honest. He sings with incredible authenticity, and this song, albeit it so short, works incredibly well.  

Justin Bieber • 🎵 “Lonely” (w/ Benny Blanco) • 🏷 Friends Keep Secrets / Def Jam / Interscope • 🗓 10.16.20

[📷: Friends Keep Secrets / Def Jam / Interscope]