Justin Bieber, Yummy | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winner Justin Bieber makes an enjoyable and respectable solo return with single “Yummy,” though it doesn’t ‘move the needle.’

After releasing his most mature album, Purpose, in 2015, Justin Bieber more or less took an extended musical hiatus.  He didn’t totally disappear, appearing collaboratively with the likes of DJ Khaled and Ed Sheeran, but in the capacity of lead artist, he was totally M.I.A.  2020 marks the end of the hiatus, with Bieber dropping a YouTube documentary series and much more notably, dropping new music. “Yummy,” an urban contemporary/urban pop record marks the first new Bieber solo single since 2015.  The question is, how yummy is it actually?

“Yummy” is certainly well-produced, giving Justin Bieber an urban contemporary backdrop.  Bieber has always gravitated more towards a R&B sound, even within the umbrella of pop music.  “Yummy” blurs the lines of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, which is characteristic of modern music in general.  The sound won’t change your life mind you – it’s tried and true, been there, done that – but as with his past music, it suits him artistically.  Vocally, Bieber is compelling, serving up personality and a smooth, rhythmic performance.  He never overreaches, delivering a balance of full-fledged pipes, falsettos, and soulful runs.

That really leaves one thing left to analyze regarding “Yummy” – the songwriting.  Thematically, “Yummy” encompasses love and sex, presumably for Bieber’s wife, Hailey.  The chorus is corny but catchy, with ‘yummy’ representing, um, ‘getting down.’  On the verses, he worships her, while also referencing the sex.  On the first verse, he sings, “Bonafide stallion / It ain’t no stable, no, you stay on the run.” On the second, he asserts, “Standin’ up, keep me on the rise / Lost control of myself, I’m compromised.” Clearly, for Bieber, that ‘yummy’ in hella potent.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Yummy” is a respectable comeback for Justin Bieber.  He doesn’t revolutionize the game or make a gargantuan splash, but it’s enjoyable enough.  Sure, you can argue how/if Bieber was innovative ‘back when’ and if his forthcoming album will ‘move the needle’ forward or keep things safe.  That said, with what we’re given with “Yummy,” the jury is still out about how much a new Bieber album will ultimately shape pop culture in 2020.

Justin Bieber • “Yummy” – Single • Def Jam • Release: 1.3.20

Photo Credit: Def Jam