Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ Album: Review Revue

Justin Bieber has done a lot of soul-searching over the past few years that has all led up to his third studio effort Purpose (not counting Under The Mistletoe or Journals) — which is officially out today (November 13).

With impeccable dance tunes like “What Do You Mean?” and “Sorry,” hazy vulnerable ballads like “I’ll Show You” and a tracklist that boasts varied features including Big Sean, Travi$ Scott and Ed Sheeran, the 21-year-old proves that he is ready to once again tackle the weight pop world.

So how do other music industry critics feel about Justin Bieber’s latest musical effort? Read what they had to say down below!

:: The New York Times compared Bieber to One Direction: “Even though Mr. Bieber is younger than all of the men of One Direction, he sounds exponentially more experienced, and exponentially more fatigued on ‘Purpose.’ He is also the best singer of the bunch, and the one with a clear vision for his sound, even if he’s being largely denied it here.”

:: Hollywood Life shared their thoughts: “He’s come a long way since he was discovered as a 12-year-old boy on YouTube, and now he’s a pop superstar capable of just about anything. This time, it’s a vulnerable and honest set that’s both beautifully produced and intimately delivered.”

:: While The Guardian gave it three stars: “The rest of his fourth album similarly serves as a regretful look back and a fresh start; to the latter end, the musical direction owes much to co-producer Skrillex, whose unexpectedly subtle electronic palette complements Bieber’s affectedly breathy voice.”

:: Over at SPIN, they gave impulsive reviews: “In its slower, trying-to-be-poignant moments, Purpose immediately comes off as overly contrite, Axe-scented mush (looking at you, ‘Life Is Worth Living’). We get that you’re ‘Sorry,’ JB. Just don’t make us sorry we forgave you.”

:: NME called Purpose “sophisticated”: “But by the time ‘Purpose’ ends with a spoken-word segment about how Bieber ‘wasn’t necessarily put in the best position to make the best decisions’ recently, it’s clear plenty of good choices have been made here. It’s not quite redemption – only time will tell if he’ll curb the recklessness – but it’s certainly a start at reinvention.”

:: Entertainment Weekly scored it with a B+: “A number of songs directly address the unbearable lightness of being Bieber: the tabloid Truman Show he can’t escape; the teenage mistakes magnified a million times; the judgments that still pierce his skin, poreless as it may be.”

:: VH1 had this to say: “Whether or not Justin Bieber reaches his ‘best self’ in his early 20s (please feel free to laugh at such a notion) remains to be seen, but as far as Justin Bieber the singer goes, Purpose shows more than enough signs that he’s going to be quite alright. I’m more excited than ever about his musical future.”

:: Lastly, Digital Spy called it Bieber’s “best album yet”: “Justin Bieber was never the Gandhi-like figure he perceives himself to have been, but the parasitic media circus surrounding the singer is something that’s undeniable. With Purpose Justin treads the line between the ‘woe-is-me’ reformed pantomime villain and unabashed pop superstar like a pro, and creates his best record yet in the process.”

Do you agree with the critics? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!