Why All The Noise? Justin Bieber

Recently Justin Bieber has been smashing music records everywhere. From having most songs off one album in the top 40, to most YouTube plays within 0.3463732 milliseconds. Okay that one might have been an exaggeration, but the kid has taken off in bigger ways than anyone would have ever imagined back when he released debut single Baby in 2010.

Back in 2010, he had an unbroken voice and a mop on his head instead of an actual haircut and he appealed to the teenyboppers who would scream and cry at the mere mention of his name. Now, five years on, he's become a bad boy with a point to prove. Tattooed felon and matured musician, Justin Bieber has become a phenomenon. He has thousands upon thousands of "Beliebers" backing him and even those who think he's a little shit now want to listen to his songs. Myself included.

So why all the noise about Justin Bieber? After listening to What Do You Mean? on repeat for a few hours, I gave his new record breaking album Purpose a listen to try and find out why.

Mark My Words is a soft, almost acoustic track which leaves you like putty in Bieber's hands. It establishes a more mature sound and as it rolls into I'll Show You you begin to see why this album is relevant in today's mainstream scene. It has all the vibes that names like The Weeknd and Drake have been bringing to the table and by incorporating such beats, Bieber is making himself more current and lovable than ever. The power duo of Sorry and What Do You Mean? have you dancing and singing along like it's your last chance to because let's face it, they are true catches. Love Yourself is another track which leaves you swooning under Beiber's spell whilst Company has you grooving mindlessly. Where Are U Now? makes a late appearance but it's still as catchy as ever and when combined with Children you've got to accept, Bieber knows how to get you going. A lot of the other tracks on the album, such as album closer and title track Purpose, are supposed to be honest and heartfelt but unfortunately, it just comes across as self-obsessed and cringeworthy.

I suppose Purpose reminds you of who Justin Bieber is; where he started, what he's done and where he is now. Artists who go through 'a journey' like he has, are often watched, scrutinised and loved stronger than other artists are. Justin Bieber owes his phenomenon status to his antics as much as he does his catchy music, but regardless of why he has attained it, he's going to stay at the top for a long time yet, no matter what your opinion of him is.

What Golden Nuggets Have Been Released Since 'That's The Spirit'?

Eagles of Death Metal - Zipper Down
The past few weeks have been incredibly hard for Eagles of Death Metal after their gig at the Bataclan Theatre was the scene of the horrific Paris terror attacks. The band were there touring their new album Zipper Down, a rock n roll extravaganza, one which is totally rad. The album cover alone depicts the sort of naughty antics that run through this album and it's very exciting. Single, Complexity, opens the album followed by the grandiose Silverlake (K.S.O.F.M.). Every second of this album has a classic old-school feel, but the band's swagger make it relevant to now. Skin-Tight Boogie is sexy and The Reverend is dirty and everything else in between is just full of romantic filth. It's just unadulterated awesomeness.
8/10

Nothing But Thieves - Nothing But Thieves
This blog first brought your attention to Nothing But Thieves just over a year ago. They were supporting Twin Atlantic and were giving away free EPs to anyone who would take one. They were also made a DOAGA Band of the Week. Now, they are a phenomenal success, selling out any live date they set and being recommended by top music fanatics everywhere. Their debut album, self-title Nothing But Thieves, is nothing short of incredible. It sounds as huge as it does intimate, as strong as it does vulnerable; it is a masterpiece. Conor Mason's vocals are as haunting as ever, through opener Excuse Me, single Trip Switch and bonus track Neon Brother. Every song on this album is worth comment; it is laced in gold and you shouldn't ignore it any longer.
9/10

The St Pierre Snake Invasion - A Hundred Years A Day
Many of you will be unaware of who The St Pierre Snake Invasion are, but that's about to change. TSPSI are a band of Britsolian men making loud, noisy, in-your-face punk madness, and they do so exceptionally well. A Hundred Years A Day is their debut album and it proves why they should be taken notice of. David Ickerumba gets you headbanging, When I See A Sycophant Fly gets you headbanging, Like A Rag To A Red Bull gets you headbanging, really the whole album gets you headbanging. It's angry, it's full of infectious energy and it's insane. Refauxlution and Rock 'N' Roll Workshops also deserve a mention for being solid tunes and this album contains the song title of the year, If The Only Way Is Essex You Can Kill Me Now. If unhinged pandemonium is your thing, this is the album for you.
8/10

One Direction - Made In The A.M.
Zayn is gone,the remaining four are going on hiatus: we never thought it'd be the same again. But Made In The A.M. has proved us all wrong. The album, one which One Direction say has been their favourite to write and record, is full of joy and celebration. The boys have also said that this album is one made for the fans; in that respect it feels like a bit of a farewell present, but even if it is, it's one which will leave fans happy within the hiatus period. Drag Me Down and Perfect are obvious album favourites but there's also something about the raw feel of Never Enough and Olivia that make you far more in love with this album than the singles do. The whole album is a perfect mixture of soft soppy heart-melters and loud happy anthems and it is certainly worthy of being as successful as their prior albums have been.
7/10

Special mention for DOAGA favourites, Slaves, who released an extended cut of their amazing album Are You Satisfied? It includes Live Lounge track, Skepta's Shutdown and an awesome new song called Why Would You? Definitely worth the extra pennies!