My World 2.0 - Justin Bieber (Review)

In the span of what seems like a week, Justin Bieber has become a superstar. The young pop singer reinvigorated the realm of pure bubblegum pop on My World with hits like "One Less Lonely Girl" and "Favorite Girl." He's returned with the slicker and slightly more daring companion piece My World 2.0.

While peppy and idealistic first single "Baby" is in lock-step with Bieber's previous singles, the rest of the album shows a more polished and original Bieber. The stripped down "U Smile" has been compared to Hall & Oats with its soulful keyboard driven melody, while "Somebody to Love" blends euro-pop stylings with R&B to create an instantly effecting dance-floor anthem. When Justin slows things down a bit, he gets even funkier. "Runaway Love" gives listeners an idea of the direction a post-puberty Bieber might go with effortless gliding vocals and smooth delivery over a deep funk-pop melody.

Bieber's only missteps seem more the fault of managers and handlers. Unnecessary marketing driven cameos ("Baby," "Eenie Meenie") and mere moments of plodding material ("Up," "Never Let You Go") are the only complaints to be found here. And in comparison to the majority of pop drivel released weekly, it's hardly worth the mention.

The criticism leveled at Bieber due to his youth, while trendy, is ridiculous. Usher and Ne-Yo wish they could strike the gold Bieber has, while many pop vocalists would never be able to achieve Bieber's level of vocal delivery without the assistance of autotune. Even more commendable is Bieber's sidestepping of the insecure light-misogyny that's penetrated the majority of young R&B/pop music (Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, etc).

With My World 2.0, Justin Bieber proves himself an enduring pop force, the best bubblegum has to offer. Sure to leave little girls (and some little boys) swooning and parents smiling. Here's to hoping Justin avoids the implosion that often comes with superstardom.

GPA- 3.5