Bieber Fever...?

"Oh my gosh JUSTIN BIEBER. I LOVE HIM!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" That's all I heard at work today seeing as the new Justin Bieber movie just graced us with its presence.

I've never really understood the whole Justin Bieber madness. Of course, I understand madness in general, because I have things, superficial things though they may be, but I still have things that I'm passionate about, just how all these preteens are "passionate" about the Biebs. So I really have no place to harp on the Bieber fever stricken people because I'm the same way with, I dunno, let's just say 30 Seconds to Mars. The only difference is, if I saw Jared or Shannon walking down the street, I wouldn't scream and chase after them. But I believe that's just something that comes with age. So I DO understand the madness, I just don't understand why so much MADNESS has been focused on this one kid by the name of Justin.

So where am I going with this? Well, with all the hype surrounding the movie, I became curious as to what it is about this kid that has all the girls going crazy. I've been somewhat anti-Bieber just BECAUSE everyone's so gaga over him and because I haven't really heard any music of his that's blown me away (granted I'd only heard bits and pieces of his songs on the radio, I don't think I'd even heard one of his songs all the way through) but I realized today as all these kids were overcome with excitement at the movie, that I hadn't really given the Biebs a chance to prove his chops to me. And then that made me realize how extremely hypocritical I was being, because I hate it when people dislike an artist just because they're popular, just how I hate it when people dislike an artist just because they're NOT popular. I like to give everyone a shot. So I came home and I did a little research...on Justin Bieber. I watched a few Youtube vids, listened to some of his music...and that's about it. But I think it was enough to offer a fair assessment.

Here is my conclusion. Justin Bieber is adorable. He's cute in that little kid sort of way, and I can see why all the teen girls go crazy over him. He also seems extremely kind, funny, and personable. Those are the things I learned from watching some videos and interviews of him. However, after listening to his music, I still just can't get into it, with the exception of a couple songs. Never Say Never has a little bit more "substance" to it, though not much, and I think Justin's voice got a little deeper before he recorded it, so it makes it easier to listen to. That factor combined with the prepubescent voice of guest rapper Jaden Smith (Will Smith's son) makes the song adorable if not catchy. I also discovered a song he did called "Pray," which is a cute song, and actually has some meaning behind it. Then there's his song "Somebody to Love," which is the only one of his extremely poppy, superficial songs that I own, and that's only because BYU-I did a lip sync/flash mob to it and so now I associate it with that video, which I love. Other than that I found most of his songs to be...blah. My main problem with Justin Bieber's music, even with his couple catchy tunes, that I'll admit to liking, is that I find it hard to take his music seriously when he's singing about "love" and girls and experiences, and yet he sounds like he's 12 years old. Does that mean I might like his music more once he goes through puberty? Possibly, though it'd be more likely if he wrote something of substance in his lyrics. Something other than, "baby, baby, baby oh...." Although, I suppose that's why the majority of his fanbase is comprised of the preteen age bracket. Because they find his music relatable. Am I saying that all the music I listen to is nothing but meaningful? Of course not. I love Britney Spears for goodness sake. But Justin's sappy, puppy love lyrics, combined with his little boy voice, makes it hard for me to listen to the majority of his music.

That being said, what does this conclusion mean? I suppose it means that I'll cease being such an anti-Bieberist. Though his music isn't for me, I can see why all the teens go crazy for the whole package of what is Justin Bieber. I probably would too if I were 12. And if someday, Justin's voice changes, and he learns how to write some decent and compelling lyrics, and maybe if he realizes he can sing without having his voice autotuned like crazy, (which I do actually believe he has a good voice, though it's hard to tell with all the electronic alteration) then maybe I'll actually start listening to his music. But I suppose he's off to a good start, he has a decent voice, and he seems like a pretty decent person, which I suppose is the most important thing. I only hope that part will last. Who knows, if he remains a good person, and learns how to write good music, I might even come down with a case of Bieber fever, though perhaps only a mild case. He's a little young for me :)

Anyway. In honor of Justin Bieber's movie release...here are a couple videos I discovered on Youtube while researching.

"Pray (Acoustic)" Music Video-I think this is cute, though I wouldn't consider the song acoustic, even though that's what the producers seem to think it is.

"Never Say Never" Music Video from the film. This is alright in this condensed amount of time, but if this is what the whole movie is like then I pity the parents who had to sit through it with their children.