Purpose
by Justin Bieber
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2015
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 11, 2015
    83
    Bieber’s sound is much more deliberately of the moment: a skittering, metallic synthesis of dance music and modern R&B whose evolution probably owes a lot to new-school collaborators Diplo and Skrillex, as well as the lesser-known production wizard Poo Bear.
  2. Clash Music
    Nov 16, 2015
    80
    It looks to be a strong move in his transition to adulthood and proves there's far more to him than being a pretty face for schoolgirls to swoon over.
  3. Billboard.com
    Nov 13, 2015
    80
    Despite its countless co-writers and producers, chief among them Bieber’s bestie Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, the album boasts a consistent palette of lush, low-key electro-dance sounds: sun-warped synths, chipmunk accent vocals, rattling trap hi-hats, and loads of bass.... It’s in this Spotify-age blend of dance, hip-hop, R&B and classic smooth-dude vocalizing that Bieber truly shows his growth.
  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    Nov 11, 2015
    80
    Bieber’s offering is less of a mainstream crowd pleaser and all the more interesting for it, a quirky, atmospheric electro R’n’B concoction with sci-fi sounds and offbeat vocal samples that focus attention on the star’s soft, supple and seductive singing.
  6. The 405
    Nov 16, 2015
    75
    Notably shy of repetitive stadium-sized singalongs, it's a more intimate and mature affair on all accounts. By quieting things down, Justin Bieber may just drown out the noise.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Dec 2, 2015
    70
    It's full of motivational Bieb-talk about the realness of the Bieb-struggle.
  8. Spin
    Nov 16, 2015
    70
    By giving us the best album of his career, and subsequently re-ascending to Top 40’s mountaintop, Bieber’s answered his own question: In pop music, it’s never too late to say you’re sorry.
  9. Complex
    Nov 16, 2015
    70
    Many of the album’s strongest moments find room in the spaces he’s already mined giving his house blends more depth.
  10. Pitchfork
    Nov 17, 2015
    62
    The second half of the album is monochromatic and depressing, especially as it runs out to 20 tracks in certain versions.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2015
17
#17 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1302 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 848 out of 1302
  2. Mixed: 104 out of 1302
  3. Negative: 350 out of 1302
  1. imdajudgem8
    Nov 13, 2015
    10
    I'm a 21 year old guy who has never actually clicked with JB's tunes in the past AT ALL, and to be honest, this album is really, really great.I'm a 21 year old guy who has never actually clicked with JB's tunes in the past AT ALL, and to be honest, this album is really, really great. The production includes electro, trap and synth beats, and this album contains some great features like Nas, Travis Scott, Big Sean and Skrillex. Lyrically, it is decent, and his voice really goes well on the production. Overall, for those who dislike JB, this album does have some bangers and some good tracks, so check it out.… Full Review »
  2. GovernmentMan
    Nov 15, 2015
    3
    I had to force myself to listen to this record. That’s just how boring it was. To be honest I thought this guy was done for in the musicI had to force myself to listen to this record. That’s just how boring it was. To be honest I thought this guy was done for in the music business but he came back with ‘Purpose’.

    To start of the record he starts by waling out a melody through “nah’s and duns”. Then a mellow trap-like beat plays accompanies him while he sings meaningless and generic lyrics about living a lie called ‘Mark My Words’.

    The third song on the record, titled ‘What Do You Mean’ was a big hit before he released this. I honestly don’t mind this one song besides the piano and the clocks. It just doesn’t fit the song at all. The lyrics are crap but what do you expect from JB?

    A few more boring song later ‘No Pressure’ comes up which features rapper Big Sean. The lyrics in this song seem to have the same theme as ‘What Do You Mean’ (running out of time, making up your mind). Then Big Sean comes in with his monotone voice. I thought it was interesting that he mentioned Yoko Ono in the song.

    A few other electronically processed and computer generated lyrics later comes ‘Where Are Ü Now” which features Skrillex and Diplo. The verse sounds Skrillex-like with JB’s filtered voice. Then the beat drops in normal Skrillex fashion and it’s actually not bad. The melody is pretty good and everything but of course Skrillex made this song and Justin Beiber didn’t. I thought the horn could get kind of anyoing sometimes during my second listen of this song.

    The next song is an EDM-like song titled ‘Children’ and he’s talking about making a different. When the beat drops I actually had a smile on my face because it wasn’t bad a all.

    Lastly, the final song ‘Purpose’ starts off with a sad piano vibe. Then he starts singing some more generic lyrics. After listening to this record and almost falling asleep (twice) besides the few tolerable tracks on album I think it was just boring and unoriginal.    … Full Review »
  3. Iojhug
    Nov 13, 2015
    10
    Very good album but... all of these "One Direction" haters putting bad reviews are pathetic... Metacritic moderators please do somethingVery good album but... all of these "One Direction" haters putting bad reviews are pathetic... Metacritic moderators please do something before user reviews looks like a half of haters just trying to put down the user score down !… Full Review »
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