Four of the greatest pop artists have decided to send our anxieties through the roof this fall, each releasing a new album. Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and One Direction have had our mouths watering for months with anticipation for some new tunes. Here is a review of their latest albums!
1. "Confident" - Demi Lovato
After much anticipation, our favorite badass, Demi Lovato, released her fifth studio album on October 16, 2015. It has been two years since she released her last album, "Demi" (2013). Entitled "Confident," the album is a fresh change from what we are used to hearing from Lovato. Although her summer single, "Cool for the Summer," may have you thinking otherwise, the rest of her latest release is absolutely mind blowing. She has done a great job showcasing her raw talent and showing her fans, and maybe even her haters, just how far she has come.
She continues to inspire us with her motivational music, poise, and uplifting Instagram posts. The songs on "Confident" do nothing but drive her message for self-love home. Receiving 4.5 stars in her Billboard Review, Demi continues to take the music world by storm.
P.S. She will be touring with the oh-so-handsome Nick Jonas this summer. So, be sure to check them out both out on the Future Now Tour.
2. "Revival" - Selena Gomez
Of all those who have graced us with their music this autumn, Selena Gomez has had the largest gap in her appearance on the music scene. On October 9, 2015, we received "Revival," Gomez’s first album since "Stars Dance" (2013).
In my opinion, this album showed a completely new and vulnerable side of Selena. This seemed to be her way of facing and acknowledging her hardships over the last two years, whether it be with Justin Bieber or her mental and physical health. Similar to Lovato, Gomez is making it clear, simply with her title, that she has come a long way.
At the same time, Selena is successfully branding herself as mature and sexy, and shedding the Disney image she was wrapped in for so long. As Rolling Stone so kindly put it, she makes up for her lack of vocal range by taking on a “punk-soul” sound. This album seems like it is going to be the pathway to a successful comeback for Selena Gomez.
3. "Purpose" - Justin Bieber
Another long wait, this time from Justin Bieber, had us on our toes all week. Even Ellen Degeneres took part in the anxious fun by hosting a Justin Bieber. On Friday, November 13, 2015, Bieber dropped his new album, "Purpose."
A few of his songs, like "All In It," are reminiscent of early millennium music, when pop stars would talk to us through their instrumental interludes (Britney Spears -- Boys). What some may consider Justin’s “comeback” album, has taken on an R&B sound with a little bit of EDM, courtesy of special guest Skrillex; however, there is happy mixture of both dance worthy and slow songs on the album.
USAToday gives Bieber four out of four stars saying, “[Bieber] is one of today’s most forward-thinking pop stars."
4. "Made in the A.M." - One Direction
As a Directioner, I would say this release had us most worried. Since the departure of Zayn Malik, One Direction’s extreme range and high-pitch more or less diminished. Many of us weren’t sure how this album was going to turn out, especially after the absence was quite obvious in the single, Infinity, released last month. I am proud to say we are all pleasantly surprised with this album.
"Made in the A.M." was released on November 13, 2015, alongside Bieber’s Purpose. With many concerned that these two albums would be in stiff competition, One Direction’s new sound has taken their music to a whole new level. For sure, this is the band’s most diverse album. Songs like "If I Could Fly" and "Love You Goodbye" are a strong opposition to the one-night stand anthems, "Temporary Fix" and "Perfect," not only in terms of content but also sound and pace.
Harry Styles has taken the lead on most tracks; however, Tomlinson has made an extreme vocal come up. It is clear that Louis has been working on his chops. The album received a four out of five stars, according to Rolling Stone. While Justin Bieber has used his latest album as a comeback, One Direction is using theirs a goodbye present. The band will be taking a two-year hiatus at the end of this year. Boys, you will be missed!
Needless to say, our musical tastebuds have been thoroughly satisfied. Who do you think did it best?
