What happens when two of the biggest musical acts of this generation released brand new albums on the same exact day? Musical pandemonium. Although both Justin Bieber and One Direction produce a sound different than the other, there's no argument that both albums aren't fantastic. While Bieber's album is a comeback, One Direction's is a "see you later" after announcing they will finally take a hiatus after five years of nonstop touring and writing.
Of course, I downloaded both albums. Both showcase a number of songs that are different than those of their past albums. I think that is why, with "Purpose" being Bieber's 6th (3 studio albums and 2 compilation albums produced before this) album and "Made in the A.M." being One Direction's 5th album, fans keep bringing them to the top of the charts. Both are able to evolve and experiment and fans continually come back for more.
Bieber plays with a lot of heavy beats, especially working closely with artist Skrillex on tracks like "Where Are Ü Now" and "Children." And with One Direction, gone are the days of "What Makes You Beautiful and Live While We're Young." They're now starting leaning more towards of a folky sound with heartfelt lyrics and amazing instrumentals.
But with two extremely popular acts always comes some type of competition. It's Directioners vs. Beliebers trying to get their favorite to the number one spot on Billboard or iTunes. However, let's not focus on who sells more albums than who. Let's look at what is really important: the music.
It's time for Purpose vs. Made in the A.M.
Quick Facts:
Tracks: 13
Bonus Tracks: 8 (5 from Deluxe Edition US and 3 from Deluxe Edition Japan)
Singles: 2 (What Do You Mean? and Sorry)
Tracks: 13
Bonus Tracks: 5 (4 from Deluxe Edition US and 1 from Deluxe Edition Japan)
Singles: 2 (Drag Me Down and Infinity)
Round 1: The Best of the Best
Best Love Song: If I Could Fly- One Direction
The perfect song for a long-distance relationship, with lyrics like "if I could fly, I'd be coming right back home to you" and "for your eyes only, I show you my heart". Hands down one of the best love songs One Direction has released.
Best Dance Song: Sorry- Justin Bieber
It's no surprise that this song was released with its own dance video. The beat is amazing and you'll want to get up dance whenever you listen to it (go ahead, no one will judge).
Best Sad Song: Purpose- Justin Bieber
After his emotional performance at the VMAs, Bieber showed he was ready to make a comeback after all of the scandals he's been through in the past few years. He says in this song, "I put my heart into your hands. Here's my soul to keep, I let you in with all that I can" and ends it with spoken word, "it's like God I'm giving it all I got, sometimes I'm weak and I'm gonna do it, and it's like I'm not giving myself grace, I'm just like understanding, that's just how it is."
Best Motivational Song: Drag Me Down- One Direction
Just listen to Harry Styles: Nobody can drag you down.
Round 2: Comparisons
Musical Genius
Made in the A.M.- Olivia
This song is extremely catchy. Plus, in a stroke of genius, the bridge includes "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka and it works so well!
Purpose- Company
This song is so good and honestly, why was it not a single?
Lyrical Excellence
Made in the A.M.- I Want to Write You a Song
Best lyric: "I want to write you a song
One that's beautiful as you are sweet
Just a hint of pain
For the feeling that I get when you are gone
I want to write you a song"
Purpose- The Feeling (feat. Halsey)
Best lyric: "Am I in love with you? Am I in love with you?
Or am I in love with the feeling?
Trying to find the truth, trying to find the truth
Sometimes the heart is deceiving"
Most Out of Place Song
Made in the A.M.- Never Enough
With all the slow, love songs or folk songs, Never Enough just seems juxtaposed from the rest. But nevertheless, the song is so fun and a really interesting approach.
Purpose- Children (feat. Skrillex)
This song comes out of nowhere, at least lyrically. It still possesses the upbeat, dancing tempo but the lyrics start talking about changing the world, "be a visionary for a change. We're the generation. Who's gonna be the one to fight for it? We're the inspiration. Do you believe enough to die for it?" But I'm still all about this song because it's fantastic.
Best Bonus Track
Made in the A.M.- A.M.
It's bittersweet yet the perfect "final track" for the deluxe edition. It isn't a love song, it's more like a moment of reminiscing of the memories the 1D boys have shared. "We're just swimming round in our glasses and talking out of our asses like we're all gonna make it."
Purpose- All In It
This song sounds eerily similar to "Bigger" from My World 2.0 and has a fantastic message.
Best Song Overall (Personal Opinion)
Made in the A.M.- Hey Angel
This is the best track to open up an album. Harry Styles had been tweeting lyrics about it for months, but nothing could have prepared us for such a hit.
Purpose- I'll Show You
It's got a great beat and the lyrics are excellent. It definitely stands out from all the other slower songs on the album.
Final Verdict: Both of these albums are incredible in their own way. Do yourself a favor and download them and keep them on repeat for weeks on end!
Honorable Mentions
Made in the A.M.- End of the Day and Home
Purpose- Mark My Words and Home to Mama (feat. Cody Simpson)
