Record Reviews

Record Reviews

Justin Bieber

Album: “Purpose”

Grade: A

Justin Bieber’s new album is peppered with songs full of apologies and redemption. The troubled star claims he’s changed. And maybe he has. Or not.

But one thing’s for sure – his music has gotten better. So much better.

“Purpose,” Bieber’s first album since 2013’s R&B-influenced “Journals,” finds the 21-year-old edging out his own zone in the current pop-music landscape. The Biebs has almost found his voice.

He opens the album – with noteworthy production from EDM expert Skrillex – with downbeat songs both personal and real. The R&B number “Mark My Words” feels grown-up and sexy, and on “I’ll Show You,” Bieber gets deep.

His “don’t-count-me-out” attitude also shines on the simple piano tune “Life Is Worth Living,” where he proclaims, “I’m working on a better me.” Drawing from his real-life experiences is what makes Bieber’s album notable, along with his falsetto, which he has close to mastered over the past few years.

“Purpose” isn’t always reflective – it’s also full of addictive pop gems. Even if you hate the kid, it’s hard to hate the songs.

The ridiculously catchy “Sorry” is easily one of the year’s best pop songs, thanks to its irresistible, dance-inducing beat. And the hits “Where Are U Now” and “What Do You Mean” follow suit.

—Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

Squeeze

Album: “Cradle to the Grave”

Grade: B+

Squeeze, a band closely associated with the New Wave of the 1980s, is making new waves after a long layoff. Anybody tempted should check it out.

The nucleus of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook has returned with others for a finely crafted collection of pop songs that approaches, and at times rivals, their best output, including the classic “Tempted.” Many songs look back, lyrically and sonically, so it’s no surprise that retro sounds are abundant. Still, it’s no mere retread: There are flashes of psychedelia, baroque pop, jazz, disco, soul and full-tilt gospel – sometimes several in the same song.

—Jeff Karoub, Associated Press

Kirk Franklin

Album: “Losing My Religion”

Grade: B+

Kirk Franklin encourages Christians to accept the flaws of others rather than convict them on the title track of his new album, “Losing My Religion.”

The spoken-word album opener sets the tone for Franklin, who returns four years after his 2011 offering, “Hello Fear,” which earned the performer his ninth Grammy Award. He doesn’t miss a step on his new project, delivering a fresh take on often heard messages in a very well-crafted album from the first song to the 13th.

On “Pray for Me,” Franklin expresses his imperfections and the power of prayer. He suggests that placing faith in God will create more harmony on the album’s single, “Wanna Be Happy?” Overall, “Losing My Religion” is proof that Franklin’s music still has the ability to inspire those who lack faith.

—Jonathan Landrum, Associated Press