This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Utah chapter.
Two of the most iconic male artist groups recently released new albums: Justin Bieber and One Direction. While they each write significantly different styles of music, we can’t resist comparing their new albums, especially since this is Bieber’s first album in a long time, and One Direction’s first album without the high-note-wonder that is Zayn Malik. Below is a comprehensive list of the songs on both albums, judged based on lyric quality, music/beat quality, and the distinctiveness from one song to another. Biebs vs. 1D
Justin Bieber’s “Purpose”
1. “Love Yourself feat. Ed Sheeran” (9/10)
Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” is a gorgeous ballad about moving on from a girl who is very vain. It’s essentially a kind, euphemistic way of telling the girl to f— herself, but in the kindest way. He tells her how he feels nothing now, how his mother doesn’t like her, and how she broke him down. The fact that Bieber is kindly insulting his ex makes this song that much better, and Ed Sheeran’s voice in the background adds a sweet harmony that makes the song just right.
2. “Mark My Words” (3/10)
In “Mark My Words,” I wasn’t really sold on the track; the lyrics are lacking and repetitive. I will say that Bieber’s high notes are flawless, and probably one of the only redeeming qualities in the song.
3. “No Sense feat. Travis Scott” (7/10)
“No Sense” was a catchy song, the background beat is en pointe, and Travis Scott’s rap contribution in the middle of the song definitely enhances the quality of it. The song itself is a hybrid of what you would dance to at the club, and a song you’d listen to go to sleep to.
4. “No Pressure feat. Big Sean” (7/10)
“No Pressure” is a beautiful song. Bieber has a beautiful pleading tone in singing to the girl about making her mind up about them as a couple. The song is sweet and catchy, with an edginess provided by Big Sean.
5. “Children” (7/10)
“Children” is a song which calls everyone to arms in defense of children. The song was a nice anomaly from Bieber’s breakup theme in his album. The lyrics are great, I’m not sure if I agreed with the dance beat put to the song considering the subject, but overall, it worked!
6. “I’ll Show You” (9/10)
“I’ll Show You” I felt was one of Bieber’s most honest songs. There’s a reason it’s one of his singles! It’s very open, emotional, and it essentially states that no one can know him; he’s just a regular person. This song was probably referring to Bieber’s past few troubled years, and how he recognizes the mistakes he made. I loved this song.
7. “The Feeling feat. Halsey” (8/10)
This song accurately describes the feelings of someone who is not sure if they’re in love with a person, or in love with the feeling of being in love. Bieber’s lyrics speak to us, his audience, and Halsey’s feminine touch enhances the reality of the meaning behind the song. The song itself, aside from the meaning, was catchy and easygoing.
8. “Where Are Ü Now feat. Skrillex and Diplo” (7/10)
Justin’s upbeat single is hip, edgy, and the perfect candidate to ring in Bieber’s new album. Skrillex and Diplo don’t hurt either.
9. “Sorry” (8/10)
Bieber’s sincere and apologetic tone put to a good dancebeat equals a fantastic song. Enough said.
10. “What Do You Mean?” (7/10)
Bieber’s inquisitive single has the perfect touch of frustration and questioning. It is very well done with a rhythm and beat to match Bieber’s emotions.
11. “Company” (6/10)
Bieber’s song is great, but compared to the other raw and emotional songs on his album, it doesn’t quite measure up. The song itself is great, it’s just the lyrics that are lack-luster.
12. “Life Is Worth Living” (10/10)
This song truly displays Justin’s transition from a troubled teen to man! It seems to show Bieber’s maturity, and the way that he has chosen to embrace life and forgiveness. The slow, supplementary piano chords in the background add to the poignant message the song conveys. A+ for the Biebs.
13. “Purpose” (10/10)
Bieber’s headlining song is everything it should be and MORE. It’s quiet, open, and humble. It emphasizes Bieber’s alluring vocals. The song, alluding to Bieber’s newfound perspective on life, is versatile in that it could serve as a peaceful lullaby, or a couple’s first dance. Overall, it’s amazing and I could listen to it on replay.
Overall, Bieber’s album displays a side to him we have never seen before. Justin has evolved; the womanizing partier seems to have entered a state of matured manhood and self-reflection. His album showcases his gifted vocals, his distinctiveness throughout his music, and a more relatable soundtrack. Bieber succeeds with a holistic 7.5/10 score on his album.
One Direction’s “Made in the A.M.”
1. “Hey Angel” (4/10)
The song itself is average at best, but it is really weak for ringing in the new album. It seems that the song is just a rehashed versions of 1D’s older material.
2. “Drag Me Down” (10/10)
Now this is the kind of song you could listen to over and over and never get sick of. It’s the perfect anthem for a workout, a pep rally, or to dance around alone to. Each of the boys shine in this song, and can we just consider the heat in Harry’s belting? I mean, Zayn Malik who?
3. “Perfect” (8/10)
This song is honest, passionate, and truly displays what it would be like to be with one of the boys from 1D. The vocals are stunning, and the beat of the song itself corresponds perfectly with the boys’ voices.
4. “Infinity” (8/10)
The song is heartbreaking, and the pleading tone within the chorus truly conveys the feelings of a post-breakup. Another win for One Direction.
5. “End of the Day” (7/10)
The song lyrics are a little strange, but the tone of the song and the crescendo of the vocals redeem it. It’s not 1D’s finest moment, but it is still well done.
6. “If I Could Fly” (9/10)
This song has a very high level of vulnerability. The boys essentially state that they’re opening up for one person, and it’s “for their eyes only”. The song is sweet, melancholy and enjoyable on every level.
7. “Long Way Down” (8/10)
The song has a sadness to it that seems to allude to the boys attempt to reconcile themselves with Zayn’s departure. They talk about trying to forgive, but “it’s a long way down”. The lyrics are relatable, the vocals and riffs are flawless, making for a successful song.
8. “Never Enough” (9/10)
“Never Enough” makes you want to get up and dance. It evokes imagery of a couple dancing together in a kitchen while making blueberry pancakes. It’s optimistic, you want to clap along, and very charming.
9. “Olivia” (6/10)
The song is average, and the only truly distinctive quality is the range in vocals. The lyrics, the tone of the song, and everything are somewhat cliche otherwise.
10. “What a Feeling” (5/10)
The song does not necessarily have any distinctive quality about it. The beat is catchy, but the lyrics, tone, and vocals are average at best.
11. “Love You Goodbye” (10/10)
This song is the kind you’d listen to if you wanted to cry buckets of tears. The sad, pleading tones produced by the boys, the wistful melody, and the heartbreaking lyrics create a song that you can’t forget even after one listen.
12. “I Want to Write You a Song” (8/10)
The song elicits a homey, singing-in-the-livingroom feeling. The background of the guitar creates comfort, and the lyrics feel like they were written from a boyfriend to a girlfriend for a surprise date by a campfire. Another win for One Direction.
13. “History” (7/10)
The song is an upbeat, happy-go-lucky way to end the boy band’s fifth album. The lyrics are somewhat average, but the guitar and the feeling of the song make for another win.
One Direction certainly proved that they can do without Zayn Malik in their new album. Their vocals were simply gorgeous, especially their belting. Most of the lyrics were poignant and heartrenching, with only some that lacked emotion. The boys seem to have maintained the feeling that their previous album “Four” provided, but still produced originality. This makes for a 7.6/10 holistic score for the boyband.
According to the scores, 1D barely beat JB by .1 points, however, for me both of the male artists were equal in quality and performance. Both produced tracks which elicit powerful emotions, and describe the unexpected bumps in the road both have faced within the past few years. I have successfully been made both a Belieber and Directioner by listening to both albums. What do you think about their performances? Disagree? Let me know in the comments.