Write Up by Jamie Glenn
Justin Bieber, who? You know that teenage heartthrob who had his life in the news at all times, good or bad but has since, changed his hair, his wardrobe, his girl and oh yeah, his music style. The once synthesized pop singer known for his simple and repetitive lyrics has grown up to deliver something uncharted in latest single “No Brainer.” It’s been a minute since fans have heard from the Canadian singer, August of 2017 to be exact. So, does he still have his charm after nearly a year of silence? Yes and no, here’s why…
Bieber isn’t making a solo return, instead, he’s joined by none other than DJ Khaled, Quavo and Chance The Rapper, three names that can stand alone on their own. So what is Bieber doing alongside some of the biggest names in the scene? The near year of silence along with the many changes in Bieber’s life have indicated that he’s ready to take on the new pop/ rap scene like he owns it, and standing alongside some of the best names in the genre is Justin’s ticket through the door.
This new single “ No Brainer” comes after 2017’s release of “Friends” a more EDM pop-leaning track that went through the radio cycle for some time but has since fizzled out. “No Brainer” offers a much more precise vibe to it, like it was well thought out. With this single, we hear a Bieber that not only sounds more mature, but a more willing Bieber to share the spotlight with well-known names in the industry.
Lyrics like, “You got your mind unloose / Go hard and watch the sun rise / One night’ll change your whole life / Pop the top, drop-top, baby it’s a no-brainer,” may have some listeners wondering if Bieber is blending both professional and personal life.
“No Brainer” will remind listeners that Bieber isn’t off his game, but in fact has just changed it up a little. He sounds much more groomed now, much more willing to try and diversify his vocals, and for the better! Where was this Bieber in 2008?
There’s no doubt that you’ll be hearing this on the radio for the next few months, so get comfortable. The features throughout this track offer so many complex lyrics that it won’t even matter that you’ve heard it a million times.
The lyrical complexity behind the track really sets in at the tail end with verse 2 from Chance The Rapper “Don’t look rich, I ain’t got no chain (huh) / Not on the list, I ain’t got no name / But we in this bitch, bitch, I’m not no lame / And I keep it Ben Franklin, I’m not gon’ change.”
This collaboration will be the one song you didn’t know you needed this summer. it’s catchy, it knows what it is far beyond instrumentation and it kind of makes you wish Justin was in a band.