“Purpose” signifies the fourth milestone in the artistic journey of Justin Bieber, the renowned Canadian vocalist. On November 13, 2015, this significant creation emerged under the wings of Def Jam Recordings and School Boy Records, seamlessly continuing the narrative from his prior masterpiece “Believe” (2012).
The album showcases notable collaborations with acclaimed artists like Big Sean, Travis Scott, Halsey, Skrillex, Diplo, and Ariana Grande, while its deluxe iteration, a simultaneous release, introduces an extra touch with a guest appearance by Nas. The production helm was deftly managed by a constellation of talents including Bieber himself, Skrillex and Diplo of Jack Ü fame, BloodPop, Benny Blanco, the Audibles, Soundz, Mike Dean, Ian Kirkpatrick, and Andre Harris, among other luminaries.
In the dawn of 2015, Bieber’s artistic compass merged with Skrillex and Diplo’s creative force to craft the chart-topping gem “Where Are Ü Now”, a beacon from their debut studio album as Jack Ü, titled “Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü”. This musical gem not only cemented its presence in the annals of music but also found a cherished spot in “Purpose”. This collaboration foreshadowed the sonic expedition of the album, further nurtured by Bieber’s artistic synergy with Skrillex, shaping several tracks in the collection.
“Purpose” unfurls as a harmonious blend of EDM and dance-pop, incorporating nuances of the tropical house in select pieces and even weaving live instruments like acoustic guitars into its auditory tapestry, largely bolstered by Bieber’s close collaborator, Poo Bear.
The debut of “Purpose” at the apogee of the US Billboard 200 was nothing short of a sensation. With an impressive inauguration of 649,000 album-equivalent units during its maiden week, Bieber clinched the largest opening sales figures of his career. This laurel marked his sixth numero uno album on US soil. Globally, the album radiated its brilliance by claiming the throne in eleven additional countries. The sonic marvel of “Purpose” was upheld by an array of four stellar singles: “What Do You Mean?”, “Sorry”, “Love Yourself”, and “Company”.
These singles collectively surged to the summit of the Canadian Hot 100, the US Billboard Hot 100, and the esteemed UK Singles Chart. As the years unfolded, “Purpose” continued its triumphant march, securing its place among the best-selling albums of both 2015 and 2016. The album’s musical spectrum embraces the harmonious fusion of pop, R&B, soul, and EDM, an evolution catalyzed by the earlier release of Bieber’s compilation album, “Journals” (2013), which witnessed his artistic trajectory inclining towards the realms of R&B.
The accolades showered upon “Purpose” are a testament to its greatness. The album earned nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards. Notably, the heartfelt anthem “Love Yourself” secured nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. Triumphantly, the album clinched the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album.
To amplify its resonance, Bieber engaged in a series of televised interviews and captivating performances, supplementing the artistic narrative with enthralling “dance videos” for each track through the ambitious project “Purpose: The Movement”. Additionally, Bieber’s “Purpose World Tour” of 2016 marked a watershed moment as his first global concert expedition across major stadiums. The prestigious Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) bestowed the album with a platinum certification, a testament to its enduring charm and widespread appeal.
