Label: Universal
With multi-platinum albums under his belt, Justin Bieber is all set to continue his dominance in pop-world through the Christmas offering â€?Under the Mistletoe.’ As holiday treat for Biebertron, the teen-sensation has taken up challenge to render some of the best Christmas classics with the help of his industry friends.
Bieber’s third studio album is a blend of old and new Christmas tracks featuring Mariah Carey, Usher, Band Perry, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes and Boyz II Men. The 11 thematic songs highlight some of the good R&B tracks crafted with energetic music and expressive lyrics.
Opening with mid-tempo romantic ode â€?Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas’ is the best tracks of the album and could have been the lead single instead of ‘Mistletoe’. Despite being a little heavy handed, the soft pop beat-boxing music blends with his soothing voice which instantly engages listeners and brings forth the Christmas flavor of the album.
Mistletoe the lead single dives head first into guitar-driven acoustic sounds. The track sounds cozy but loses its touch due to the engineered music. The singer’s vocals dig within his artistic psyche to deliver the holiday feel.
Bieber flashes his matured vocals in the next classic number ‘The Christmas Song’ (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) recorded for the first time in 1946 by the Nat King Cole Trio. The duet track rendered along with mentor Usher sweeps the calm snuggly feel into the guitar solo fitting the modern era.
With the next classic â€?Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,’ the 17-year old popstar flairs Motown funk guitar with interactive vocals. The accurate arrangements of drums, guitars, bells, clapping and cymbals enhance the groovy track. The innovative track will be a hit as a Christmas dance number, but might be a put-off for classic lovers.
Even though â€?Fa la la’ sparks some familiar hooks with the classic ‘Deck the Halls’, it’s an original number rendered by Boyz II Men and Bieber. The R&B jam duet demonstrates Boyz II Men’s modest harmony in the background. The track doesn’t put-forth the much required zeal and remains as an average song of the album.
The hit 90’s Mariah Carrey’s classic ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ is next in the line. When compared to the original, the reinvented duet is an up-tempo number blending well with the delicate lyrics and melodic tunes.
Busta Rhyme’s rap infused â€?Drummer Boy’ lends the pop star artistic liberty to twist the mild track into feet stomping techno rap song. The track morphs rap-injected Rhymes catchy lyrics with the music. The odd pairing has definitely sparked a creative surge and has certainly hit the stride.
Through the slick layered R&B song â€?Christmas Eve’ penned by Chris Brown is a mature romantic song of the album, the number has lent studio treatment to Justin’s vocal. The tailored vocals have helped the pop singer to maintain the harmonies in this smooth jam.
â€?All I Want Is You’ is another striking track of the album with some great guitar tunes highlighted with the pristine percussion and powerful chorus. The finger snapping track written by Bieber may not venture into any new musical territory, but is a clear attempt of the singer to craft his own classic, which is quiet admirable.
Collaborating with country artiste Band Perry the next track â€?Home This Christmas’ is a wistful ballad thrusting into completely new genre. The lyrics fail to create the magic.
The flashy Christmas album ends with one of the most famous and simple classic â€?Silent Night’. With the sound harmonies on piano, Bieber has opted to maintain the overwhelming flavor of the classic showcasing his vocal abilities. The song is quiet, contemplative and examines the spiritual side of Christmas.
Overall, the entire album is quiet impressive, with a blend of original and classic tracks. Bieber´s Christmas album is a pretty good pop record in its own right. Though the recreated classics bring the jolly and flamboyant Christmas feel by including R&B and country sound, it may not be much favored by classic lovers.
