With ‘Believe,' Justin Bieber's at top of his vocal game

Justin Bieber's new album ‘Believe' is beautifully sung and deftly adds a Euro-house beat to the teen idol's usual R&B mix.

At this point in his whirlwind career, Justin Bieber's singing ranks among the least important drivers of his fame. More significant in a minute-to-minute sense are his freshly upswept hair (a kind of post-emo pompadour), his exclamatory Twitter feed (“FRANCE!! i see u. thank u!!”) and the many, many photographs depicting his and girlfriend Selena Gomez's support of the Southern California fast-food industry (these kids love their Chick-fil-A). We're talking the nuts and bolts, in other words, of 21st century teen idoldom — the everyday texture of a life lived under the social-media microscope.

Yet if Bieber's voice has gotten relatively short shrift over the two years since he released “My World 2.0,” the Canadian-born pop star's new sophomore full-length serves as a gentle correction: For all its cutting-edge production and grown-up talk of “swag, swag, swag,” “Believe” feels designed primarily to showcase his increasing vocal ability; it might be the year's most beautifully sung recording.

As befits a young man who turned 18 in March, Bieber's voice has deepened from the mall-rat squeak captured in early tunes like “One Less Lonely Girl” and the adorably aspirational “Bigger,” which urged a girlfriend to believe in him “like a fairy tale / Put a tooth under your pillowcase.” (The innocent bedtime fantasy was a recurring trope on Bieber's 2009 debut EP, “My World”: “I know they said belief in love is a dream that can't be real,” he acknowledged in “Favorite Girl,” “So, girl, let's write a fairy tale and show 'em how we feel.”)

That inevitable downward tendency, though, hasn't thickened Bieber's appealingly lightweight tone in new songs such as “Boyfriend” and “Catching Feelings”; the latter, especially, demonstrates how nimbly he can navigate a melody that sounds borrowed from teen-years Michael Jackson.

Jackson's early work is an obvious lodestar on “Believe,” as is “Justified,” the solo debut that Justin Timberlake released in 2002 following his stint with the hugely successful boy band 'N Sync. In “Die In Your Arms,” Rodney Jerkins — one of Bieber's key producers here, along with Adam Messinger and Nasri — samples Jackson's “We've Got a Good Thing Going,” from 1972's “Ben” album; “Take You” evokes the clipped funk of Timberlake's “Like I Love You.”

Justin Bieber releases new single: 'Die In Your Arms'

Kanye West had his "G.O.O.D. Friday" series, in which he released a single from his label every Friday, starting in August 2010. Can we now similarly look forward to Justin Bieber album previews all month?

With his new tune, "Die In Your Arms," the barely legal pop juggernaut ramps up anticipation for his second album, "Believe," with the next in a series of pre-release singles. The first one, "Boyfriend," was a minimal sliver of futurist R&B indebted to Justin Timberlake and the Neptunes. But "Die In Your Arms" has a throwback filament glow that recalls the Jackson 5 and Motown at its most teen-friendly (which means -- it's really, really good).

"Believe" is out June 19, and if these two tracks are any indication, Biebs has hit that difficult sweet spot of maturing sonically and vocally without losing the doe-eyed charm of his early tween-demolishing singles. Plenty of recent teenage pop stars, from Miley Cyrus to Britney Spears, had a rougher go of making the transition from earnest innocence to a grown-up sexuality (maybe pop audiences are unjustly more forgiving of young men making that leap?). But taken together, these two songs sound true to where Bieber is right now -- an 18-year-old coming into his grown-up talents and attitudes, without putting on false airs of seriousness or subversion. 

Assertive paparazzi might differ in their take though, as Bieber reportedly is under investigation after a scuffle with a photographer on Sunday in Calabasas.

He hits Staples Center Oct. 2-3 with his new rockabilly pompadour in tow.  Is the world ready for Justin Bieber, the Adult? If it sounds as good as these early tracks do, we say yes. 

-- August Brown

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Photo: Justin Bieber in Paramount Pictures' movie "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never."  Credit: Paramount Pictures

Justin Bieber's 'Believe' tour to hit Staples Center in October

Justin Bieber's Los Angeles fans are in luck. Not only has the now-voting-age star booked two dates at downtown's Staples Center in October, but the appearances come at the start of this 2012 tour trek, long before cellphone-shot videos can spoil Bieber's set lists and dance moves.

Bieber's outing, produced by Staples Center-owners AEG Live, is set to launch Sept. 29 in Glendale, Ariz., and to arrive in Los Angeles for two consecutive nights beginning Oct. 2. The tour, in support of Bieber's upcoming album "Believe," due June 19, will keep him on the road through early 2013; he is scheduled to wrap up Jan. 26 in Miami. Southern California Bieber fans interested in a road trip can catch Bieber at scheduled stops Sept. 30 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand or Oct. 5 in Fresno at the Save Mart Center. 

The general public on-sale begins June 2, yet plenty of tickets will be snatched up long before that date. Those who are members of the "Bieber Fever" fan club can buy tickets starting today. The Staples Center dates will go on sale at noon. Membership in "Bieber Fever" starts at $26.97, and concert tickets for members then range from $39.50 to $89.50, not including surcharges. 

Live: Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Maroon 5, others at KIIS-FM's Wango Tango

If there was a single message to take home from Saturday’s all-day KIIS-FM concert at the Home Depot Center in Carson, it was: Wango Tango.

The two-word name of the daylong pop music event, now in its 15th year, was repeated so many times during the eight hours of performances, both onstage by artists and during commercial breaks between each 20-minute set, that it felt as if the powerful radio station were still trying to persuade us to attend.

It was as if a roster that included, among others, heavy hitters Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Wiz Khalifa, B.o.B. and Maroon 5 teamed with a crop of young risers such as J. Cole, Big Sean, the Wanted, Wallpaper and K’Naan — to say nothing of quickie “guest-host” appearances by Justin Bieber and Ryan Seacrest — weren’t enough. The music certainly was bountiful, even if, as is the case with most radio concerts, the presentation felt like an extended commercial for its own relevance.

PHOTOS: Wango Tango

Aside from originally being the name of a Ted Nugent song about a sexy dance, Wango Tango is KIIS-FM’s annual fan-day party, and each installment since the first in 1998 has featured dozens of America’s hottest and/or most buzzing pop music artists getting their 15 minutes onstage (in many cases, quite literally) for thousands of screaming teens and their parents, twentysomethings and ageless pop music and pop culture fanatics looking for musical bliss.

Justin Bieber fans vote on the artwork for new single 'Boyfriend'

Casual Justin Bieber groupies might have found themselves in a mental tug of war on Friday as the final hours ticked away for online voting for the artwork on his new single, “Boyfriend.” In an effort to create some frenzy over the Mike Posner-produced track, out March 26, the 18-year-old pop star is allowing fans to vote via Twitter on two photo options for the single’s cover art. The voting ends Friday, though it's unclear from the website what time it officially closes.

To the untrained eye, the difference between these two nearly identical photos seems inconsequential. Wrong. Each one tells a very specific tale -- one that probably says more about the beholder than it does about Biebs himself. Behind these two equally expressionless gazes exist two very different sets of values, thoughts and fears that are worth examining.

Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Photo #1 (left)

At first, this pose appears to be a classic Bieber. The sight of his hand mussing through his phantom curtain of bangs that he shed long ago denotes a nostaligic feeling for the past. This look would probably appeal to a young, naïve idealist who is as passionate about ending war as about the use of quality hair care products. Unfortunately you can only focus on one passion at a time, and a bottle of Vidal Sassoon is much easier to attain than world peace. The look of confusion and uncertainty might also attract a Bieber fan who’s not quite ready to let go of the Biebs' days as the innocent, underage hearthrob. The chooser of this photo might even be apprehensive about moving forward in her or his own life — moving out of the house, getting a job, buying bed sheets without cartoon characters on them. It’s a big world out there and maybe you just want to keep your shirt buttoned up and be a kid for a little bit longer.

Photo#2 (right)

It's hard to catch the averted eyes of the brand new bad boy Bieber. With the panache and wisdom that comes with 18 years of living, this is the kind of photo you take when you’re trying to show the world your newfound independence. Casting off the shadow of an outworn, sweetheart persona, you too might be looking for a change in how people perceive you. You're also the kind of person willing to take a risk -- after all, not everyone chooses to expose a tank top underneath a collared shirt unless he's willing to be judged. Lately you’ve been easily distracted (obviously) by something new and enticing that’s come out of nowehere. A new life goal perhaps? A new love interest? A shiny object of some kind?

Results of the voting for the new artwork for the "Boyfriend" will be revealed Monday morning. Careful, there's a lot riding on this. Choose wisely.

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-- Nate Jackson

Photo: Two options for the cover art of Justin Bieber's new single, "Boyfriend."

Credit: www.justinbiebermusic.com

Locals Far East Movement officially on Team Bieber

When Far East Movement dominated the pop charts with "Like a G6" in 2010, the L.A. hip-hop-influenced electronic group did so with the help of little-known acts the Cataracts and Dev. For the act's spring follow-up, "Dirty Bass," it's banking on a little more star power out of the gate.

The new album's first single comes blessed by no less than teen heartthrob Justin Bieber. The track "Live My Life" hit the Web today, and it features production from Lady Gaga's go-to-studio ace RedOne. With ultra-clean retro-synths, a hands-in-the-air chorus and a stockpile of sing-along "woo-ohs," the soon-to-be-hit carries all the feel-good sheen of the most expensive of soda-pop commercials.

Rolling Stone premiered the track today and featured a brief interview with the group. The act's rapper-singer Kev Nish told the pub that "Far East Movement has always focused on unexpected collaborations." The workout-ready lyrics are all-about maintaining flexibility, and there's even a shout-out to Pilates. The opposite sex is also lovingly described as "Cirque du Soleil." Personally, I'm more of a Ringling Bros. man myself, but listen to the cut over at Rolling Stone. 

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-- Todd Martens

Photo: Far East Movement in 2010. Credit: Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times

 

Justin Bieber, Drake to appear at Stevie Wonder's toys benefit

Stevie Wonder will be getting assists from Justin Bieber, Drake, Michael McDonald, Faith Evans, Little Anthony & the Imperials, gospel singer Hezekiah Walker and additional guests for his 16th annual House Full of Toys benefit concert Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Nokia Theatre in L.A.

Wonder's holiday shows are typically generous affairs, with him performing throughout the evening, alternating with and sometimes joining the guest performers. Concertgoers are asked to “bring an unwrapped toy or unwrapped gift of joy” to the show, which will be collected for distribution to Los Angeles area children, people with disabilities and families in need.

Other performers slated for this year’s lineup include Charlie Wilson, Noel Gourdin, Gerald Clayton, Nuttin’ But Stringz, Shelea Frazier, Treasure Davis and Savannah Robinson. “American Idol” musical director Rickey Minor will be producer and music director. Tickets are $39.50 to $149.50.

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Photo of Stevie Wonder at the House Full of Toys benefit in 2004. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times.

Holiday music: Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Tony Bennett and more

This post has been corrected. See the note at the bottom for details.

The late, great Hunter S. Thompson once said, “When the going gets weird,the weird turn pro.” Or they make a Christmas album -- or both. Either way, any year that brings holiday releases from human Ken dolls Justin Bieber and David Archuleta, Stone Temple Pilots drama king Scott Weiland and the chipper cast of “Glee” certainly scores high on the “Seriously?!” scale. Here are the high and lowlights from the latest volley of holiday music albums.

*** Paul Anka, “Songs of December” (Decca). Now an elder statesman of old-school pop, Anka sounds fully in control of the myriad resources afforded him for his first holiday recording in half a century. Inventive arrangements contribute strongly to his approach as a genial latter-day compadre of Der Bingle or Tony Bennett. Nothing remotely revolutionary, but plenty of comfort food for the ears.

** David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, “Glad Christmas Tidings” (Mormon Tabernacle Choir). Anyone on your list who thinks Jerry Bruckheimer is too subtle? Here’s the holiday CD for them. The Mormon “American Idol” alum from Utah is surrounded by the choral army on his second Christmas collection, recorded live last year in Salt Lake City. His sweetness and charm come through best on the Spanish-language traditional “Los pastores a belen.” A PBS special of this performance is airing this month.

*** Tony Bennett, “The Classic Christmas Album” (RPM/Columbia/Legacy). These 18 tracks, largely drawn from Bennett's previous holiday releases going back to 1968, are every bit as consistently classy as we'd expect from the pop master. The CD also includes one previously unreleased recording of “What Child Is This.”

Justin Bieber finds his flow on Chris Brown mixtape

Who knew Justin Bieber had flow?

The singer flexed his rap skills when he joined frequent collaborator Chris Brown on a track off of Brown's 21-track hip-hop inspired mixtape "Boy in Detention," which he released for free Thursday evening.

Bieber pops up on “Ladies Love Me,” which samples Brown's hit "Look at Me Now." The track, along with Bieber's alter ego, Shawty Mane, became trending topics on Twitter.

As for his verse? Young Biebs -- sorry Shawty Mane -- takes over the short track with bars comparing his swag to Patrick Swayze, bragging about being "the truth," a penchant for Louis Vuitton high-tops and skinny jeans and name-checking Lauryn Hill. (Though we wish he'd pull a Jay-Z and boast about having the hottest chick in the (Disney) game wearing his chain.)

"Baby I'm yo doctor, I could be your rocker / Swagging I'm not bragging but I swear that I could rock ya," is just one of the choice lines for the singer.

Listen or download here, but be warned: Brown doesn't keep his rhymes as G-rated as Bieber does.

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-- Gerrick D. Kennedy

twitter.com/gerrickkennedy

Photo: Chris Brown and Justin Bieber in the video for "Next To You." Credit: Screen shot from video.

Justin Bieber's Someday perfume draws faithful fans to New York City Macy's

The New York sky was heavy with summer rain clouds about to burst. But on the corner of 34th and Broadway, a different storm was about to hit: Bieber-fever.

A veritable tween mob scene formed Wednesday outside Macy's , where Justin Bieber's new fragrance, Someday, officially launched on Monday. More than 300 Bieber fans -- mostly teen girls in cutoff shorts, ponytails and braces -- eagerly lined up outside the store's south entrance. Bieber is scheduled to stop by Thursday afternoon to greet the first 350 fans to purchase his VIP gift set ($135), which includes a photo with the pop star.

Whereas earlier Wednesday morning the scene was a little more mellow -- fans huddled in small groups chanting lyrics to Bieber hits like "One Time" and high-fiving passersby -- the chaos grew to be more organized. As if at a football game, the front half of the line screamed in unison: "SOME!" The back half of the line followed: "DAY!"

"These are pretty extreme fans," said Macy's spokeswoman Robin Reibel. A lot of these girls camped out in tents last night."