Puppy love, Mafia-style
Justin Bieber, the teenage Canadian singer and YouTube sensation, was only 15 years old when he released his debut album last November. My World is in fact the first instalment of a two-part project (My World 2.0 was launched in mid-March).
My World consists of seven mostly R&B-oriented pop songs with a few slow touches. The catchy tunes and constant hip hop beats will easily capture the heart of younger listeners, but the love-twinged lyrics may not be an older audience's cup of tea.
Most of the lyrics and rhythm merge smoothly and the choruses are captivating. The heavy beat present in most songs don't detract from Bieber's tender vocals, which resemble a young Chris Brown or Usher.
However, as the disc is produced by Midi Mafia, the word 'Mafia' is announced at the start of two tracks, Down to Earth and Bigger, ruining two perfectly composed songs.
The album's lyrics are rather repetitive - most songs are about puppy love. But there are moments of freshness: Bieber's mentor, Usher, features on First Dance, lifting the album out of predictability.
My World is not for everyone. But if you're looking for upbeat songs with a young-love theme, Justin is your man. Well, boy.
