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Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Justin Bieber album Swag review: Bieber needs to take notes from Pritam and keep it simple
At the end of each year, people all across the world grab their phones to check their Spotify Wrapped, and if you're an Indian or listen to Bollywood music in general, your Wrapped top 5 actually has only 4 spots because one of them already belongs to the omnipresent Pritam. This man will somehow slither his way into that yearly playlist. Whatever this unappreciated genius does, it works, and after listening to Justin Bieber's new album Swag, it turns out that the pop musician could take some pointers from our long-bearded Mozart. Swag has Justin Bieber trying to do everything all at once, and it is not a good look. The theme of the overall album seems to revolve around love, intimacy, and the artiste's relationship with a higher power, but the lyrics somehow make the songs sound like Boys II Men never knew how to write hits that assisted in the growth of the workforce. Bieber mentions the bed too many times, and every single time he does, it somehow makes even less sense than the last. The idolatry public will still give props to the 31-year-old for speaking his mind and releasing new music while going through challenges in his personal life, as they should, but the album seems disingenuous, and Bieber himself gives proof of that midway into the project. ALSO READ: Victory Lap: Fred Again needs to give Hanumankind a proper verse, listen to the song before Instagram ruins it The first few tracks seem like remixes of each other, but the bass line is precise and catchy (which is something he maintains throughout the album). For some reason in the third track 'Yukon', Justin Bieber's vocals are pitched up for the entire song; we don't really hear him singing, which is another problem with this project. Bieber refuses to use his greatest asset, his voice, and we only get glimpses of his vocal prowess during some rare moments where the artiste really seems to be belting his heart out. Throughout the album it seems that Bieber himself doesn't believe in his best tracks and keeps running away from the sounds that actually work for him, maybe fearing that he will sound slightly like he used to. The first ray of hope in the album is the fifth track, 'Things You Do', where for the first time in the entire project, a song seems beautifully put together. A simple bass track, coupled with a few clicks and a soothing guitar riff. The linear pattern of the song works perfectly for Bieber, but like a Stan doing something new and profound, the singer quickly abandons that sound. Where some artistes are known to be extremely efficient when it comes to featuring on someone's song, like J. Cole, Eminem, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber facilitates something completely opposite and rather successfully. Throughout his career, some of his biggest tracks have been born out of collaboration with other artistes such as Ludacris, Usher, Drake, and many more. You expect the same when the track 'Way It Is' starts playing, but Gunna drops the ball and then trips on it in the most spectacular way. He raps about the things people accuse rappers of talking about too much, like expensive clothing and cars, and fails to add anything to the almost good song. After a few bumps and bruises, you will move to arguably the best part of this album, tracks 10, 11, and 12. The first is 'Walking Away', where we hear Justin Bieber layer effortless vocals on an instrumental that seems almost altruistic towards the songs that came before it. The song is complete and content within itself, and Bieber's genuine love for his partner Hailey shines through. The next track, 'Glory Voice Memo', is the proof I was talking about earlier. The track is an unmastered voice recording of Bieber singing along with a guitar, and it sounds like the perfect marriage between gospel and blues, just as God intended. He channels his inner BB King and Albert King altogether, and this rough scratch of a song is one of the best things you hear him perform. 'Devotion' makes up for that Gunna feature, as the subtle and slow tempo of the song takes you on a walk through the artiste's mind. During that walk, there is a verse-long detour towards Dijon town, as the artiste fits the song like the jigsaw piece you never found after it fell through the sofa. There is no gap between the artistes, and Bieber hands off the mic to Dijon in perfect harmony as the two riff off each other with that addictive John Mayer-like guitar lick playing in the background. ALSO READ: Britney Spears and Lata Mangeshkar share the same connection that Parineeta the film and Louis Armstrong do, and it has to do with cheating From there, Justin Bieber again seems to forget his strengths, and the entire second half sounds like songs that you would cut upon reviewing the album. 'Sweet Spot' again ruins the feature power of this album with Sexyy Red performing a shallow and unimpressive verse on a song that was already trying so hard to be relevant. '405' is the track that plays in every modern Netflix-produced rom-com that you won't remember once the protagonists ride off into the sunset. After an underwhelming title track, Bieber kind of brings it back with 'Zuma House', with a Shiloh Dynasty air to him (remember that artiste), while the track 'Too Long' seems to describe the album. The last track is a sampled and edited version of the popular gospel song 'Lord, I Lift Your Name High' by Praise Band 1 from Maranatha! Music. The vision of the project is very clear, with all worthwhile songs focusing on Justin Bieber's relationship with his family and God. It's a good theme to have, and just like the Bhakti and Sufi movements, it plays with the line of praising your god like you are praising your loved one. The only problem arises when Bieber himself seems to forget his vision and starts layering too much sound while trying to say nothing. The irony of the album is that the tracks that seem the most linear in nature are the ones that truly shine through; they give an insight into the mind of a broken artiste trying to heal and succeeding in his quest to do so. At least it proves that Bieber hasn't lost his sound or his effortless charm; he just needs to stick to it, just like Pritam, and all will be 2015 again.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘I love that I'm from Ottawa:' Alanis Morissette receives honorary doctorate from uOttawa
Alanis Morissette, Boys II Men and Blink-182 are among the hitmakers set to perform at Ottawa's RBC Bluesfest. Morissette performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Thursday, April 25, 2019, in New Orleans. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amy Harris/Invision/AP Alanis Morissette, one of Canada's most acclaimed singers, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa Monday evening. Currently touring in Norway, the Ottawa-raised artist spoke to graduates at uOttawa's faculty of arts spring convocation ceremony in a pre-recorded speech, touching on her life growing up in the nation's capital, while giving graduates advice on spirituality, wellness, relationships and life. 'Being from Ottawa, a lot of people around the planet ask me 'What are Ottawans like?' I throw out words like fortitude emotional intelligence, dialogicality,' Morissette said. 'Very confident, capable, conscientious, hilarious people. I love that I'm from Ottawa.' Morissette told graduates to focus on finding their 'innate curiosities' and support what differentiates them from others. 'This generation of graduating students, I feel safe and excited and very relaxed that your generation is going to be in positions of leadership in our future,' she said. 'Let the inquiry continue and the unique showings up that every single one of you will contribute to on the planet.' Alanis Morissette Alanis Morissette speaking to graduates in a pre-recorded speech after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa on June 6, 2025. (uOttawa/YouTube) Other recipients of honorary degrees this year included Ontario Chief Justice Michael H. Tulloch and former Olympic athlete Abby Hoffman. The university says the honorary doctorates are awarded to individuals whose exceptional careers have 'had a significant impact on their field of expertise and on society.' Morissette has won seven Grammy awards and 15 Juno awards over the span of her career. She was inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame in 2005 and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Friday, selling more than 33 million copies worldwide. Some of her biggest hits include 'You Ottawa Know,' 'Ironic' and 'Hand in My Pocket.' Outside of entertainment, she is an activist and advocate for women's empowerment, spirituality and well-being. Morissette is currently touring through Europe and has announced plans for a limited residency in Las Vegas this fall. She last played in Ottawa when she headlined Bluesfest in 2022.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
March Must-Attend Festivals: Events Worth Traveling For
Spring is finally here after a busy winter storm season. With temperatures warming up, if you are looking to travel - calling it a spring break is up to you - these are the most worthy events across the country. The Florida Strawberry Festival Feb. 27 – March 9 This is the most attended fair in Florida, which is shocking considering it's unlike the other events on this list. The family-friendly festival features a concert series including Reba McEntire, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Boys II Men, Nelly, John Fogerty and many more. Visitors won't want to miss the midway with all the classic fair activities such as games, amusement rides and food booths. There's also a neighborhood village where items handcrafted by people in the community are sold and a youth livestock show. Also worth considering: while around 90% of the domestic strawberry crop comes from California, the persistent rains this year have diminished harvesting, and a strawberry festival like this might be one of the best ways to get strawberries this year. Mardi Gras March 4 While Mardi Gras (often called Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday or simply Carnival), the last day before Lent, is celebrated in numerous Catholic countries around the world, the best place to celebrate the gluttonous holiday in the U.S. is in New Orleans. Every year, some one million tourists take over the city, according to The Associated Press, filling Bourbon Street with beads and spirits. Revelers won't want to miss the famous parade with Krewes and marching clubs. While this year the forecast is for high 70s and scattered thunderstorms, none of that will chase off the crowds, who will be celebrating rain or shine, and packing local bars to occupancy. Don't forget your King Cake! South By Southwest (SXSW) March 7 – 15 What originally started as a Southwestern music seminar in 1987 has exploded into a one-of-a-kind multimedia conference that is part music festival, part film festival, part comedy festival, all-around interactive experience that sees thousands visit Austin, Texas, in early March. Between countless official acts during the weeklong fair, as well as countless unofficial events throughout the city, there is something for everyone — if you can afford the prices and already sold-out tickets. With temperatures forecast to be in the 70s, this will also be a significant respite from the intense winter storms of February. Saint Patrick's Day March 17 While St. Patrick's Day officially falls on a Monday this year, there will be celebrations across the country the preceding weekend. New York, Chicago and Boston have the biggest and most well-known parades, but cities like Holyoke, Massachusetts, Dublin, California, and Savannah, Georgia, see thousands of guests flock to their events as well. If you can't make it to a major parade or celebration, check your local area's Irish bar, check the weather as mid-March can see anything, wear green and Sláinte! National Cherry Blossom Festival March 20 - April 13 Celebrating the friendship between Japan and the U.S., this three-week-long festival sees the stunning pink flowers bloom across the Capitol. With parties, kite events and a parade, there are plenty of events tied to the festival, but the best part is just being able to walk through Washington, D.C., and experience this alongside our national monuments. Local businesses also get caught in the spirit, including hotels and restaurants that are worth visiting. If you can't make it to D.C., there are other festivals around the country, including Macon, Georgia, described as 'The Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.'
