Introduction to Prey
Justin Bieber is back with his latest album, Prey, marking a significant return to the music scene. Since his last release, Bieber has gone through numerous changes, including a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, health issues, the cancellation of a concert tour, and the sale of his publishing catalog for $200 million. Additionally, he has become a father and parted ways with his long-time manager, Scooter Braun.
Album Overview
Prey is a 54-minute album featuring 21 tracks, including three interludes with conversations between Bieber and online comedian Druki. The album primarily showcases Bieber’s R&B style, incorporating elements of hip-hop, pop, and gospel. With Prey, Bieber demonstrates his ability to balance seriousness and playfulness, creating a unique listening experience.
Track Highlights
Some notable tracks on the album include:
- "Everything I can take": A smooth and groovy entry into Prey, featuring a synth-heavy keyboard riff and vocal runs reminiscent of Michael Jackson.
- "Daisy": A standout song with excellent guitar lines, potentially courtesy of Gen Z guitar hero Mk.Gee, and a sweet-sounding snare drum driving the rhythm.
- "Yukon": A guitar-accented sound that tonally turns to Sza, with songwriter credits including Eminem, referencing his song "Untitled".
Love Songs and Personal Reflections
Bieber also explores love songs and personal reflections, such as:
- "Go baby": A sweet ditty about Bieber’s admiration for his partner, Hailey, with a reference to her makeup brand.
- "Things you do": A coastal, sugary vignette featuring some of Bieber’s best vocals on the album.
- "Butterflies": A track that starts with a selection of Bieber’s confrontation with paparazzi, leading to a song that ends up being somewhat forgettable.
Collaborations and Experimentation
The album features collaborations and experimentation, including:
- "As it is": A song with Gunna, delivering a melodic verse that captures the relaxed atmosphere.
- "First place": A track that attempts to tackle the theme of birthdays but doesn’t quite hit the mark.
- "Soulful": A discussion with Druki about Bieber’s soulful sound on the album.
- "Devotion": A collaboration with Dijon, ensuring a chill, vibey song perfect for a summer day.
Unforgettable Tracks and Interludes
Some unforgettable tracks and interludes on the album include:
- "Dadz love": A feature with Lil B, making it one of the most unexpected and unforgettable parts of the album.
- "Therapy session": A serious interlude where Bieber discusses his personal struggles and the feeling of being weighed down by others’ expectations.
- "Sweet Spot": A track with a sexy, red rap verse, although it feels somewhat out of place and distracting.
Conclusion and Final Tracks
The album concludes with tracks like:
- "Be in the business": A discussion with Druki that showcases Bieber’s ability to not take himself too seriously.
- "405": A song perfect for a late-night drive, featuring a rapid drum beat.
- "Prey": The title track, which is hip-hop-operated and one of the best in the collection, with Eddie Benjamin’s singing stealing the show.
- "Forgiveness": The final song, which leaves the last word to Pastor Marvin Winans, focusing on themes of faith and redemption.
