Justin Bieber ...so what's the big deal?

[Carlitoz]

Ok, for some this question must be sacrilege, but i really do not follow the music of young teenagers so the Jonas Brothers, Bieber, Selena, etc are off my radar and don't have interest in having them in my radar either.
I'm asking about Beiber because he is EVERYWHERE EVERYWHERE... online, tv, movies, magazines, etc. The only thing I've ever heard of him thanks to my little niece is that song with the baby baby baby thing. That song has nothing special in my opinion. Ok, yes, it does. It's playful and makes 10 year old girls fall in love with him. But being nominated for best new artist at the Grammy's? Is that how all his music is? (like the 'baby baby baby oooh' thing)?? SO what's the big deal? Does he write his songs? Is his dancing out of this world? Does he have an amazing voice or play instruments? I really want to know what makes him so special that famous singers are doing stuff with him. Nothing against him; just curiosity. If you have a sample of what makes him so incredible, feel free to put a link. The other day I heard Chris Brown has him in his new album. Do you think Brown is taking advantage of Bieber's amazing popularity to have a LOT more copies of his album sold and clear his image. Or is it Bieber who wants to move on, mature and get more credibility before his carreer dies as a forgotten kid star and the little girls move to the next big thing?
Thx!

[Fat Ass Kelly Price]

It's Bieber.

Yes, most of his music is like that. He doesn't write his songs. He's not that good of a dancer. He doesn't have an amazing voice, but it isn't (or wasn't) bad either. He does play some instruments, but it really isn't utilized in his music.

He's just another one of the big teen stars that come along and then fizzle out. He does have somewhat of an 'it' factor.

[Devil Marlena Nylund]

I honestly have no idea what it is about him that made him so popular. It actually surprises me that some white kid from Canada has so much respect in the industry, especially among singers in the field of Hip-Hop. Especially considering his main demographic consists of pre-teen girls.

However, my thoughts are is that Justin does what he does really well. He's not marketed as a singer/songwriter and although he does play guitar and other instruments, that's not a focus on him. His main focus is as a pop singer and he does a tremendous job at that. He has the look to win over his fans but also has the attitude. While I'm surprised at just how big he has gotten in popularity, he is good at what he does. It kinda bugs me when people say he sucks. My question is always... how does he suck? It would be different if he was marketed as a pop singer who writes his own song as his songs aren't the greatest. But he's a pop singer targeted at pre-teens. Comparing him to Taylor Swift for example, she's not a great writer at all but she's marketed as a country singer/songwriter and she doesn't fit that bill very well imo. Bieber does what is expected of him music-wise and he's great at it.

[xxfetchmonsterxx]

I HATE his music. To be honest, I've tried giving in to all the discussion about his music and join in with the pre-teen girls in loving him... but his music isn't catchy to me. He's a nice person though; its easy to see in his interviews.

I don't really know what the big deal is however... looks and charm can only get you so far in the teen world so it can't be just that. And what happens when he reaches his 20's? Are little girls still going to swoon over him? As farm as I'm concerned he'll stay relevant for another 6 months or so and then fizzle out like the Jonas Brothers.

[PDC1987]

He was pre-packaged correctly, the music was designed and marketed correctly, and he looks appealing to young girls. He's safe and thus parents don't mind their kids liking him.

[Sway]

I used to not like him up until the Grammys. In fact, I still don't know a full song by him. But so far, I been able to tell that he has real passion for his music, and charisma. Something that all these new male pop acts like Tiao, Jay Sean and who ever the rest are, don't come close to match. So in that sense, I can see what the big deal is. Kind of like Willow. She's good, but it's her desire to make music that is actually kind of appealing.
Besides, if someone is making people happy with their music, why should anyone try to stop that. Let him keep going.

[shawnshamrock]

Mar 7, 2011 19:52:58 GMT -5 Sway said:

I used to not like him up until the Grammys. In fact, I still don't know a full song by him. But so far, I been able to tell that he has real passion for his music, and charisma. Something that all these new male pop acts like Tiao, Jay Sean and who ever the rest are, don't come close to match. So in that sense, I can see what the big deal is. Kind of like Willow. She's good, but it's her desire to make music that is actually kind of appealing.
Besides, if someone is making people happy with their music, why should anyone try to stop that. Let him keep going.

Even though he is becoming more annoying. This is exactly what I first saw when I started listening to him and watching him in interviews.

[.indulgecountry]

I don't really care for his music, but I like him enough. I'm neither a crazed fan, or a crazed anti-fan. He's cute and he's a good performer n stuff... there's nothing I have against him, he's just kinda there and I don't mind it, but I'm not going to buy his album or anything.

[Peaches. [Ch, r. is]]

It's actually pretty simple. Good looks plus marketing him as a "child prodigy" when he first started out. I do think he's talented (plays 4(?) instruments, decent singer and a passable dancer) even if he doesn't excel at any of his talents. The music is okay to good, at best, but that doesn't really matter when all he really needs to do is sing love songs to capture all the young girl's heart.

BTW judging off of the original post, it seems you think too highly of the Grammys.

[Deleted]

Good looks + appeal to the pre-pubescent girls + musician + cliche lyrics that appeal to the same topic every time + being signed to Usher = win-win-win-win-win.

He's got one hell of a formula going for him. However, for my personal taste, his arrogance in his interviews is to be desired for.

[out of reach]

I think what people touched upon already. There is nothing really special other than executing a good marketing plan. However, in this day and age the cross platform promotion has kicked into high gear. I personally don't have a problem with him but it's getting real annoying when we can't even watch an episode of CSI without the kid in it.

[Joe1240]

I don't know about the big deal about this kid either.His marketing puts him nearly everywhere to the point where people like me can't stand to look at his face anymore.His performances aren't that special.Haven't we seen this before with Aaron Carter back in the Early 00s? He got lucky and I think he will fade away soon like the Jonas Brothers.I can't wait for this Bieber fad to end.

[kt1990]

He's a talentless puppet who has the backing of a major label...and I for one, look forward to a music industry without him in it.

[HEADOFTHEPACK]

Mar 7, 2011 18:33:48 GMT -5 Devil Marlena Nylund said:

I honestly have no idea what it is about him that made him so popular. It actually surprises me that some white kid from Canada has so much respect in the industry, especially among singers in the field of Hip-Hop. Especially considering his main demographic consists of pre-teen girls.

This. He makes me livid. It's not as if I hate pre-packaged pop music. Far from it. I just don't see the appeal; to both an audience and the industry. Also; good looks? I honestly find him repulsive, not to mention the fact he seems quite thick and slightly bigoted. I mean he's still young(ish), but oh... everything about him just makes me cringe.

[passionformusic]

Mar 7, 2011 18:33:48 GMT -5 Devil Marlena Nylund said:

Comparing him to Taylor Swift for example, she's not a great writer at all but she's marketed as a country singer/songwriter and she doesn't fit that bill very well imo. Bieber does what is expected of him music-wise and he's great at it.

That comparison does not fly at all. They should never be mentioned in the same sentence. Taylor Swift made her own destiny (based on her talent and determination). Justins destiny was made for him.
Another thing, how is she not a great writer? I think you should reconsider that statement, because when something you write connects with your audience to the point of saving their lives, then you are a great writer. That is exactly, what her songs like "Tied Together With A Smile", have done.

But Bieber is a nice kid. He obviously has his niche and he does not bother me. Glad to see you supporting your countrymen,though.

[Devil Marlena Nylund]

My point was that, in my opinion, as well as the opinion of a lot of people that value songwriting as a whole, Taylor isn't that good. I'm not saying she's a *bad* writer but for someone who's main focus is on her songwriting, she's not very strong at it. Whether or not you agree is besides the point. She's just a quick example.

My point was that for what Justin is targeted at, he does a good job.

[Black Jesus]

Justin is popular because he is "hot" and teen girls love his catchy songs. I don't like them but there's no denying this kid is talented. He can definitely sing...however his songs are definitely generic teen pop. I do like HIM, just don't like his music. When he's older I bet it will be better.

[kt1990]

Mar 8, 2011 22:33:51 GMT -5 Black Jesus said:

but there's no denying this kid is talented.

Not to be facetious or anything...but what talent? I'd love to see some receipts of this so-called "talent". I'm actually very curious to see how he is considered to be a talented artist.

[passionformusic]

Mar 8, 2011 14:10:40 GMT -5 Devil Marlena Nylund said:

My point was that, in my opinion, as well as the opinion of a lot of people that value songwriting as a whole, Taylor isn't that good. I'm not saying she's a *bad* writer but for someone who's main focus is on her songwriting, she's not very strong at it. Whether or not you agree is besides the point. She's just a quick example.

My point was that for what Justin is targeted at, he does a good job.

Not trying to pick a fight or anything, but i can`t see how is this besides the point? Is this besides the point too that she has won 3 Songwriter Of The Year Awards 3 years in a row?Who are this distinguished people, who i have to believe, and who are so good at judging songwriting as a whole? People @ BMI really must be dumb. ???

[Black Jesus]

Mar 9, 2011 9:32:18 GMT -5 @kt1990 said:

Mar 8, 2011 22:33:51 GMT -5 Black Jesus said:

but there's no denying this kid is talented.

Not to be facetious or anything...but what talent? I'd love to see some receipts of this so-called "talent". I'm actually very curious to see how he is considered to be a talented artist.

He has "the package". He can sing really well (well, not on his songs but his songs are hard to sing/crappy), dance, and he's good looking. He's marketable but at least he can actually sing really well.

[out of reach]

Mar 9, 2011 10:56:04 GMT -5 passionformusic said:

Mar 8, 2011 14:10:40 GMT -5 Devil Marlena Nylund said:

My point was that, in my opinion, as well as the opinion of a lot of people that value songwriting as a whole, Taylor isn't that good. I'm not saying she's a *bad* writer but for someone who's main focus is on her songwriting, she's not very strong at it. Whether or not you agree is besides the point. She's just a quick example.

My point was that for what Justin is targeted at, he does a good job.

Not trying to pick a fight or anything, but i can`t see how is this besides the point? Is this besides the point too that she has won 3 Songwriter Of The Year Awards 3 years in a row?Who are this distinguished people, who i have to believe, and who are so good at judging songwriting as a whole? People @ BMI really must be dumb. ???

The comparison was to the fact that Justin is the recipient of a well executed marketing plan. Taylor's songwriting is the result of great marketing and it worked. Once you have a commercially successful songs with a writing credit or cowrite it's easy to get those awards with enough label support.

The reality is many people are not fooled by that stuff that the music biz promotes. Does Taylor have good songwriting skills, yes. Is she some prodigy songwriter wonder of all time that she is promoted to be.... no.

[Devil Marlena Nylund]

Thank you.

Not to discredit music awards because I personally hate when people do that but Taylor just simply doesn't strike me as a great songwriter. I like some of her songs but the variety that lacks among them in itself is what I find the most striking. To me, saying she's a great songwriter is like saying Avril Lavigne is a great songwriter. I love Avril (her first two albums) but... great songwriter? Not particularly.

[kt1990]

Mar 9, 2011 13:13:43 GMT -5 Black Jesus said:

Mar 9, 2011 9:32:18 GMT -5 @kt1990 said:

Not to be facetious or anything...but what talent? I'd love to see some receipts of this so-called "talent". I'm actually very curious to see how he is considered to be a talented artist.

He has "the package". He can sing really well (well, not on his songs but his songs are hard to sing/crappy), dance, and he's good looking. He's marketable but at least he can actually sing really well.

Right. Thanks for posting. I personally see very little vocal talent there, but that's just my opinion. I guess we must have different standards against which talent is measured.

[Black Jesus]

Mar 9, 2011 14:47:59 GMT -5 @kt1990 said:

Mar 9, 2011 13:13:43 GMT -5 Black Jesus said:

He has "the package". He can sing really well (well, not on his songs but his songs are hard to sing/crappy), dance, and he's good looking. He's marketable but at least he can actually sing really well.

Right. Thanks for posting. I personally see very little vocal talent there, but that's just my opinion. I guess we must have different standards against which talent is measured.

You're kidding right? Do you hear all the vocal runs he's doing or the tone of his voice? He was like 13 when he recorded that video...

[passionformusic]

Taylor's songwriting is the result of great marketing and it worked. Once you have a commercially successful songs with a writing credit or cowrite it's easy to get those awards with enough label support.

So you are saying Pink/Bruno Mars labels are not supporting them enough? As most of the people in Pulse would probably consider them as far superior songwriters compared to Taylor. BMR is this incredible beast that gets to decide everything? I really doubt that.

I like some of her songs but the variety that lacks among them in itself is what I find the most striking.

Have you really listened to her latest album? That does not sound like an informed opinion. Lack of variety in lyrics you mean? Would agree to a certain degree. But musically it it is pretty darn diverse.

Sorry for floating away from the main theme of the thread...just curious.

[Devil Marlena Nylund]

To be honest, I've only heard her singles, which is what most people would judge anyone on when it comes to anything, lyrics, vocals, etc. Those are the songs that will most represent any artist. The singles, but moreso, the hits. The only person I can think of offhand that would have less variety amongst the songs would be Celine Dion and how literally every song she ever sings is about love.

[passionformusic]

Mar 10, 2011 14:59:53 GMT -5 Devil Marlena Nylund said:

To be honest, I've only heard her singles, which is what most people would judge anyone on when it comes to anything, lyrics, vocals, etc. Those are the songs that will most represent any artist. The singles, but moreso, the hits. The only person I can think of offhand that would have less variety amongst the songs would be Celine Dion and how literally every song she ever sings is about love.

Kind of superficial approach. Based on what you have posted in this thread, you really can`t say she is not a great songwriter. All that we have managed to find out is that it only takes listening singles for you to judge the overall quality of an artist/record.

But if this is how you roll...fine. You did say it is your opinion, and it is not up to me, how you form those opinions. Peace.

[out of reach]

[So you are saying Pink/Bruno Mars labels are not supporting them enough? As most of the people in Pulse would probably consider them as far superior songwriters compared to Taylor. BMR is this incredible beast that gets to decide everything? I really doubt that.

Not exactly sure what your point is.

Pink/Bruno don't need awards to be considered great songwriters, they also have a lot more going for them besides that. For Taylor it was cruicial to give her and her fanbase some songwriting cred so that they have some sort of trump card when people claim that taylor is basically a puppet who can't sing live well. Imo she would not be nearly as popular she is now without the songwriting hype/cred.

[Fat Ass Kelly Price]

passion..., please stop the tangent. Songwriting quality is something that is somewhat subjective. You think she's great. Good for you. Many agree. Many also don't agree. Sure she wins awards for it, which is a result of her marketing and propaganda. For example, I feel that Mariah is a far better songwriter. But she wasn't marketed as one, so many don't know she writes. Taylor has been marketed to her strength - songwriter. Does that mean she's particular good at it? No. Just means that she's better at it than anything else she has to offer. You play up your strengths. Why do you care what others think anyway? You shouldnt. Just enjoy her music. People look for different things in songwriting. I don't think she's great. She's okay. Average. And I've listened to more than just singles.

[passionformusic]

Mar 10, 2011 17:54:28 GMT -5 Fat Ass Kelly Price said:

passion..., please stop the tangent.

As you wish,sir.