2021, Contemporary Christian w/ R&B, Hip-Hop, Rap, Reggae influences
“Freedom, don’t it feel good” sings JB on this song-titled Christian EP.
Yes, the freedom in which we have through Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins does indeed feel-good. The track “Freedom” feat Jamaican-American rapper Beam, is the most popular track on the album, it employs a tender message reminding believers of God’s love and his sacrifice with lyrics like “children you are forgiven” and “aint nothin you could you could do for you to change that”. Not only does the lyrics amplify the message, but the instrumentation does as well, it’s a feel- good dancehall-inspired track that’ll have you dancin’ and praisin’ simultaneously.
Though a surprising release for the pop-star, it seemed intentional as he dropped it on Easter last year (2021).
This album has a fresh contemporary Christian music sound, very much a reflection of current times. Bieber plays with many genres from dancehall & reggae styles, to hip-hop fused with high-worship, soft singing, and relaxed tracks.
He even gives a modern twist to the classic Gospel concept of praise breaking and narration, on tracks “Where you go I follow” and “We’re in this together.”
Further, he truly employs the message of “we’re in this together” by collaborating with other Christian artists such as Chandler Moore, Brand Love, Tori Kelly and pastor Judah Smith.
Overall, this album seemed to serve as a vulnerable, testimonial body of work, that reflects someone who does not have it all figured out, but loves God and is eager to be in his presence and be more like him. Let’s face it, that pretty much describes all of us. In this sense, it’s an inspiring piece of work that remind’s you of Jesus’s love.
Upon learning of the “Freedom” EP, I was skeptical. I didn’t know what to make of Justin Bieber putting out a gospel EP. In a secular sense, JB was of my favorite pop artists. I mean, I’ve fallen into secular music spirals listening to him. I struggle with secular music sin, so when I’m listening to Gospel, I aim to be meticulous and selective with who the source is. And I was immediately turned off by his Christian music venture.
But God gave me a revelation recently that even Gospel artists aren’t perfect yet he still uses them to create great music that glorifies his name. Same goes for us, God will use us in our most broken state. I realized that it’s not about the messenger, but the message. I listen to music with the intent of giving praise to Jesus, not to the artist—because that’s when it becomes dangerous—I then felt okay in my spirit to give “Freedom” a listen.
My fave tracks are “Freedom” and “Where You Go I Follow.” Dance-hall Gospel is always a go for me and I love the vulnerability in the lyrics as well as the intense and melodic feel of “Where You Go I Follow.” The ending narration is especially my favorite though. Through rhetorical questions being asked over the instrumentation, it gives for reflection on Jesus’s sacrifice and is perfect for the Easter season. All we really need is the Gospel and this EP definitely delivers it.
Tracklist
1. Freedom (Ft. BEAM)
2. All She Wrote
3. We’re In This Together (Ft. Brandon Love & Chandler Moore)
4. Where You Go I Follow (Ft. Chandler Moore, Judah Smith & Pink Sweat$)
5. Where Do I Fit In (Ft. Chandler Moore, Judah Smith & Tori Kelly)
6. Afraid To Say (Ft. Lauren Walters)
Comments