CLEVELAND, Ohio – When it comes to the great comeback albums in recent memory, Justin Bieber’s “Purpose” may not come to mind. But it should.
Bieber rode a tidal wave of bad PR into his fourth studio album and came out of it with arguably the best pop album of 2015 (barely qualifying for this year’s Grammys). Still, how shocking would it be for The Biebs to take home Grammys’ top honor on Sunday night?
Album of the Year
- Adele – “25”
- Beyonce – “Lemonade”
- Drake – “Views”
- Justin Bieber – “Purpose”
- Sturgill Simpson – “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth”
The world may just stop spinning. But it’s not out of the question, as “Purpose” can hold its own with its fellow nominees.
Why it could win: “Purpose” checks a lot of boxes when it comes to the credentials for Album of the Year. It has mass appeal, big hits, an engaging storyline for the artist’s career and some of the best pop production of any album out these days. In fact, one of “Purpose’s” producers, Benny Blanco, is nominated for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), which traditionally boosts an Album of the Year nominee’s chances.
Bieber’s album is, arguably, the most cohesive album of the bunch and the easiest to listen to. If voters actually sat down and listened to these five albums (which isn’t always the case), they may have come away feeling like Bieber’s “Purpose,” while not the most groundbreaking, was the most worth listening to again.
Why it won’t win: Perhaps it just seems weird to give Justin Bieber Album of the Year. Think of all the artists that have never won the award, including recent heavyweights like Eminem, Kanye West, Beyonce and Radiohead. In Bieber’s case, you could argue the stigma of cookie-cutter pop is changing now that Taylor Swift has two Album of the Year wins. But Swift is still more respected in the industry than Bieber.
If this was any of the past three years, Bieber might actually have a shot at this. But he’s going up against artists who live in the same mainstream universe that are more accomplished and respected. Off of name recognition alone, he’ll lose votes to Adele, Beyonce and Drake.
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