Justin Bieber announced his feature on Chance the Rapper’s new single “HOLY”, that dropped this Friday, on Instagram just five days before and the hype and anticipation were massive.
Although Chance has shown no intention of dropping an album this year, he and Bieber gave their fans an upbeat, meaningful, scream in your car at the top of your lung's banger that included a mix of hip-hop, pop, and rap.
With Chance’s recent history of released music, including bad records and bad reviews, and Bieber's newly announced return to the music industry, the two artists wanted to provide a bop, something music lovers would be listening to all year long, and they did.
Their new single came out swinging with its catchy chorus, unique beat, a variation of tempos and pitches, and the switch between Bieber and Chance’s voices.
The two artists also brought attention to their new single by dropping a music video with it. The music video focuses on a working-class factory that was shut down, showing the hardship many are going through during the current global pandemic and raising awareness to those in need. By bringing meaning to the single, this advanced Bieber and Chance’s viewership and made their fans further resonate with the song.
Most of the hit new single is dominated by Bieber’s vocals, although when Chance joins in their two voices blend perfectly. Throughout the entirety of the song Bieber and Chance switch up the instrumental and add in lines that shock the listener.
Despite Bieber and Chance’s success with most of the world on their new hit, many critics are expressing their worry that Bieber is showing signs that he is veering towards Kanye West’s personal and musical persona. Kanye West frequently references his music and entire life as a following of God and critics are noticing that Bieber is doing the same. Many don’t like this of Bieber and want him to return to his old style of music.
Nonetheless, Bieber and Chance granted their fans with a new favorite song and the two famous singers proved themselves by putting their names back on the map of the music industry by reaching number one on the top 50 global chart this week. This new single receives a 7/10 review.
Savannah Scarborough is a freshman majoring in Digital Media and Journalism. To contact her, email at svs6992@psu.edu.