With the simultaneous release of albums from Justin Bieber and One Direction, clashes between fandoms have been plaguing internet outlets. The popularity and colossal fan bases of both artists made November 13, 2015 a compelling day; the day Bieber’s “Purpose” and One Direction’s “Made in the A.M.” were officially released.  Fans are now squabbling over whose music is better. Located below are reviews of both new albums. Enjoy!

Purpose by: Justin Bieber

Bieber introduces the album with the track, “Mark My Words,” which has a classic R&B sound. Its dramatic ambience and sincerity serve as a keen preface for “Purpose,” because it introduces the novella that Bieber conveys throughout the entire album. The expectations for the solo artist’s come back album were set high due to his past successes. Bieber, getting his claim to fame in 2009, has made jaws drop around the world with “Purpose.”

The album’s Hip Hop, R&B, and Techno influences have attracted music connoisseurs of all kinds. This immense attention was drawn by the album’s first single “Where Are You Now,” which has continuously been played on the radio since its release. The track is a masterpiece created by the collaboration of Bieber, Skrillex, and Diplo. Its unique vibrations and tones beckon listeners to jam out. Another track that is aimed at accomplishing the same effect is “Sorry.” The track is quite the trickster; it starts out slow but soon changes to a technologically upbeat mood. The versatility of “Sorry” allows for listeners to enjoy whether they are in the club or chilling out.  Its catchy lyrics and rhythmic beats are responsible for its lure.

Although the album contains lively electric songs, it also has sensitive acoustics such as “Love Yourself.” The song, when not focussing on lyrics, sounds like a sweet melody of adoration. However, Bieber exhibits moderate sass via word choice; with phrases like “my momma don’t like you and she likes everyone,” and “if you like the way you look that much, oh baby you should go and love yourself.” Bieber continues the acoustic style in the final and namesake track, “Purpose.” The song lacks the previous attitude in “Love Yourself,” and exposes a new side of Bieber. The passion and emotion behind the song makes for an intense closer. The lyrics are vulnerable and the acoustic piano brings about chills. The track has everything going for it in the sense of dramatics, and is elevated at the end when Bieber gives listeners advice. The last minute of the song is a recording of him speaking and providing valuable life lessons such as when he says, “If you don’t give it all you got, you’re only cheating yourself. Give it all you got but if it ends up happening, it ends up happening.” The heartfelt track provides listeners with all sorts of closure.

The album as a whole is eclectic and full of different paces and sounds, while staying true to Bieber’s roots in themes and style.

“Made in the A.M.” by: One Direction

Boy band One Direction, composed of Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson, kicked off their first album without former member, Zayn Malik. The album showcased an altogether sense of moving forward which is showcased in the album’s first hit single, “Drag Me Down.” The head bopping beat and powerful lyrics create an essence of pure superiority. The vocals clearly characterize this song and set it apart from others on the album.  As impressive as “Drag Me Down” is, it is not the first track on the line up of the album. Instead, “Hey Angel” takes the lead with its mellow “ooo’s” and admirable lyrics. The track presents a smooth introduction into the songs that follow. It is the type of song that fans want to be serenaded with; pure and happy in all musical aspects.

The typical audience of teenagers has been swooning over One Direction since 2010. However, “Made in the A.M.” attempts to attract new listeners especially with the track “Olivia,” which was inspired by the Beatles album “Abbey Road.” The song shares common ground on beats, melodies, and lyrics with the Beatles. The distinctive track “Olivia,” is not just a song about a girl’s name, but the band defines it as a type of feeling or emotion. However this interpretation is entirely left up to the listeners. Fundamentally, the style clearly mimics the Beatles while staying true to the character and element of One Direction.

The exhibition of the group’s talent is also prevalent in the album’s second released single, “Perfect.” The enticing vocals range in tones of high and low, and expose skill in all members of the group. The track boasts a mixture of confidence and charm, as it is backed by rhythmic instrumentals. One Direction’s final and namesake song of the album, “A.M,” contrasts with the majority of the tracks due to its overall element. It is made up of chill acoustics and conveys an attitude of being simply content. The authenticity of the track portrays the band’s sense of fulfillment. The track perfectly wraps up what the band strived for their album to convey– the group’s true identity.

The album “Made in the A.M.” displays new musical influences and tunes, but ultimately defines One Direction.

When everything’s said and done, the feuds between Justin Bieber and One Direction do not seem justified. Both artists dominate the pop genre, but their styles drastically differ, making it difficult to pick one over the other. The final consensus is that both albums are great in their own special ways. If one is struggling to decide which album is worth purchasing, it should come down to musical stylistic preferences rather than who is considered to be the “best.”