Justin Bieber has officially confirmed that he will be taking a year off from his music career, even after he is having a successful year.
Bieber released his album, Believe, in the summer of 2012, and he toured around the world featuring songs from his album from September 2012 to December 2013. Via Bieber’s official site, The tour was successful and sold-out with seven legs, or sections, and 162 shows.
Senior Melissa Keuler is a Justin Bieber fan, and she enjoys listening to his music.
“I’ve been to two [Believe Tour shows], and I think that it is an awesome production,” Keuler said. “It’s good for everyone because I think everyone would like it no matter what age.”
On October 7, 2013, Bieber released the first single of his chart-busting #MusicMondays series entitled “Heartbreaker.” More songs were released such as “All That Matters” and “Hold Tight.” These new songs showed a new maturity and voice from the star, and almost every single made it to number one on the iTunes charts. In order to purchase Journals, go to the iTunes Store. The series continued through December 9, 2013 when Bieber released the last single entitled “Confident” featuring Chance the Rapper.
“He started writing his own music instead of having other people write it for him,” Keuler said. “Now, all his songs are about himself and his life. That says a lot about him as an artist.”
The series officially ended on December 23, 2013 with Bieber’s new R&B/pop album, Journals, which reached number one on iTunes. All the #MusicMonday songs were included within the album along with five new songs and a free single entitled “Flatline.” The album also includes collaboration songs with people such as R. Kelly, Lil Wayne, Future, and Big Sean. He has even released his first music video from the album to the song “All That Matters.”
Bieber finished out the year by producing a movie named after his album, Believe. The movie followed him throughout his tour and his production of music.
Junior Zoe Karpouzie is also a big Justin Bieber fan. In fact, she has met Bieber twice.
“It was really inspiring,” Karpouzie said. “I really liked the clips in the studio a lot because it just shows what he puts into his craft.”
Bieber gave insight into his life and relationships, especially his friendship with child cancer patient, Avalanna Routh. Routh was beloved by both Bieber himself and his Beliebers. Routh passed away in 2012, and Bieber dedicated his movie to her.
Sophomore Brittany Watts has been to several of Bieber’s concerts and actively follows the star on social media.
“I thought Avalanna was a special girl, and her relationship with Justin was indescribable,” Watts said. “When they were together, from what it seemed, they were always both smiling.”
So, after all of Bieber’s success in 2012 and 2013, why would he take a year off? Though he has joked about actually retiring on Twitter, he has confirmed that he will, indeed, return to music. Bieber and his manager, Scooter Braun, have provided a few reasons for his break.
According to USA Today, Bieber says that 2014 will be focused more on his personal life.
Junior Allie Taylor likes Bieber because she believes he is a good role model, and she enjoys his music.
“I think he wants to focus on his family and his social life,” Taylor stated. “I think he wants to mellow down a bit too.”
Many would say that some time away from the spotlight would also be good for the nineteen-year-old star. In the last year, a lot of paparazzi attention has been placed on Bieber. In the press, Bieber has been getting attention for his tattoos and disputable relationships. Many negative stories have arisen about the star in all types of media.
“He’s been getting a lot of negative media attention lately,” Keuler said. “I think he needs to take a break and to try to figure out who he is.”
In his year off, Bieber announced that he is writing a “smash” album that is due to come out at the end of 2014. Even in his time off, Bieber will be spending time in the studio.
Though biology teacher Lauren Jernstrom isn’t a huge Bieber fan, she respects him.
“I respect [his year off] if he wants to come up with new music, and make it a big deal when he comes back,” Jernstrom said. “I think it will enhance his sales and excitement.”
Despite the rumors of Bieber’s “retirement,” Bieber will return to the music scene by the end of 2014 with a brand new album.
