By: Kelsey Aylor, Staff Writer
With the release of his new album, “Purpose,” Justin Bieber has earned his fifth platinum-selling record, which features three hit singles that currently claim three of the top five spots on charts. Initially debuting in 2009, Bieber has been on multiple headlining tours, set six Guinness world records and has won over 100 awards from organizations like the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and the MTV Awards.
But for someone with such a publicly tumultuous and controversial public image, how is this measure of success even possible? The most likely answer to this conundrum is the infectious fever induced by his music
However, the so-called “Bieber Fever” isn’t merely confined to screaming tweens and their parents who begrudgingly follow along with these children-turned-animalistic creatures that are emitting high-pitched squeals. No, this time around, this fever is infecting college-campuses across the nation and even Wofford has not been saved from this ensnarement.
On any given weekend, you are likely to hear the beat of “Sorry” pounding from behind closed doors or have a friend slyly slip the chorus into regular conversation. Bieber fans new and old cannot deny the catchiness of his recent work.
“I’ve always been a fan of Justin Bieber but I think the fever hit me hardest with this most recent album,” says junior Emma Leffingwell. “My favorite past era was probably ‘Somebody to Love,’ but nowadays I’m obsessed with his newest singles.”
“I don’t consider myself a fan of him – I couldn’t even take him seriously as a human being in the past,” says sophomore Kaitlyn Crouch. “JB is a great example of a boy who let fame ruin him quickly enough so that he still had time to recover and make good music though. I’ve honestly been fighting a low grade Fever. I’m digging ‘Love Yourself’ because it’s a funny, clever song.”
Bieber’s return has been seen as a sort of monumental rebirth, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. He has mysterious powers to make people like him, even those with the most begrudging disapproval in the past.
“His actions are rather disappointing for a person of his influence. He’s been arrested for a DUI and acted very immaturely towards his own fans,” says Kate Gibson, a sophomore. “But I can’t deny that his music is good. However, I’m trying to keep my Bieber Fever under the radar – I guess you could say I’m a fan but I really wish I wasn’t.”
“He made unforgettable choices but they aren’t necessarily unforgiveable. Everybody messes up once in a while and I think he genuinely regrets his past actions,” says Crouch. “Besides, you can like the guy’s music without supporting his persona.”
No matter your stance on Bieber as a person, his music has an international appeal, says Leffingwell. Leffingwell, who is currently studying abroad in Rome, has heard his music played on the streets and within various shops.
“He’s everywhere. And people may say they dislike him and his music, but it’s unavoidable. says Leffingwell. “And have you seen his carpool karaoke videos? They’re hilarious. He’s really turned himself around.”
Based on his widespread popularity and never-ending appearances on music shows, late night talk shows and even in newspapers (like this one), this reporter predicts that Bieber Fever will be afflicting the college, the nation and the globe throughout the foreseeable future.
What is Leffingwells’s advice to people who lament this predicament (aka the so-called haters)? Just admit it: you like him. Now you can move on with your lives but with some great new music
