It’s 2010 again. Justin Bieber just released his debut album “My World 2.0.” He was a bashful 16-year-old with sideswept bangs and the boy of every teenage girl’s dream. With bangers like “One Time” and “Baby,” the pop singer quickly rose to fame. Fast forward 10 years, and he has grown up right before our eyes. After announcing his hiatus from music in 2019, Bieber has returned.

Bieber released his fifth studio album, “Changes” this past Valentine’s Day. The first album since 2015’s “Purpose,” Bieber gives us a set consisting of 17 tracks. “Changes” is a transparent tribute to his wife, Hailey Baldwin, and to his newfound faith. He describes the healing he found from each with most of the album being composed of slow, romantic and spiritual songs. As a die-hard Belieber, I can attest that there were no skips on the album.

“Changes” is the end of the era, but it also marks the beginning of a more focused life for Justin. From rebellious playboy to settling down with his wife, he’s on the path to a more focused life, which hopefully means more music. “Never thought I would ever be loyal to someone other than myself,” Bieber sings in the opening track of the album “All Around Me,” his pledge of commitment to a more settled life.

When I said this album was a transparent tribute to Hailey Baldwin, I meant it. Bieber profusely proclaims his love for her over and over in some way during every song. In the track “Habitual,” he talks about how good it feels to come home to the love of his life. In “Take It Out On Me,” he lays his raw emotions on the line as he sings about how he’s there for her in times of anger and hurt and vice versa. In his hit “Get Me” featuring Kehlani, he talks about their understanding of each other and how their love runs deeper than anyone could ever know.

My personal favorite song on the album is “Confirmation,” and I am adamant that this will be my wedding song. Bieber praises the importance of slowing down and being present in the moment. “So quick to move forward, no pressure,” he sings. “And we got the rest, got the rest, got the rest of our lives.” I love the piano ballad that plays in the background. “Confirmation” is, without a doubt, the most powerful track on the album. It feels as if Justin is right in my face as he sings his heart out.

Although the album is full of slow jams, there’s no doubt a nod to his R&B past with the hit song “Yummy” and flirtatious single “Intentions” featuring one-third of the Migos trio: Quavo. Thanks to this album, Bieber has returned to number one on the Artist 100 chart.

Leading up to the release date of the album, Bieber released a YouTube documentary called “Seasons.” Before he released an album that put his heart on line, he lets his fans see into the darker parts of his life that he had previously kept hidden from the world. Triggering topics such as addiction and anxiety are touched on, and Justin makes sure to stress how his faith is what saved him, along with the love from his wife and family. That is what led him to create “Changes.”

While Justin has a past to move forward from, one filled with legal allegations and toxic relationships, his future seems bright. “Changes” seems to be a step in the right direction for him as he begins his new journey through life and marriage.