Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 was more than just a date for pop star Justin Bieber.

It was the release of his newest album, Purpose. The album can be described as a strong comeback from his previous position with the media; an effort to tell his fans and listeners about his rough patch a couple years ago, and where he stands now.

About a year ago, and even now, it has been a popular trend to dislike Bieber. That being said, he was in a bad place when he released his album Journals in 2013. Scandals and rumors of his involvement in drug activity began to surface and the hate was overwhelming, even from his fans. He began to act out and test authority, which never seemed to be his nature in past years. After deciding to take a year off from releasing music, touring and interviews, Justin seems to be taking a step in the right direction with Purpose. 

Unlike some of his other music, several songs on this album involve just his voice and a guitar or piano. You can’t say that the kid doesn’t have talent after listening to songs like Life is Worth Living, What Do You Mean acoustic and Love Yourself, focusing solely on his vocals. Bieber narrowed it down to the basics for a few songs to get his story across without distraction.

Of course, like any good pop album, there are a handful of songs that have already gotten fans and even the anti-Bieber population out of their seats and dancing. Sorry, Where Are U Now, and That Feeling ft. Halsey have caused a frenzy over social media and have gotten stuck in the heads of even the most stubborn listeners.

So, what exactly is the story that Justin is trying to tell with Purpose?

As a fan who has his been following his career since he came out with My World in 2009, this pop star has definitely had a long and heartwrenching journey. Choosing an album title like Purpose was no coincidence–he wanted to emphasize his message.

Media cannot tear down Bieber. He has a purpose in this industry, and although he’s mentally been through the unimaginable as some of his songs reflect, he can come back with an album that will lead the iTunes charts. There was so much more going on behind the scenes that no one ever saw: we only saw what the media portrayed him as.

For a personal look at what Justin was going through behind the scenes in his life, listen to Purpose. It will not disappoint.