Review: Debut Single - "One Time"

Song: "One Time" (Single #1)

From Album: My World (EP)

Release Date: May 18, 2009

Well, here it is. My first Bieber Guy review. I'm starting off at the beginning, with Justin's debut single, "One Time." As someone who hasn't devotedly followed his music over the past couple years, I have to say I don't think I have heard this song.

Debut singles are extremely important, because if you can break out on the music scene with something that is catchy, you've got something going for you. Now, obviously a catchy song isn't everything. But it's a strong factor. And even though "Baby" is probably his most catchy song, "One Time" is certainly an adequate enough debut.

On my first listen-through, I had a lukewarm reaction to it. What bothered me just a little bit (and it wasn't the biggest deal) was the heavy use of Auto-Tune and synthesizers on his voice. It's one thing to edit a voice in post to make it perfect for the album, but it's different when you can actually hear the computer influence. Was that on purpose? Who knows. He actually does have a good voice, especially when you compare him to other teen singing stars like Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brothers.

What opened me up to him and the song more was watching the music video for "One Time" (click HERE to view it for yourself, or play the below video). Well, I guess it wasn't so much the song, but in a way seeing his start as a teen heartthrob. The way that the video was created, it catered, obviously, extremely well to his core demographic of teen girls. And, of course, why shouldn't they do that? For this first music video ever of his, it involved him hosting a party at Usher's house while Usher is away. By the end, he receives a kiss on the cheek by a girl. This, I'm sure, got the girls swooning, wishing they could be that girl kissing Justin Bieber. There you go right there - part of the key to the success of this. Part innocence, part charm, part talent, part relate-ability, etc etc. The whole package.

Before I sign off on this first review, I want to mention a different version of this song that I came across. While searching "One Time" on YouTube, I found an acoustic version of the song that Justin sang (click HERE for that, or play the video below). I said earlier that my initial reaction to this song was a tad lukewarm. But I have to say, I love this acoustic version. When you look at these young teen singing stars, sensations, and heartthrobs of today, it's one thing to grab a hold of that key demographic, but a completely different ballgame to have actual, real talent.

For me personally, I don't think that Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brothers have the best live singing voices. But when Justin Bieber first came onto the scene and I started seeing and hearing him on TV, I thought, he actually can sing! And no matter what, to this day, people think of his appeal or whatnot, he does have talent. And when you listen to this acoustic "One Time," I got the chance to really hear his voice without the Auto-Tune, without the faster-paced studio version. Just pure, sweet, simple. And I enjoyed listening to his voice this way. I'll admit it. Since this is the first song I'm reviewing, I have no idea if he has sung other acoustic arrangements. If he has, I look forward to that.

To find out about the latest TV, movie and entertainment news, visit Bieber Guy's partner site, TV Watch Online (and follow T.W.O. on Twitter HERE). I also blog and write for the TV Watch Online BLOG and OMGWire.com.

My plan is to review next his second single, "One Less Lonely Girl," then either the two iTunes promo singles or the debut EP as a whole. To stay updated on everything related to Bieber Guy and when the next blog will be online, follow me on Twitter @Bieber_Guy.