Justin Bieber’s Journals has become a cult classic among his fans and a new generation discovering it on TikTok. The album, a deeply personal project where the pop icon expresses his feelings during a tumultuous period, was initially met with resistance from his record label. Did you know that Island Records, under Universal Music Group, did not want him to release Journals?
Known for dominating the charts early in his career—most famously with “Baby,” which skyrocketed him to global stardom—Justin Bieber was a pop phenomenon. His early success even inspired other labels to mold their artists in his image. But Journals marked a departure from his pop roots, embracing a strong R&B influence, a move his label resisted.
At the time, Justin Bieber’s public image was undergoing a dramatic shift. His highly publicized relationship with Selena Gomez, alleged drug use, and “bad boy” era created the perfect backdrop for an album like Journals. The project mirrored this period of transformation and experimentation, much like Ariana Grande’s Sweetener and other R&B-influenced works in pop.
Despite his label’s reluctance, Bieber pushed forward, but Island Records reportedly had ulterior motives to limit its success. The album was released as a digital-only project—a rare approach at the time—which significantly hindered its chart performance, particularly in regions like the UK. According to The Independent, Journalsdebuted at number 46 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart, failed to appear on the US Billboard 200 due to reporting restrictions for digital-only releases, and underperformed globally, including sliding in at 174 in France.
However, Journals found its redemption years later. Bieber’s fans grew to cherish the album for its emotional depth and authenticity. Viral moments on TikTok, such as fans nicknaming him “Jamal Bieber” to highlight its heavy R&B influence, reignited interest in the project. Featuring collaborations with Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, and Future, the album showcases a wealth of talent and Black musical influences, underscoring its timeless appeal.
Journals serves as a testament to the resilience of meaningful artistry. Even when labels attempt to suppress projects that deviate from commercial formulas, true artistry resonates with audiences, sometimes long after its initial release.
