What Do You Mean? cover

What Do You Mean?

Justin Bieber · 2015

6 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

A blend of tropical house and contemporary R&B that captures a youthful sense of uncertainty in relationships.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What Do You Mean? — This track encapsulates the album's themes of confusion and communication in relationships, driven by its catchy hook and contemporary production.
  • →
    What Do You Mean? (instrumental) — The instrumental version highlights the track's rhythmic intricacies and melodic elements, allowing listeners to appreciate its sonic architecture without lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The single effectively blends contemporary R&B with tropical house, showcasing strong production and catchy melodies.

What we noticed

  • The song features a steady mid-tempo beat with syncopated rhythms that create a laid-back groove.
  • Vocals are layered with harmonies, and the chorus employs a call-and-response structure between Bieber's lead and background vocals.
  • The instrumental version strips away the lyrics but retains the same melodic and rhythmic elements, emphasizing the production.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Revived Bieber's career and established him as a top artist after personal struggles.
Themes
relationship uncertainty· millennial communication struggles
Career context
Released on August 28, 2015, 'What Do You Mean?' marked Justin Bieber's return to music after a brief hiatus following personal struggles and controversies. This single served as the lead for his fourth studio album, 'Purpose,' signaling a significant reinvention in his artistic direction and public image.
Stylistic neighbors
The Weeknd· Trey Songz· Chris Brown
New to Justin Bieber? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 What Do You Mean? 3:26
  • 2 What Do You Mean? (instrumental) 3:26

What to play next

Purpose
Listen next

Purpose

2015

Continues the exploration of relationships with a deeper sonic palette.
Believe Acoustic
Go back to

Believe Acoustic

2013
Full Justin Bieber discography Where to start with Justin Bieber Artists like Justin Bieber
contemporary R&B hip-hop reggaeton

If this landed

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Shares slick production and confessional lyrics exploring love and relationship complexities.

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SZA

Combines contemporary R&B vibes with introspective themes on relationships and self-discovery.

Blonde

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Frank Ocean

Merges emotive songwriting with a polished sound, reflecting on love and existential questions.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata