Ultimate Fandom Playlist: @JustinCrew
In the first of our Ultimate Fandom Playlists, @JustinCrew take us through their fave Justin Bieber tracks/performances...
Welcome to our brand new strand here on MTV where we put the fans in control.
Ultimate Fandom Playlists are curated by some of the biggest and best fan accounts on the internet and this week we're letting @JustinCrew takeover.
In order from oldest to newest, here are @JustinCrew’s picks of live performances, underrated songs, and covers for mandatory listening.
Cover of 'So Sick' by Chris Brown
Starting off with a classic, must-watch video of one of the many covers that led to his discovery, Justin’s manager, Scooter, has referred to this video as the one where he knew there was something special there. To this day, it’s still a nostalgic blast to the past that remains on the Kidrauhl YouTube channel where it was posted ten years ago.
'Baby/Never Say Never/OMG' at the 2011 Grammy Awards with Usher and Jaden Smith
2011 started off with a bang in the form of Justin’s first Grammys performance. Kicking off with megahit single, 'Baby', then Karate Kid anthem, 'Never Say Never', a futuristic transition into Usher’s 'OMG', and ending with a Justin-Usher dance segment, this performance was pure entertainment. Not sure what the best moment was; Justin and Usher’s choreography or Will Smith proudly yelling “THAT’S MY BABY” after Jaden’s verse.
'U Got It Bad/Because of You” Cover
'U Got It Bad' plays another role in the beginning of Justin’s career; it’s the song he performed for friend and mentor, Usher, the first time they ever met. This cover of 'U Got It Bad' + Ne-Yo’s 'Because Of You' from TLC’s This Is Justin Bieber special remains one of our favorite covers and live performances.
'Never Let You Go' in Mexico City
Though a relatively under-the-radar song off Justin’s album, My World 2.0, in our opinion, this acoustic rendition of 'Never Let You Go’ is hands down still one of Justin’s all-time best live performances (also see his performance of 'Up' from the same show). Being in front of an outdoor crowd of 300,000+ people doesn’t hurt either.
'Home to Mama' with Cody Simpson
While we’re still a little upset that Justin and Cody’s side project will never be released, we’re glad this gem made its way online and into the Purpose Tour setlist. The two sound awesome together and it’s even better live.
'What Do You Mean' on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
Those vocals + The Roots? Good stuff.
Cover of 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge
This cover quickly became a fan-favorite after Justin started singing it during his acoustic set on Purpose Tour then performed it as part of BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge series. Honestly, we still need a full version of this cover.
'Love Yourself', Capital FM’s 2015 Jingle Bell Ball at O2 Arena
One of the best performances of 'Love Yourself' to date, this one in particular stands out because of the insane crowd singing from 3:43-4:07. Important to emphasize that this was indeed Jingle Ball, not a solo Bieber concert. 'Love Yourself' was widely well-received, broke multiple chart records, and 20,000 people never sounded better.
'Love Yourself/Sorry' at the Brit Awards
With James Bay on acoustic guitar for 'Love Yourself' which then transitions into a pyrotechnic, choreo-filled production for 'Sorry', this performance was everything you could have wanted for two of Justin’s biggest Purpose-era hits. One of the most memorable performances of the show alongside Adele, Rihanna, and Drake.
'Cold Water' on The Ellen Show
As much of a bop as this JB/Major Lazer/MØ collab is (still hear it on the radio everyday), this stripped-down version from The Ellen Show was definitely a highlight of Justin’s talk show performances in 2016. Justin’s unique ability to capture a crowd with just his voice and a guitar is clearly on display.
Honorable mentions/underrated gems: Justin’s collab with Migos, 'Looking For You', 'Next to You' on Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E. album, and 'Confident' with Chance the Rapper.
If you and your fan account think you have what it takes to curate the perfect Ultimate Fandom Playlist, tweet us @MTVMusicUK.
And if you can't get enough of Justin Bieber check out our Purpose video collection below: