Unlike the unnamed lead character in the classic children's book Green Eggs And Ham, who does not want his breakfast in a box, with a fox or anywhere, for that matter, Justin Bieber is up to "put you down" wherever he can. The Biebz cannot wait to reach the bedroom (though when he does, it's adorned with candles); he'll go on the coffee table, in a plane, on a train or in an automobile. Thus begins the seventh installation of Bieber's Music Mondays series, "PYD."
When Bieber confirmed that he had teamed up with R. Kelly for a new Music Mondays single, fans should have been anticipating the most lyrically mature music of Bieber's career, and "PYD" delivers. Yes, it's subtle enough for his youngest Beliebers; it's not explicitly clear what exactly "putting you down" entails. However, it doesn't take a huge stretch of the imagination to know what the 19-year-old is thinking about. That kid from YouTube who's singing about his first crush at the playground in "Baby"? He's been put to rest for sure.
Maybe it should be more awkward to hear these words coming out of Bieber's mouth, but after seven weeks of Music Mondays singles, it's clear that he is growing up. Not only has the instrumentation itself featured scaled back R&B vibes, but also lyrically, Bieber has opened himself up in a way that is unprecedented for the teen idol up to this point.
Fittingly, "PYD" follows this pattern. The instrumentation is notably quiet in the background, as Bieber softly whispers "PYD" over and over again. Over those looped vocals is a soft yet high vocal turn from Bieber. His voice in "PYD" works better than, say, "Bad Day" and manages to blend together his higher register with a laidback, adult voice.
Of course, in the "PYD" mix is also R. Kelly, who is best known for not just getting trapped in closets but for being the smoothest, most sensual R&B guy out there. He's the perfect fit for this track and helping Bieber transition to this type of music making. Like Bieber, R. Kelly is restrained in "PYD," matching his style in both flow and volume. The two don't intermingle much, which creates a slight disconnect in their verses, but overall, the combination isn't half bad.
How will Beliebers take it? Of course, they'll love the track. Their mamas? Maybe not so much (or they'll love it in a totally different way).
Listen to Bieber's new Music Mondays single "PYD" (feat. R. Kelly) below:
"PYD" is the seventh single in Bieber's Music Mondays single. Though the star initially announced the track "Alone" last week, it's now seeming like that song will drop as a part of a ticket promotion for his new concert documentary Believe. Fans should keep their ears to the ground for that track, too, however, as it's expected to debut this week.
