New Bieber: Boyfriend

?Justin Bieber’s new single “Boyfriend” was released on March 26, 2012, but “beliebers” everywhere are on pins and needles waiting for the music video. The video, directed by Colin Tilley, won’t be released until May, but short teasers have kept the excitement level high.

“Boyfriend” is considered edgier than Bieber’s earlier music, more R&B and hip-hop then pop, and many critics are comparing it to Justin Timberlake’s early hits. For some, the song marks Bieber’s transition from teen singer to adult artist. At just under three minutes long, the song talks about how great a boyfriend the singer could be. Lyrics include: “If I was your boyfriend, never let you go, keep you on my arm, girl, you’d never be alone. I can be a gentleman, anything you want.”

The song contains several pop culture references, including allusions to various songs by other musicians such as Beyonce Knowles and Britney Spears. One line even refers to the Disney Pixar “Toy Story” series, saying “I could be your Buzz Lightyear, fly across the globe.”

“Boyfriend” earned the #2 spot on America’s Billboard Hot 100, Bieber’s highest ranking ever. Digital sales reached 521,000 in the first week, giving the singer the 4th best opening week for music downloads ever. The radio also loves “Boyfriend,” with Bieber’s first top 10 on the U.S. Billboard airplay chart. In his native Canada, the song hit the #1 spot.

“Boyfriend” is the first single released from Bieber’s third studio album “Believe.” The album, which features guest singers Kanye West and Drake, is scheduled for release on June 19, 2012.