Bieber fever heats up the holidays

What does one of the most talked about pop stars do to end the year with a bang? He records a hit Christmas album.

The 17-year-old heartthrob, Justin Bieber, released his album "Under the Mistletoe" last Tuesday and so far nothing but good reviews have been flowing in from fans.

The album, which goes for between $9.99 and $13.99 at major entertainment stores, consists of a mixture of Bieber's holiday originals along with Christmas classics that he interprets with a special Bieber flair.

For the first time, his vocals show a deeper and more mature side.

To top this off, the musical talent of numerous stars was added to a few songs on the album. Guest appearances were made by stars from all sections of the music spectrum, including The Band Perry, Usher, Busta Rhymes, Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey.

The title song of the album, "Mistletoe," became a hit before the album was released. It has already been placed at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for the week of Nov. 5.

The lyrics combine holiday rituals, like "playing in the winter snow," with his feelings about love and following your heart this holiday season. No wonder this song is already a hit. "Bieber Fever" has struck young girls everywhere who imagine they're being serenaded by their pop star crush.

The holiday classics on the album include "The Christmas Song," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Drummer Boy," "Silent Night," and "All I Want for Christmas is You."

Although Bieber adds his touch to each of the songs with upbeat tempos and background music, he does each of them justice.

Perhaps the song that is most changed from the original is "Drummer Boy," which features the super-speed raps of Busta Rhymes. Both Bieber and Busta Rhymes include segments of rapping to the original "pa rum pum pum pum."

Even a few techno beats can be heard in the background. This modern twist to an old song will attract the younger crowd that Bieber targets.

He slows it down with "The Christmas Song," which features his mentor, Usher. The song is filled with harmonies that work beautifully with both of their smooth and soulful voices, making for another spin on a favorite classic.

Adding snaps and slow instrumentals gives the song a bluesy feel and makes it a certain sing-a-long for the album.

Another interesting twist to the album is the addition of two songs - a Bieber original, "Pray," and a remake of a Stevie Wonder Song, "Someday at Christmas." These are the last two songs on the album.

Perhaps it was Bieber's intent to leave people with the message of what Christmas is really about. "Pray" reminds us to remember the less fortunate, while "Someday at Christmas" sends a message of overall world peace. Ending the album on a serious note wraps up the image Bieber portrays on this album.

Bieber started off the year with a hit movie and now he's ending it with a smash album.

"The Biebs" has proven once again that he is successful in everything he does.