Evan Bieber's new single, "Market Kids," is a sun-soaked indie pop anthem that makes being broke in New York City sound pretty damn romantic. Inspired by the Brooklyn roots of Bieber himself. The song's a celebration of the whirlwind chaos of new love, which only seems possible in the city that never sleeps.
"Market Kids" commands your attention with buoyant, pop-forward energy reminiscent of The 1975, yet also driven by an underlying momentum and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics, reminiscent of Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark." The track hits with a sweet, kinetic energy, toeing the line between twofold charm and sincerity. Here, Bieber's vocals, earnest yet playful, lightly skate atop Rob Chiarappa's sparkling production, conjuring a space that feels both close and gauzy all at once, perfect for roaming the city streets in a haze of love and financial anxiety.
What's especially beautiful about "Market Kids" is that it captures a universal feeling through a single story. Bieber does not romanticize struggle, he gazes at it lovingly. Descriptions of ramen dinners and last-dollar takeout purchases aren't just stories, they're touchstones for anyone who's felt the dichotomy between survival and passion, between adult responsibility and heedless devotion. There's exuberant openness in his approach, an acceptance that life can be messy, but real love, yes, real love, adds some color to the chaos.
The chorus is irresistibly sticky, a note soaring high in the sky that money doesn't measure happiness. Instead, Bieber flips the script, suggesting that wealth is about connection, laughter, and shared experiences, however modest the setting. The final note is struck, you're left grinning, maybe screwing your eyes tight with memories and the tough desire to press repeat.
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