Bieber, Gomez, and Lovato hitmaker Julia Michaels drops debut solo offering “Issues”

We’ll get the name-dropping out of the way early: Michaels’ songwriting credits include collaborations with Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, Selena Gomez, Nichole Scherzinger, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson, Little Mix, Nick Jonas, Rita Ora, Zedd, Britney Spears, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani. After reportedly fought over by a plethora of well-known artists, 2017’s “Issues” is her first solo single.

It’s no surprise that the “Love Yourself” and “Good For You” hitmaker’s debut is a delectable slice of pop, but what’s slightly unexpected is how low-key it is. Backed with delicate string and vocal samples, the focus of “Issues” is undoubtedly Michaels’ lyrics, rather than the dance-worthy bombast of some of her most successful collaborations. The sleek pop production takes care not to affect the clarity of her delivery, ensuring it will stick in the heads of even the most casual of radio listeners.

Creeping in at just under three minutes of play time, “Issues” offers a tantalising taste of what’s to come from Michaels’ singing career, and how it might diverge from her previous works. It’s safe to say that we don’t see her flying under anyone’s radar for long.