The track remains widely regarded on Reddit's r/JUSTINBIEBER community as one of the best unreleased tracks in his entire catalog, alongside other vault favorites like "La Bomba" and "Hit The Ground".
Unlike the relentless album-tour cycles of his twenties, Bieber's recent strategy emphasizes rest, step-by-step rehabilitation, and studio work over exhausting live performances.
The raw vulnerability of "Start Again" is more than just a song concept; it's a mirror reflecting Justin Bieber's own life story. As he prepared to headline the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, he openly reflected on the preceding years, describing them as "pretty dark". The journey from those dark years to the main stage of one of the world's biggest festivals is the real-life story of "Start Again" in action.
However, in recent years, Bieber has faced numerous challenges that have impacted his career and personal life. In 2019, he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), resisting arrest, and driving without a license. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to two years' probation. justin bieber start again
Justin’s need to "start again" stems from a series of high-profile challenges that would have broken most artists.
To understand "Start Again," one must situate it within the timeline of Bieber's Changes era. Unlike his earlier teen-pop hits or the electronic-dance dominance of Purpose (2015), this era was characterized by "R&Bieber"—a return to slow jams and vocal-forward production.
With hits like "Sorry" and "Love Yourself", Bieber addressed his past actions directly. Purpose was not just a return to the top of the charts; it was a public apology and a clear indication that he was starting again—not as a child star, but as a young man acknowledging his flaws. 4. Changes and Justice : A More Mature Rebirth The track remains widely regarded on Reddit's r/JUSTINBIEBER
Bieber also needs to reconnect with his fans and rebuild his reputation. He can do this by being more authentic and transparent about his personal struggles and experiences. By sharing his story and being vulnerable, he can build trust and empathy with his fans.
The central thesis of "Start Again" is found in its chorus: the admission of imperfection and the request for a reset.
Justin Bieber has lived one of the most documented public collapses and resurrections in history. In 2014, he was voted the most hated celebrity in Hollywood. By 2016, he was nominated for Album of the Year. By 2022, he was selling out stadiums despite a paralyzed face. As he prepared to headline the 2026 Coachella
Following a turbulent period of intense media scrutiny in the early 2010s, Bieber stripped back his pop persona. He released Journals in 2013—a project heavily rooted in R&B that laid the emotional groundwork for tracks like "Start Again". Soon after, his 2015 comeback single, "What Do You Mean?" , and the blockbuster album Purpose reinvented him as a mature pop powerhouse. 2. Overcoming Health Crises
For over a decade, the phrase "start again" has been a recurring theme in Justin Bieber's career—both literally, as a leaked fan-favorite track, and figuratively, as he continuously reinvents himself. As of May 2026, Bieber is in the midst of one of his most significant "restarts" following a hiatus marked by health challenges and a high-profile shift in his management. The Mystery of "Start Again" (The Unreleased Track)