AIN'T NO PARTY LIKE A BIEBER LISTENING PARTY

Def Jam and Scooter Braun co-hosted a jam-packed album preview event for Justin Bieber's new album at L.A.'s The Village. Attendees surrendered their phones (no leaks, no selfies) and crowded into the listening space, where Def Jam boss Paul Rosenberg introduced Braun, who brought out Biebs. The young star, in customary sweats and clutching a hockey stick, was very emotional in expressing his gratitude to his team, his collaborators and especially his new wife, who beamed from a nearby couch.

Several playlist-friendly cuts from the album then rocked the joint; Bieber's vocals, to these ears, have hit a new plateau. Among those seen bobbing their heads were Michele Anthony, Shawn Mendes, John Sykes, Alissa Pollack, Big Boy, Mark Shimmel, Jeff Z, Erik Bradley and many other heavyweights; Teams Def Jam and SB Projects were out in force.

Then it was over, and everyone got their precious phones back and could return to complaining about the traffic on Santa Monica.

Look for the Bieber album in mere weeks.