Pop superstar Justin Bieber stunned fans by unexpectedly releasing a new album titled Swag over the weekend. The 21-track project – his seventh studio album – arrived just hours after Bieber teased its existence via cryptic billboards and social media posts. Swag is Bieber’s first full-length release since 2021’s Justice and his first since becoming a father last year.
According to his label Def Jam, Bieber’s new songs reflect major life changes: “Inspired by his devotion as a husband and father, this new era of music has fueled a deeper perspective and more reflective sound, resulting in some of his most personal music yet,” the label noted in a statement. True to that promise, Bieber gets candid across the album, even name-dropping his wife Hailey on the tender R&B track “Go Baby” with the affectionate lyric, “That’s my baby, she’s iconic”.
Musically, Swag finds Bieber blending upbeat pop and smooth R&B vibes reminiscent of his early sound, but with a newfound maturity. Fans have been quick to celebrate surprise collaborations on the album as well – Swag features an eclectic mix of guests from alt-R&B singer Dijon to rapper 2 Chainz and even a comedic cameo by Druski. Debuting with minimal warning, Swag has quickly ignited excitement among Beliebers and signaled a fresh chapter for Bieber as an artist and new dad.
