Justin Bieber ‘Swag’ Review: Fascinating Sounds but Lacking Lyrical Depth

Explore the captivating sounds of Justin Bieber’s ‘Swag,’ blending spiritual themes and edgy vibes, though the lyrics leave much to be desired.

A Bold Statement Amidst Fame’s Spotlight

“It’s not clocking to you that I’m standing on business, is it?” This powerful line from Justin Bieber near the end of his seventh album, Swag, captures the frustration of growing up under the microscope of fame. Repurposed from a viral video where Bieber confronts paparazzi on Father's Day, this moment highlights the intense scrutiny he’s faced since bursting onto the scene at 13.

Justin Bieber standing his ground in the face of public scrutiny.

The surprise release of Swag arrives amid swirling rumors about Bieber’s personal life. Social media and tabloids dissect his every move, searching for signs of distress or scandal. His team has slammed this coverage as “exhausting and pitiful,” underscoring the pressure weighing on the superstar.

Sanctuary in Faith and Intimacy

Unlike his previous dance-heavy album Justice (2021), Swag leans into deeper personal themes—spirituality and intimacy. The album nods to Bieber’s Christian faith, even featuring gospel legend Marvin Winans closing the record with ‘Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.’ Beyond faith, Bieber digs into the spiritual side of sexuality, weaving sultry devotionals with quirky imagery, like the playful line from ‘405’: “Spider-Man on your ass.”

Yet, the lyrics often feel half-baked, even when the production soars. On ‘Go Baby’ he croons, “That’s my baby, she’s iconic,” before slipping in a cheeky plug for his wife’s Rhode phone accessories: “iPhone case, with a lipgloss on it.” It’s a charming but shallow moment that typifies much of the album’s lyrical content.

Turning Up the Heat with ‘Sweet Spot’

One of the album’s most provocative tracks, ‘Sweet Spot’, takes sensual lyrics to bold new extremes. Featuring rapper Sexxy Red, who delivers unapologetically explicit verses like, “Put that dick in my ass/Make my heart stop,” Bieber’s contributions aim for sexy but sometimes miss the mark with awkward one-liners: “I like it sticky in the sheets, I’ll make your sheets hot.”

A Star-Studded Array of Collaborators

Swag boasts an eclectic mix of collaborators, from indie artist Mk.gee to alt R&B singer Dijon, Canadian R&B sensation Daniel Caesar, and internet rap pioneer Lil B. But the standout guest is comedian and influencer Druski, who pops up throughout the album offering offbeat advice and a steady supply of Black & Mild cigars, mostly ignored.

Druski’s line on ‘Soulful’—“Your skin white, but your soul black, Justin”—reflects Bieber’s long-standing embrace of Black culture’s impact on his artistry. However, this statement simplifies a complex relationship into a soundbite.

The striking artwork for Justin Bieber’s ‘Swag’.

Lil B’s Influence and Genre-Bending Sounds

Lil B’s influence looms large over Swag, especially in its fluid genre-shifting and understated vocal style. Tracks like ‘Dadz Love’ showcase vintage footage of a toddler Bieber playing percussion, layered over echoing acoustic guitar. The album opener, ‘All I Can Take’, pulses with rich, Kashif-inspired R&B vibes.

The album resists settling into one mood or style, moving like a diary from track to track. This loose, exploratory approach results in a soundscape that is at once captivating but occasionally disjointed.

A Lengthy Album That Often Stumbles

Despite moments of inspired production, Swag feels sprawling and uneven. With 21 tracks, it meanders without a clear direction, and the lyrics rarely offer the emotional or intellectual depth to hold attention. Bieber’s moments of defiance and resilience hint at a stronger voice beneath, but for now, the album leaves listeners with more questions than answers.

Album Details

• Record Label: Def Jam Recordings
• Release Date: July 11, 2025

“It’s not clocking to you that I’m standing on business, is it?” — Justin Bieber

Wrapping Up: Is Justin Bieber’s ‘Swag’ the Next Step Forward?

Swag offers a fascinating glimpse into Bieber’s evolving soundscape, blending spirituality, intimacy, and genre-fluid production. Yet its lyrical shallowness and sprawling length may leave fans yearning for more substance. What do you think? Does the album’s sonic charm outweigh its weak lyrical moments?

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does ‘Swag’ compare to Justin Bieber’s previous albums?
  Swag shifts from the dance-heavy Justice to a more exploratory, spiritually-tinged sound but lacks the lyrical polish of earlier work.
• Who are some notable collaborators on this album?
  The album features artists like Mk.gee, Dijon, Daniel Caesar, Lil B, and comedian Druski.
• What themes are explored on ‘Swag’?
  Faith, intimacy, fame, and personal growth are central themes throughout the album.
• Is ‘Swag’ considered a commercial success?
  It’s too early to tell definitively, but the album’s surprise release and mixed reviews suggest a polarizing reception.
• Where can I buy official ‘Swag’ merchandise or posters?
  You can shop your favorite album cover posters and merch at our store here.

Ready to celebrate the vibe of Swag? Shop your favorite Justin Bieber album cover poster now and bring home the perfect piece of music art! Explore the collection