Justin Bieber’s Swag II: A Tender Yet Bloated Sequel to His Surprise Album

Justin Bieber returns with Swag II, offering a softer, more heartfelt vibe but still struggling under its own weight of excess.

A Surprise Return with Swag II

Just when you thought Justin Bieber had caught his breath after dropping his surprise seventh album Swag less than two months ago, he’s back at it again. The Canadian pop sensation announced Swag II with less than a day’s notice, shocking fans and stirring up excitement. Though it was promised to arrive at midnight, the pastel-pink-themed album appeared three hours late — and guess what? Bieber himself was “clicking refresh” alongside the rest of us, waiting impatiently for streaming services to go live.

Justin Bieber in vibrant pastel tones during the Swag II era

If you recall, Swag had its fair share of eyebrow-raising lyrics — who could forget the breathless name-drop for Hailey Bieber’s lip gloss holders in “Go Baby”? Luckily, the follow-up dials down the cringeworthy moments and embraces simplicity, which makes it a stronger listen overall. And thank goodness it’s less overtly horny this time around; the first Swag made some sultry attempts that felt more like a safety manual for electric blankets than actual passion.

A Softer, More Tender Direction

Where Swag often swung for sexy vibes, Swag II takes a gentler route. Take “Mother In You,” for instance — an acoustic-led lullaby where Bieber reflects tenderly on fatherhood. The opening lines tug at the heartstrings:

“It’s half past seven, I had somewhere to be / I guess I’m late, but I got a reason; you’re a beautiful world that’s countin’ on me.”

It’s refreshing to hear this side of Bieber, a pop star embracing his softer emotions without trying too hard. Even the infamous paparazzi confrontation sample from Swag makes a return on “Speed Demon,” but this time, it’s playful rather than confrontational. Over a breezy guitar groove and hip-hop-influenced beat, he casually asks,

“Is it clocking to you?”

This lighter tone marks a nice shift, showing the artist’s growth and willingness to experiment with mood and texture.

Guest Stars and Musical Highlights

One of the album’s standout tracks, “Love Song,” features production by Mk.Gee, who’s the only collaborator credited here but makes a huge impact. Jazzy piano licks weave through the track, giving it a smooth, timeless feel that you don’t get on every mainstream pop album.

Then there’s Tems, who lends her sultry voice to “I Think You’re Special,” adding an international flair that fits perfectly into Bieber’s evolving sound. Another gem is “Bad Honey,” where Bieber lets loose, having fun with a strutty, funk-inspired vocal style loaded with falsetto flourishes. It’s a joyful moment that spices up the album’s otherwise mellow mood.

Where Swag II Stumbles

Despite these highlights, Swag II isn’t without its flaws. The album closes with the nearly eight-minute “Story Of God,” where Bieber recites the Biblical tale of Adam and Eve. While ambitious, this feels like an overindulgence that drags the pace and tests the listener’s patience.

Thematically, the album revolves heavily around two subjects: Bieber’s love for God and his devotion to his wife. While those are heartfelt and important topics, the repetition grows tiresome and limits the variety you crave in a full-length release.

The Familiar Sound of Swag

If you liked the lush, R&B-infused vibe of Swag, you’ll find it much of the same here. Collaborators like Dijon, Mk.Gee, Carter Lang, and Eddie Benjamin return, reinforcing the smooth, soulful soundscape that Bieber has clearly embraced. But that also means Swag II doesn’t break much new ground; it feels like a continuation rather than a fresh chapter.

There are no obvious radio-ready singles popping out, which might be why this project seemed to be tweaked up until the last minute. It’s a sprawling work that feels more like a mixtape or side project than a tightly curated album.

The Double-Edged Sword of a Double Album

Listening to Swag and Swag II back to back, it’s hard not to feel a bit overwhelmed. Both albums combined clock in at over two hours — a marathon of shimmering sound that starts to feel repetitive and bloated. This sprawling approach is something we’ve seen from other major artists lately, with surprise deluxe editions and extended tracklists seemingly designed to boost streaming numbers rather than artistic cohesion.

Think Taylor Swift’s surprise addition to *The Tortured Poet’s Department*, SZA’s mammoth *SOS* deluxe edition, or Drake’s extended *Scary Hours* version of *For All The Dogs*. While all contain gems, they also test patience. And that’s exactly the vibe here. You can’t help but wonder: did we really need a double album? Couldn’t some ruthless editing have made these songs shine brighter in a tighter package?

Album Details

Cover art for Justin Bieber’s Swag II

• Record label: Def Jam Recordings
• Release date: September 5, 2025

Final Thoughts: More Hits Than Misses, But Still Overstuffed

There’s no denying that Justin Bieber’s Swag II offers some genuinely tender moments and standout tracks that showcase his evolution as an artist and a person. However, its bloated length and repetitive themes weigh it down, making it a bit of a slog to get through in one sitting.

If you’re a die-hard Bieber fan or enjoy lush, R&B-tinged pop with a spiritual twist, Swag II will satisfy. But casual listeners might find the double album format a bit much, wishing for a more concise, focused experience.

FAQ

• What distinguishes Swag II from the original Swag album?
  Swag II offers a lighter, more tender tone with less overt sexuality and more focus on fatherhood and spirituality.
• Who are the notable collaborators on Swag II?
  Mk.Gee, Dijon, Carter Lang, Eddie Benjamin, and Tems are key contributors, helping shape the album’s smooth R&B sound.
• Are there any standout songs on Swag II?
  “Love Song,” “I Think You’re Special,” and “Bad Honey” are among the highlights, each bringing something unique to the table.
• Is Swag II a double album?
  Yes, combined with its predecessor, the two albums total over two hours, which some find excessive.
• How does Swag II reflect Justin Bieber’s personal growth?
  The album touches on themes of fatherhood, faith, and love, showing a more mature and introspective side of Bieber.

If you want to bring Justin Bieber’s artistic journey right into your space, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store for a touch of Swag-inspired style and nostalgia.

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