Album Review: Justin Bieber’s SWAG Is a Bold Return to Form

It’s not every day that an artist of Justin Bieber’s caliber drops a surprise album—but when he does, the world pays attention. And with his new project SWAG, his seventh studio album and the first where he owns 100% of his masters, Bieber reminded everyone exactly why he still belongs at the top of the music game.

The rollout? Nonexistent. The rumors? Loud. Over the past few months, headlines around Justin have had more to do with his personal life—whether it was yelling at paparazzi or speculation about his marriage—than his music. Some even began whispering that his career was on the decline. But SWAG shut all that down in one play through.

Clocking in at 21 tracks, the album feels like a statement. From the opening track “All I Can Take,” which channels a clear Michael Jackson influence, to genre-bending moments like the pop-country cut “Daisies,” Bieber wastes no time reminding us of his versatility. This project proves that not only is he still creatively sharp, but he's unafraid to take risks while staying true to his core sound.

SWAG features a range of collaborators—Gunna, Cash Cobain, Dijon, and even Sexyy Red. While most of the features blend seamlessly into the sonic world Bieber creates, the Sexyy Redd placement felt out of place. It seemed more like a label decision meant to drive engagement than an intentional creative move. That said, it doesn’t take away from the overall quality of the album.

Some personal standouts from the project include “Yukon,” a smooth, introspective record that feels like a modern-day Journals cut, and “Way It Is” featuring Gunna, which perfectly balances melodic rap and Bieber’s polished vocal tone. “Walking Away,” “Devotion,” and “Too Long” also hit the mark—each showing a different layer of Bieber’s artistry, from vulnerability to confidence.

One of the most impressive things about SWAG is how cohesive it feels, even with the wide range of sounds. There’s pop, R&B, country influence, and even a little bit of drill-adjacent production sprinkled in. But it never feels forced. Bieber sounds like he's in control—confident, polished, and free.

After a full weekend of spinning this album, I’d confidently give it an 8.5/10. It's fresh, it's well-produced, and most importantly—it’s him. Don’t be surprised if you see SWAG in the Grammy conversation this upcoming season. This is quality music we didn't know we needed, but we’re glad we got.

Justin Bieber might’ve been quiet for a bit—but with SWAG, he’s speaking volumes.

Final Verdict:8.5/10 — A strong, genre-blending return from one of pop’s most resilient stars.