On July 11, Justin Bieber surprised us all with the release of his seventh album SWAG. The newly released album features Sexyy Red, Gunna, Druski, Lil B, among many other artists, and fans are absolutely living for it! The 31-year-old Canadian pop and R&B singer brought a mixture of fresh pop and 90s R&B in SWAG, making for a totally unique sound. Composed of 21 tracks, such as, “FORGIVENESS,” “TOO LONG,” and, “STANDING ON BUSINESS,” Bieber’s spiritual journey is evident in the religious motifs throughout the album. Spirituality aside, fans also speculate that SWAG may also be a commentary on criticism Bieber has faced during his career, making for an introspective yet relatable track set.
The Best of SWAG
When you first hit play on SWAG, you might be taken aback by the opening track, “FORGIVENESS.” The song features a monologue that touches on themes of Bieber’s own religious journey. Not only does this add to the Christian-pop sound of SWAG, it hits home for Beliebers who’ve followed the singer’s journey from day one.
Other tracks on the album, including, “GLORY VOICE MEMO,” “THERAPY SESSION,” “WALKING AWAY,” and, “WAY IT IS,” all include that personal touch of Bieber’s own struggles and life experiences, including fatherhood and his relationship with God. “GLORY VOICE MEMO,” brilliantly combines each of these in its lyricism:
“I’ve been used, and I’ve been beaten down
I been let down and stalled out
Trip out, then I fall down, screaming out
But I, I reach out my hands, I’m beggin’ You for mercy
Please, Lord, would You take me?
So I reach out, uh, singing, “Glory”
Singing, “Glory to the King”
Singing, “Glory, Glory to the Most High”
When it comes down to songs you’ll be replaying, leave that up to “DEVOTION,” “TOO LONG,” “YUKON,” and “SWAG.” If you’re a fan of mellow songs that give you goosebumps, then “DEVOTION” and “YUKON” are your girls. “TOO LONG,” is one of many on the studio album that has that 90s R&B vibe and will definitely be a replay for fans of the genre. “SWAG,” featuring Cash Cobain and Eddie Benjamin, on the other hand, is an unexpected clash between that past Bieber we’re familiar with and SWAG’s new, fresh energy.
New or Least Favorite Album?
SWAG offers a wide range of tracks, from Christian-pop undertones to traditional R&B and pop. Because the studio album provides such an array of sounds, listeners can undoubtedly find some of their new favorites on Bieber’s new album. SWAG is surely out of the ordinary for the Canadian pop and R&B singer’s usual albums, but that is also what gives SWAG that unique touch. While several fans have mixed opinions on the newly released album, there is an outstanding positive reaction to SWAG‘s diversity, making it a new favorite album for many!
Give SWAG a listen on Spotify or YouTube to decide if you’re going to add this to your favorite albums of the year!
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