Mixed reviews for Justin Bieber’s unexpected album
Justin Bieber has recently released a surprise album titled “Swag,” marking his first album in four years. However, critics have expressed mixed feelings about his comeback. The Guardian gave the album three stars, acknowledging that while it has moments of brilliance, it falls short of being a long-awaited masterpiece. Similarly, The Telegraph awarded two stars, noting that the album does not showcase Bieber as a pop titan but instead portrays as an uneasy and unfiltered plea for help.
One of the points of contention in the album is the inclusion of spoken-word interludes, such as “Therapy Session” and “Standing On Business.” In these segments, Bieber addresses the toll of press speculation on his mental health and confronts a photographer, respectively. The latter term, “Standing on business,” has since become synonymous with standing up for oneself and taking charge of responsibilities and ambitions.
With a runtime of just under an hour, “Swag” sees Bieber collaborating with various rappers like Sexxy Red, Cash Cobain, and Gunna. The title of the album seems to nod back to Bieber’s hit “Boyfriend” from 2012. Promotional images shared by the artist feature his wife, Hailey Bieber, and their son. The album opens strongly with “All I Can Take,” described as a twist on energetic 1980s R&B, according to a review by Rachel Aroesti from The Guardian. However, while musically captivating, Swag suffers from cliché and repetitive lyrics in tracks like “Dadz Love.”
Critiques of the album are further mentioned in reviews by other publications. The Independent criticized the album for highlighting Bieber’s artistic stagnation, noting a struggle between themes of sex, religion, and self-pity. Despite showcasing a new sound, Billboard felt that fans hoping for an album akin to Bieber’s previous hits might find “Swag” lacking. Clash magazine, on the other hand, praised the album for its colorfulness and entertainment value.
“Swag” spans 21 tracks with diverse lyrical themes ranging from fatherhood to religious allusions, reflecting Bieber’s Christian faith. This variety showcases a broad spectrum of ideas, hinting at a fresh beginning for the artist. Recently, Bieber has expressed concerns about his privacy and personal life, which has been heavily impacted by paparazzi intrusion. Similarly, his marriage struggles have been highlighted in social media posts, indicating a tumultuous journey for the artist.
The release of “Swag” comes amidst speculations about Bieber’s mental state and personal life. However, the album demonstrates an artist willing to confront his struggles through music, marking a significant evolution in his career. With “Swag,” Bieber seems to be wiping the slate clean and embarking on a new chapter of creativity and self-exploration. Time will tell how this surprise album shapes the trajectory of his musical career and personal journey.