Justin Bieber- SWAG (Album Review)

Justin Bieber dropped a surprise album on July 11th.

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TOP 5

5. Too Long

“Too Long” is sexy, cheeky, and dripping with innuendo—in the best way. Justin leans into playful energy on this track, singing about the way he wants his girl to move, the way her body looks, and everything he’s been waiting to do. The lyrics are clever and flirtatious without taking themselves too seriously, which makes it perfect for screaming with the girlypops or adding to a girls’ night playlist. It’s got that classic Justin edge: polished production with a little wink behind the mic. There’s nothing too deep here, but that’s part of the charm. It’s fun, hot, and easy to lose yourself in—sometimes that’s exactly what a track needs to be.

4. Things You Do

“Things You Do” is sweet, breezy, and feel-good from start to finish. It’s a short and swoony love song, filled with admiration for all the little things his partner does that make him fall even harder. There’s a simple kind of joy in the track—like smiling to yourself over a memory or feeling butterflies for no reason. The melody is soft and catchy, and it sticks with you in a comforting way. If anything, the biggest drawback is that it’s too short. It leaves you wanting more, in the best way. This one feels like a musical love note, and it’s easy to imagine it becoming a favorite for couples who want a lowkey anthem of affection.

3. Walking Away

“Walking Away” feels like the most traditionally Bieber song on the album—pop-forward with strong R&B and hip-hop undertones. It blends a catchy, radio-ready beat with layered harmonies and smooth vocal runs that remind us why Justin’s voice is still such a draw. The lyrics center around needing distance while still being emotionally tied to someone. It’s about stepping away to breathe, not to break up. That tension—between wanting space and staying committed—feels real and relatable. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. It’s polished, catchy, and familiar in a comforting way, which makes it one of the more replayable tracks on the project.

2. Devotion

“Devotion” is sensual and soulful, blending emotional intimacy with physical longing. This track is all about admiration—not just of the body, but of the connection itself. It’s about slow mornings, late-night conversations, deep trust, and a love that feels safe enough to share your full self. There’s something quietly powerful about how Justin approaches this one: he doesn’t shout his feelings; he lets them linger in the silences between lyrics. The production is soft and warm, giving the song a kind of velvety atmosphere that makes it perfect for slow dancing—or just vibing out solo. It’s tender without being cheesy, and sensual without trying too hard. Definitely one of the standout moments of intimacy on the album.

1. Glory (Voice Memo)

“Glory (Voice Memo)” is raw, rugged, and incredibly moving. Even though it’s short, this track carries a lot of emotional weight. Justin strips everything back here—no polish, no filter—and lets his vulnerability shine through. It’s all about pain, faith, and reaching the edge of what you can handle emotionally. The religious undertones, paired with his tired, aching vocal delivery, make it feel more like a confession than a song. You can hear the fatigue, the sincerity, the prayer. It’s messy, real, and oddly grounding. For an album with a lot of stylized production, this little voice memo stands out as one of the most honest moments. It gave me actual chills.

SONG BY SONG RATING

ALL I CAN TAKE (3.5/5)

DAISIES (4/5)

YUKON (4/5)

GO BABY (3.5/5)

THINGS YOU DO (4/5)*

BUTTERFLIES (4/5)

WAY IT IS (3.5/5)

FIRST PLACE (4/5)

SOULFUL (N/A)

WALKING AWAY (4/5)*

GLORY VOICE MEMO (4/5)*

DEVOTION (4/5)*

DADZ LOVE (4/5)

THERAPY SESSION (N/A)

SWEET SPOT (3.5/5)

STANDING ON BUSINESS (N/A)

405 (3.5/5)

SWAG (4/5)

ZUMA HOUSE (4/5)

TOO LONG (4/5)*

FORGIVENESS (N/A)

RGM RATING

(77%)

Justin Bieber knows how to make a moment—and the rollout for this album was a moment. From the creative interludes and commentary to the addition of Druski and viral snippets sprinkled throughout, there’s no doubt his team (and his sense of humor) understood the assignment. The visuals, the structure, the buzz—it was all brilliantly executed.

As for the music itself, I enjoyed it. There are some standout tracks that I’ve already added to playlists, and it’s always exciting to see Bieber lean further into R&B. He’s clearly experimenting more with his sound, pulling influence from the ‘80s and ‘90s, and that retro energy is fun to hear.

That said, this album didn’t quite hit as hard for me as some of his previous work. It felt like the start of something rather than a fully realized concept. A lot of songs were catchy and likable, but a few came and went without leaving much of a mark. I was hoping for a deeper dive into the themes and style he was aiming for.

Still, I’m glad Justin’s making music again, and I respect that he’s taking creative risks. This wasn’t my favorite project of his—but it’s not one I’ll forget either. I’m excited to see where he goes next.