Justin Bieber – SWAG II (Album Review)

Justin Bieber dropped part 2 of his album ‘SWAG’ on September 5th.

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TOP 5 SONGS

5. NEED IT

If confidence had a soundtrack, it would sound a lot like ‘Need It

Let’s be real: “Need It” is sexy, smooth, and impossible not to move to. This track switches gears from the softer songs and delivers a more hip–hop–forward beat that still carries Justin’s R&B and pop flavor. The production is clean, flowy, and perfectly balanced, creating a track that slides between genres without losing its edge. Lyrically, it’s got that confident, flirty energy, and Justin leans into it with ease. It’s playful but also sultry, the kind of song that makes you want to dance while low-key blushing at the same time. On an album full of variety, “Need It” stands out as one of the most dynamic cuts—catchy, vibey, and polished enough to be a radio hit, but cool enough to live on playlists for months.

4. EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH

Justin strips away the gloss and gives us something rarer than perfection: pure honesty.

Not to be funny, but this track truly feels spiritual. Justin comes in with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, and the lyrics unfold like a personal prayer. He celebrates the gift of simply waking up, breathing, being alive. The way he lists off blessings—his fans, his partner, even the rain—grounds the track in everyday joys that often go overlooked. Sonically, it’s raw and stripped down, soulful in a way that feels deeply authentic. Justin doesn’t just sing here, he bares his soul, and the honesty radiates. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate what we have, and it sets an intimate, vulnerable tone for the album. A song like this is hard to forget—it lingers with you long after it ends.

3. POPPIN MY SH**

Forget subtlety—this track barges in, kicks down the door, and dares you not to move.”

This one just hits different. “Poppin My Sh**” throws us straight into hip hop territory, with Hurricane Chris delivering a feature that matches Justin’s energy bar for bar. It’s easily the catchiest track on the album, with a hook that burrows into your brain after one listen. Justin flexes a side of himself we don’t always see—playful, braggadocious, and clearly having fun with it. There’s a grit and bounce in the beat that makes it impossible to sit still, and you can tell both artists are feeding off each other’s energy. It’s a sharp contrast to the love-soaked songs on the project, but that’s what makes it work. By the end, you’re hyped up, laughing, and probably yelling “AYYYE!” at the top of your lungs.

2. I THINK YOU’RE SPECIAL

Some songs glow, but ‘I Think You’re Special’ straight-up radiates sunshine.

This track is pure light. Featuring the incredible Tems, “I Think You’re Special” has an airy, semi-acoustic vibe that brings out Justin’s pop sensibilities in the best way. The instrumentation is bright and uncluttered, leaving plenty of space for both voices to shine. There’s a softness in the delivery that feels reminiscent of his Justice era—hopeful, earnest, and full of warmth. Lyrically, it’s a sweet declaration of admiration, the kind of track that lifts your mood the moment it starts. Tems’ smooth, soulful tone blends perfectly with Justin’s, creating a natural harmony that feels effortless. It’s heartfelt without being cheesy, and it carries this uplifting energy that makes you smile. This is one of those songs that feels good for the soul.

1. I DO

Romance and heat collide on “I Do,” a track that feels as intimate as it does timeless.”

“I Do” leans hard into that early 2000s R&B energy—smooth, sensual, and dripping with romance. At first listen, the title and lyrics like “You’ll always be the one that I choose” make it feel like a wedding song. But the deeper you go, the more intimate it becomes. This isn’t just about commitment on paper—it’s about the physical and emotional closeness between two people who know each other inside out. Justin makes it clear that no one else can touch the way he touches or make her feel the way he does. The track is tender yet sultry, balancing sweetness with a confident edge. It’s love in all its messy, sappy, physical glory, and it feels like one of his most intimate offerings on the project.

SONG BY SONG RATING

SPEED DEMON (4/5)

BETTER MAN (4/5)

LOVE SONG (3.5/5)

I DO (4/5)

I THINK YOU’RE SPECIAL (4/5)

MOTHER IN YOU (4/5)

WITCHYA (4/5)

EYE CANDY (3.5/5)

DON’T WANNA (3.5/5)

BAD HONEY (3.5/5)

NEED IT (4/5)

OH MAN (4/5)

POPPIN MY SH** (4/5)

ALL THE WAY (3.5/5)

PETTING ZOO (3.5/5)

MOVING FAST (3.5/5)

SAFE SPACE (4/5)

LYIN’ (4/5)

DOTTED LINE (4/5)

OPEN UP YOUR HEART (3.5/5)

WHEN IT’S OVER (4/5)

EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH (4/5)

STORY OF GOD (N/A)

RGM RATING

(84%)

Justin Bieber really pulled off the unexpected with SWAG II. Announced suddenly and dropped fashionably late, the project could’ve easily been overshadowed by its own hype. Instead, it exceeded expectations in every way. Sequels in music often fall flat, but here Justin manages to elevate the energy of the original SWAG while carving out something fresh, heartfelt, and fun.

What makes this album so strong is its balance. You get stripped-back, soulful reflections like “Everything Hallelujah,” sensual R&B in “I Do,” lighthearted pop sweetness on “I Think You’re Special,” and hip hop bops like “Poppin My Sh**.” It’s a rollercoaster of moods, yet somehow it all flows together seamlessly. Each track feels intentional, with Justin showing different shades of his artistry—tender vulnerability, playful confidence, and raw honesty.

What surprised me most was the vulnerability and joy that thread through the project. Even the hype tracks carry a sense of freedom, like he’s no longer weighed down by proving himself. SWAG II isn’t just a follow-up—it’s a reinvention. It’s Bieber reminding us why he’s stayed relevant this long: versatility, authenticity, and a willingness to evolve. Honestly? This is one of his most complete and replayable albums in years.

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