The 21-track album called Swag was released in a surprise drop today after the singer posted teasers on Instagram last night and mysterious billboards were put up worldwide describing it as "some of his most personal music yet" as he reflects on his experiences as a husband and father, following online speculation around his marriage to wife Hailey Bieber.
In an interview with Vogue Magazine earlier this year his wife Hailey, the daughter of US actor Stephen Baldwin, said that postpartum life had been "very difficult" describing constant internet rumours as a "crazy life to live”. She also said giving birth to the couple's son last year was one of the "hardest things" she has ever done after going through an 18-hour labour.
She seemingly responded to ongoing speculation about their marriage with a strongly-worded message yesterday on her Instagram. In the post she shared a photo of the album cover art which features a photo of their 10-month old son and wrote, "Is it finally clocking to you f--king losers?" This is seen to be a reference to the viral Justin meme of him giving out to paparazzi.
In a similar move to shut down divorce speculation earlier this month Justin shared a series of photos of the model hugging him while sitting in his lap and captioning the post "My forever n always."
Fans on social media were quick to react to the new release. One of the users posted, “Justin Bieber new “Swag” album is smooth.” and the “All I can take song” Has that michael jackson feel on it." Another said, "Justin Bieber just dropped the SWAG album and it feels like MJ’s soul is moonwalking through every beat. This isn't just music, it's a masterclass in vocals, rhythm, and legacy."
Someone else added, “Justin going 21/21 on this album and there’s more to come and i can’t even imagine what he’s going to continue to surprise everyone with. SWAG is so raw and beautiful in every way possible and i’m blown away by his vocals, the production, EVERYTHING!! JB is still him.”
Swag follows 2021’s Justice album, which featured singles Hold On, Peaches and Anyone, and was made in collaboration with Carter Lang, Dylan Wiggins, Daniel Caesar, Dijon, mk.gee, Daniel Chetrit, Eddie Benjamin, and Knox Fortune. Track titles on the new record being released on the Def Jam Recordings label include Therapy Session, Dadz Love and Devotion.
Bieber has won two Grammy Awards for best country duo/group performance for 10,000 Hours with Dan + Shay and best dance recording for Where Are U Now recorded with EDM duo Jack U, made up of DJs Skrillex and Diplo. He has 23 Grammy nominations.
