Justin Bieber “Swag” Review: Gorgeous R&B Hollow Lyrics
A polished R&B passion project with lush 1980s inspired production Swag dazzles sonically but falters lyrically This review examines the album’s highs and its emotional emptiness .
Justin Bieber’s surprise seventh studio album Swag released on July 11 2025 marks his first full length release since 2021’s Justice After several years flirting with mainstream pop trends Swag takes a bold detour a passion project rooted in 1980s inspired R&B It’s gorgeously produced and sonically cohesive but lyrically the album struggles to resonate Critics like Sputnikmusic Pitchfork and The Guardian commend its ambition but note its emotional shallowness .
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A Nostalgic Sonic Landscape
The album kicks off with “All I Can Take” a dreamy echo laced track steeped in vintage R&B ambiance Its production feels like a haunted cassette from the 1980s complete with faded beats and velvety synths The Guardian AP News The Daily Beast .
Tracks like “Butterflies” “Too Long” and “First Place” build on this with lush layers of gated reverb melismatic harmonies and sultry textures Credit goes to producers Carter Lang Tobias Jesso Jr and Dylan Wiggins for crafting a deeply immersive soundscape LOS40 Wikipedia .
Meanwhile lo fi interludes such as “Zuma House” and “Glory Voice Memo” further the album’s raw intimate aesthetic These tracks add a spontaneous bedroom pop feel that enhances Swag’s nostalgic allure Pitchfork LOS40 The Guardian .
Standout Collaborations
Swag features an eclectic guest list Comedian Druski plays a recurring role in spoken word skits These moments aim to satirize media portrayals and inject humor but often feel forced or tonally jarring Wikipedia The Guardian .
Lil B contributes a minimalist verse on “Dadz Love” a track with hypnotic looping vocals and surreal repetitive lyrics It’s a tribute to fatherhood but lacks lyrical bite Pitchfork LOS40 .
Rappers Gunna Sexyy Red and Cash Cobain also appear adapting to the album’s moody sound Cash Cobain’s subtle drill tinged verse stands out for its restrained yet effective delivery .
Lyrics Surface Level Sentiment
Where Swag falters most is in its songwriting Love songs addressed to Bieber’s wife Hailey often feel generic or overly sweetened “Dadz Love” loops its title endlessly without providing meaningful insight while tracks like “Go Baby” reference pop culture trinkets but fail to evoke true intimacy .
Druski’s skits meant to humanize Bieber instead highlight a deeper issue the lyrics lack specificity and vulnerability Despite the emotional tone of the music the words seldom go beyond the surface The Guardian Pitchfork .
Final Thoughts Form Without Depth
Despite its lyrical flaws Swag is a cohesive well crafted sonic experience It trades the bombast of mainstream pop for refined R&B minimalism and nostalgic sophistication It’s ambient moody and at times beautifully melancholic .
But as a passion project Swag doesn’t quite deliver the emotional rawness it promises The soundscape is immaculate but the substance behind it feels thin The result is an album that’s enjoyable to listen to but hard to connect with on a deeper level .
Conclusion
Justin Bieber’s Swag is a bold stylistic pivot an immersive retro futurist R&B record with impeccable production It’s far more daring than a typical chart chaser Yet its lack of lyrical substance and awkward interludes keep it from achieving true greatness For those drawn to sonic mood and texture it’s a treat For listeners seeking personal depth Swag may leave you wanting more .