Transitioning from the black cover of “SWAG” to a pale pink, from battling confusion to sitting in peace, Justin Bieber blossoms with the release of his latest album, “SWAG II.” While Bieber’s typical release schedule makes his fans wait years for a new album release, Bieber took a different approach with the release of his “SWAG” projects. On Sept. 5, Bieber released “SWAG II,” just 56 days after the release of the first “SWAG” album on July 11. The 23-track sequel spans 76 minutes, delving into common themes like love, parenthood and religion.
The album opens with “SPEED DEMON,” one of the cheesiest songs on the record but also one of the most humorous. By adding seemingly random lines like “Heat checking, uh, heat checking these chickens,” Bieber struggles lyrically, searching for any form of rhyme or alliteration. In the album’s opener, Bieber leans into each metaphor he creates, whether it is about driving or clicking a remote. “Fast forward until we find it, uh / And press stop, but let me rewind, uh,” Bieber sings. Despite its lyrical pitfalls, however, the song sets the tone for a cohesive project.
Like “SPEED DEMON,” “DON’T WANNA” sees Bieber utilize the upbeat production to emphasize his words. When Bieber sings, “I don’t want you to leave,” the song’s drum beat matches his enunciation of the words. On the lyric “I don't wanna give a f*ck (No), I know what it should be (Oh),” which features singer Bakar, listeners can hear the two artists supporting each other in the studio, creating an uplifting energy that elevates the song.
But occasionally, the fun-loving nature of “DON’T WANNA” dissolves. With the transition between the lines “I know we're gonna make it out” and “I know you wanna get some, uh (Get some),” Bieber moves from loving to sexual. The song clarifies that Bieber does not care what others think, and he repeats that line to emphasize the point. But the track remains engaging, especially as more instrumentals come in, and Bieber ends the song on a literal high note.
“LOVE SONG,” the album’s third track, is the best on “SWAG II” — at the same time, it is self-aware, vulnerable and vivid. Bieber does not want to write just any old love song — he wants to “write it well.” And Bieber does just that by capturing the little traits of his wife, Hailey Bieber. Recognizing the way her eyebrows rest when she is thinking and how her hair moves with the wind, Bieber proves that love is in the details.
Bieber’s awareness and emotional maturity in the song make the track that much more moving. He does not need to exaggerate or employ extravagant language. He can vocalize his feelings simply and beautifully. “Time gets prettier with you, I'm lifted,” Bieber sings. “LOVE SONG” is not about Bieber writing the best song possible, but capturing his love with his wife at this moment in time. “I wanna be everything you need me to be, oh,” Bieber sings.
Similarly, on “MOTHER IN YOU,” Bieber approaches his lyricism with tenderness, focusing on the connection he and his wife share with their son. The track starts with Bieber retelling the beginning of his son’s life: “You opened your eyes / That was when I knew / That, oh, it would change me.” Just as Bieber wants to change for his wife in “LOVE SONG,” he wants to change for his son — a decision cemented in his transition from singing, “There's a beautiful world that's waiting for you” to “You're a beautiful world that's counting on me.” Bieber captures the special kind of love only a parent can have for their child. There is not a single line in this song that is unimportant — each is more intentional than the last.
Most of all, “MOTHER IN YOU” acts as a time capsule, describing the specific moments where Bieber realizes his role as a father and husband. “At two in the morning / I saw a reflection in you,” Bieber sings before continuing, “So much of her coming through / Your mother in you.” Here, Bieber is at his most vulnerable — and it is wonderful to witness.
Bieber continues detailing his personal journey on tracks like “MOVING FAST” and “EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH.” “MOVING FAST” begins with vivid imagery: “I was speeding towards the wall, I was twenty-five / Closed eyes, looking for a light, hundred miles riding,” Bieber sings. In this track, Bieber grows and changes into a better, happier version of himself. “Now I roll the windows down and I'm slowing it down for you,” Bieber expands on the car imagery he previously presented. With the windows down, Bieber is experiencing life to the fullest, and as this line repeats, his vocals become more manipulated and slowed down — symbolizing how he is slowing down the pace of his life. Bieber creates his own unique worlds on each track of “SWAG II” yet maintains consistent imagery and language throughout each song.
On “EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH,” Bieber acknowledges how his words are not doing his feelings justice: “I could sing a song but the words just wouldn't do.” Bieber concludes that the solution is to sing the phrase “hallelujah” instead, tapping into a spiritual side while also describing what he loves in life — and how loving is effortless. “Baby, we find love in these moments / We don't even have to try,” Bieber sings.
The album closes on a purely religious note with the track “STORY OF GOD.” Here, Bieber proves himself to be a poet, especially as he sets the scene of the spoken-word track: “Before the first shadow touched our hearts, there was only light / I'm not just talking about the sunlight that would filter through / the canopy like liquid gold, warm on my skin.” Across nearly eight minutes, he details the story of Adam and Eve from Adam’s perspective, with imagery that is both comforting, chilling and provocative as Bieber explores his religion.
At times, “SWAG II” is excessive, but it is nonetheless beautiful. It captures Bieber’s growth as an individual, husband and father. And with less vocal manipulation than the original, “SWAG II” is more personal, deep and true to the singer’s unique artistry. With an open heart in sharing his vulnerabilities, Bieber is fearless, and his words and music have never been better.
Amelia Bush (28C) is double-majoring in English and PPL (philosophy, politics and law). She is from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and enjoys walking around its many lakes. Outside of the Wheel, you can find her reading, scrapbooking, or attempting a New York Times crossword.
