With the release of his album Swag ll, Justin Bieber, a former teen pop sensation, has embarked on a major shift in his musical identity. This spiritual chapter focuses more on his vulnerability in adulthood, grounded in his faith, marriage, and newfound fatherhood. As fans and critics alike weigh in on this stark contrast with Bieber’s earlier eras, this album may be one of the most personal and distinct statements of his career.
How It Came to Be
Having long shed his initial baby-faced, carefree image that catapulted him to fame, Bieber has undergone a profound transformation in the years leading up to Swag II. After various struggles with his mental health, he began to step away from the spotlight and concentrate on healing. His 2018 marriage to model Hailey Baldwin (now Hailey Bieber) and the birth of his first child in 2025 were both turning points towards a new period of emotional stability.
“He’s really come a long way from who he presented himself as before,” said freshman Shresta Andem, “and even though I loved his earlier songs like ‘Baby,’ I think that this evolution was necessary.”
The Meaning Behind
Musically, Bieber’s album leans into a blend of smoother R&B with other styles of indie rock and pop. Lyrically, it emphasizes the soulful, passionate part of the artist’s family and faith, showcasing his reflection on his role as a husband, dad, and devotee of God. Tracks like “Mother in You” feel like intimate love letters to his son and wife, professing his affection and care for them. Others, such as “Everything Hallelujah,” are a nod to his religion and connect to his daily experiences of life, including the trials and beauty of the world.
“I really admire how dedicated he is to being a Christian and the love he has for his family,” said sophomore Cindy Moe.
This is an extreme comparison to Bieber’s previous albums, in which he usually sang of upbeat, lighthearted romance. Now, the celebrity sings of the sleepless nights with a newborn and the pressure of setting an example as a father figure, as well as his surrender to God.
Reactions
For longtime fans, this change may have been either refreshing or jarring. Reactions online have varied, ranging from admiration of his maturity and growth to nostalgic desires for the earlier eras. Critics are split as well, either applauding the album for its shift into honest portrayals of his perspective or questioning the melodies and background behind its creation.
“It’s not as energetic as his other music, but then again, he’s not the same person he was before,” said freshman Haley Mclain.
Despite the mixed reviews, Swag II stands as a significant development in Justin Bieber’s life. The album, in peeling back the layers of his fame and offering a glimpse of him finding his footing, is a bridge between who he was and who he’s becoming. Whether it’s embraced by listeners or met with uncertainty, Swag ll can be seen as contributing to Bieber’s place in pop culture, and to his reinvention of what it means to grow up in the eyes of the public.
Photo by Jayeesha Deb
