Introducing the unpredictable “SWAG”: Bieber reveals raw and vulnerable new album

Justin Bieber shocked fans on Friday, July 11, when he dropped his seventh studio album called “SWAG” without any warning, according to PEOPLE magazine, which broke the news about this surprise release. The pop star released the album through Def Jam Records, making it his first new music project since his 2021 album “Justice.” The new album has 21 songs and includes famous guest artists like Gunna, Sexxy Red, Cash Cobain, Lil B, and Eddie Benjamin. Some of the song titles include "All I Can Take," "Standing On Business," and "Forgiveness." Fans can now listen to the album on music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.

Earlier reports from PEOPLE revealed that Bieber had been working on this album at his Los Angeles home, holding music sessions with DJ Tay James, musical director HARV, SZA collaborator Carter Lang, and Australian artist Eddie Benjamin. Sources told the magazine that this album was meant to be darker, more vulnerable, and less polished than his previous work, while also being much deeper with a genre shift that would surprise fans.

Wife Hailey Bieber showed her support for Justin's new album by sharing promotional content on social media, as reported by Cosmopolitan magazine, which covered her reaction to the album release. Hailey posted a message that seemed to address rumors about their relationship, showing that she stands by her husband despite ongoing speculation about their marriage. The album includes several songs about Hailey, including "Walking Away" and "Go Baby," where Justin expresses his love and commitment to their relationship. In "Go Baby," Justin talks about how proud he is of Hailey's achievements, while "Walking Away" looks at their relationship problems and his promise to work through them together.

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Cosmopolitan also referenced previous reports about the couple's relationship dynamics, noting that sources had described their relationship as intense, comparing it to Romeo and Juliet without the tragic ending. The magazine highlighted how Justin and Hailey love deeply but also fight intensely, with drama often driving their relationship forward through cycles of conflict and reconciliation.

The New York Post provided detailed coverage of how Justin addresses his personal struggles in the album, particularly focusing on his marriage challenges and mental health issues. The album's 21 tracks feature collaborations with artists like Sexyy Red, Dijon, Lil B, Gunna, Cash Cobain, 2 Chainz, and comedian Druski. In the song "Walking Away," Justin sings about relationship difficulties, suggesting that sometimes taking a break might be better for both partners.

However, the lyrics also show his deep commitment to Hailey, promising that he won't walk away from their marriage despite the challenges they face. The New York Post also noted that Justin references his recent confrontation with paparazzi in the song "Standing on Business," where he defended his role as a father and husband. The album comes four years after his previous studio album "Justice" and represents one of his most personal musical projects to date. Justin also shared family photos on Instagram, showing himself with Hailey and their 10-month-old son Jack, demonstrating the family focus that influenced this new album.