Justin Bieber, over the past two months, has released two new surprise albums called “SWAG” on Jul. 11 and “SWAG II” on Sept. 5.
These new releases help showcase a new sound and a new genre approach from Bieber as he shifts away from pop songs to more R&B sounds.
The first album, “SWAG,” has several R&B tunes as well as some rock-oriented sounds, combining them with Bieber’s signature vocal sound.
Songs from this album, such as “ALL I CAN TAKE,” “YUKON,” and “TOO LONG,” are heavily R&B-oriented with soulful guitar sounds and soothing vocals.
The follow-up album, “SWAG II”, released just two months after the first, showcased a brighter pink cover.
The theme for this album has a more loving and reflection on relationships with the upbeat tempo beats and lyrics in each song.
Bieber’s marriage to his wife, Hailey Bieber, has been a big inspiration for both of the albums, but “SWAG II” gives a deeper look and feeling into their relationship.
“BETTER MAN” has lyrics detailing the feelings of his marriage, as well as the song “I DO,” which talks about how he wants to have her as the only person in his life.
Each of the albums also contains gospel tunes that give an insight into the beliefs and feelings that Bieber has about his religion and life.
The songs “FORGIVENESS” and “EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH” talk about the challenges that come with life and cherishing every moment of life.
“STORY OF GOD” features Bieber giving a sermon about a bible story from his own point of view as he talks over a smooth-sounding melody.
The production on both albums has an R&B sound and feeling, giving it the same feeling that was on Bieber’s 2013 album “Journals.”
Bieber’s vocal style on “SWAG I & II” shows how his voice range has improved over the years compared to the earlier albums.
There is a more mature and sophisticated approach that Bieber chooses to take on both albums, putting it together with the R&B sound.
The earlier albums from the beginning of Bieber’s career to these albums show a vastly different sound and theme.
Some of the songs, such as “ALL I CAN TAKE” from the first “SWAG” album, give a Michael Jackson type of feeling with the way Bieber sings the lyrics along with the sound of the production on the song.
A soothing and chill vibe can be heard consistently throughout both albums, making some songs like “TOO LONG” and “LOVE SONG” perfect for those late-night drives or dates.
Both albums also have many features from artists such as Cash Cobain, Sexxy Redd, Gunna and even the internet comedian Druski on an introduction song.
These artists on these collaborations for both albums brought a hip/hop sound to the R&B songs with Bieber being the lead singer.
The purpose of these albums, both named “SWAG”, takes fans on a journey through various themes such as fatherhood, love, and self-discovery.