Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
According to a source quoted by PEOPLE, the album marks a shift from Justin Bieber’s earlier style, described as “darker, more raw, and less refined.” It’s his first new release since the 2021 album Justice.
Justin Bieber Drops Surprise Album ‘SWAG’ Featuring a New Sound and Star-Studded Collaborations
Justin Bieber has officially released his seventh studio album, SWAG, via Def Jam Records on Friday, July 11. The surprise drop follows confirmation from a source just a day earlier that the singer was preparing to unveil his first full-length project since 2021’s Justice.
The 21-track album boasts guest appearances from artists like Gunna, Sexxy Red, Cash Cobain, Lil B, Eddie Benjamin, among others. Songs featured on the album include “ALL I CAN TAKE,” “STANDING ON BUSINESS,” and “FORGIVENESS.” Fans can now stream the album on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Back in April, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Bieber had been hosting creative jam sessions at his Los Angeles home. He was reportedly working alongside DJ Tay James, his longtime musical director HARV, Carter Lang (who’s worked with SZA), and Australian musician Eddie Benjamin.
On Thursday, July 10, a source told PEOPLE that SWAG offers a more introspective and stripped-down sound than Bieber’s earlier work. Although it’s more emotional and raw, the source emphasized that the tone of the album isn’t gloomy. They also hinted at a musical evolution, calling the project “deeper” and noting a noticeable genre shift.
The album is also deeply personal for Bieber. According to the source, his 10-month-old son, Jack Blues — whom he shares with wife Hailey Baldwin Bieber — played a significant role in inspiring the project and shaping its emotional core.
Hints of the album began surfacing ahead of the release, including viral billboards spotted in both Iceland and Los Angeles that simply read “Swag” alongside Bieber’s image. On the same day, TMZ reported the rumored album title, though Bieber hadn’t officially confirmed it at the time.
Shortly after the billboards appeared, Bieber shared an Instagram Reel that showcased a giant screen in New York City displaying what seemed to be a tracklist. Some of the song titles glimpsed in the video included “DAISIES,” “DADZ LOVE,” “THERAPY SESSION,” and “ZUMA HOUSE.”
Even before the album’s release, Bieber had been sharing moments from the studio — including photos of his infant son accompanying him during recording sessions. A source told PEOPLE in May that he was also working on new music at the Eleven Deplar Farm hotel in Ólafsfjörður, Iceland, which features an on-site studio.
