No other major artist would ever dare to release new music the same week as Justin Bieber, whose new album “SWAG” just dropped last Friday to overall mixed reviews. It’s his first in four years and features 21 tracks, six of which are not really songs, but more like voice memos and skits. He went viral about a month ago after telling a bothersome paparazzi, “It’s not clocking to you that I’m standing on business” which not only fed into the continuing conspiracy that he’s spiraling, mentally unwell and possibly using drugs. While those rumors have all been denied by his team, his cryptic social media posts and overall presence has led fans to believe that he’s struggling pretty hard, possibly because of the pressures of being a married father, the ongoing Diddy drama, having to pay ex-manager Scooter Braun $26 million in a settlement, aging and trying to stay hot and relevant at the age of 31, while also working on a new album with sustainable hits, like 2015’s “Purpose” and 2021’s “Justice”. Phew!
The whole album is very spacey, lo-fi R&B and retro sounding bedroom pop. With a total lack of hooks and standout lyrics, even his most loyal fans are expressing great initial disappointment in the direction he’s gone. My personal favorite is “ALL I CAN TAKE”, the first cut on the album. After hearing it a few times and even playing in on the air the day it debuted, I find myself singing the title over and over again with its addicting beat and ’80’s-style intro.
After five days of streaming and sales, the verdict is out. “DAISIES” is the first single and unlike any other track on the album. It’s the only one utilizing guitar and no synthesizers, providing a strong, raw hook about missing a lover and wanting to see her again. We hope it’s about Hailey (and not Selena)! It debuted at #1 on Spotify where it still sits, though the other 20 tracks on the album have all dispersed and found their way into the plethora of forgettable Bieber music. “GO BABY” is the only other track that might become a single, but seriously, there are NO tracks like “Boyfriend”, “Ghost”, “Beauty and a Beat” or even “Peaches” (which is the closest big hit of his to sounding like something on “SWAG”). Not that he needs to prove himself or follow a formula at this point, but the Summer of 2025 radio really could’ve used a major-artist comeback with energetic, catchy and fun music. Another thing I wonder… Do people REALLY love “DAISIES”, or is just the best of what we were given to choose from?
Just like the weekly airplay charts, a Top 10 song doesn’t mean it’s a good song that lots of people love. It’s important to remember that ALL chart positions are relative. Something has to fill the space. Will anyone be requesting them in a few years? For SWAG, so far, they’ve only asked for “DAISIES”.
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I like Daisies and Walking Away. In fact Walking Away is just asking for a remix with SZA. They would sound so good together on that song.