Justin Bieber has surprised fans once again with Swag II, which dropped in the middle of the night with little warning less than two months after releasing his album Swag, per cbc.ca. The new 23-track album is a welcome return to the familiar pop and R&B sound that has defined much of his career.
Where the first album was a sonic departure, Swag II finds Bieber grappling with personal themes of marriage, parenthood and public perception, but with a style that fans have long embraced. Many have likened it to a more mature version of his 2014 album, Journals, which first introduced the “R&Bieber” sound to the world.
The companion albums were recorded around the same time, featuring many of the same producers and songwriters. Collaborators on Swag II include Mike-Will-Made-It and Buddy Ross, along with artists Tems, Bakar and Hurricane Chris. Highlights from the new album include the standout track “Need It” and the ’90s boy band-inspired “Love Song.” The record showcases Bieber’s versatility, effortlessly blending pop, alt-R&B, and even touches of bluegrass.
•Featured image: Justin Bieber/Rolling Stone
