Justin Bieber’s Swag II adds 23 new tracks to his already packed Swag project, and it’s not just the title that feels uninspired. Like its predecessor, released just two months ago, Swag II brings together a trendy team of producers and writers known for revitalizing R&B, but gives them a carefully selected mood board: Michael Jackson’s Dangerous era, D’Angelo’s rich arrangements, Jai Paul’s glitchy retro-futurist sound, and the sun-bleached textures of current collaborators Mk.gee and Dijon. However, with unadventurous songwriting, the result is another album that’s all about vibe and fashionable production, with very little substance.
The opener, “Speed Demon,” recycles Bieber’s “is it clocking to you” meme for the second time across both albums, though it does so with a bright, funky confidence and a memorably wild chorus about “checking these chickens”—a reference to leaving his critics behind. But for a song that brags about ambition, it lacks energy—a problem shared by many of Swag II’s safe and repetitive tracks.
Much of the album provides an interesting, textured backdrop for Bieber’s pleading vocals, but then goes nowhere. “Oh Man” simply repeats its title. “Open Up Your Heart,” a chilly ballad reminiscent of Phil Collins, hints at progression—maybe a key change!—only for nothing to actually happen. “Love Song” features a gorgeous, warped string section and some lukewarm “wooo!”s, neither of which can hide the fact that the track never earns its excitement. In fact, Bieber seems at a loss for words as he sings about wanting to write his wife “a good one.”
“Everything Hallelujah” suffers a similar fate, turning a profound realization about faith into lyrical banality (“brush my teeth, hallelujah”) and musical cliché, with squeaky acoustic guitar strings serving as an easy stand-in for authenticity. The same goes for “Story of God,” the nearly eight-minute sermon that closes the album: Bieber retells the story of Adam and Eve (co-written by a pastor from his preferred celebrity megachurch) over generic ambient swells meant to underscore its sincerity.
Swag II is most convincing when it fully commits to pop—and pushes all the way through. “Don’t Wanna” has a fidgety Michael Jackson-inspired groove, with much-needed playfulness brought by UK alt-singer Bakar, and the Dijon co-written “Bad Honey” fizzes with squirmy synths as Bieber sounds both annoyed and turned on: “If you’re bad, honey, why you look so good?”
In contrast (and with Frank Ocean’s Blonde on the mood board), “Moving Fast” offers soft, blurry guitar and reflections on a life lived too quickly, carrying genuine emotion—as does “Safe Space,” which dissolves into Baltimore club music for a real, wind-in-your-face sense of freedom.
Taken cynically, Swag II uses a trending aesthetic and quantity over quality to pander to streaming platforms—and Bieber certainly isn’t the only pop star playing that game. More generously, it’s an under-edited experiment with a more alternative sound, aided by talented collaborators who water down their own distinctive styles. Dijon’s album Baby is one of the year’s boldest—maximalist, packed with ideas, and fun. Swag and Swag II, on the other hand, fall short.It doesn’t even come close, but among these 40-plus tracks, there are 10 songs that could have made a genuinely surprising statement from Bieber. Instead, they’re buried under a pile of bland, repetitive songs with little to say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Justin Biebers Swag II Review
1 What is Swag II
Swag II is a song by Justin Bieber often reviewed as part of his broader discography or specific releases like remixes or deluxe editions
2 Is Swag II a full album or just a single
Its a single track not a full album It may appear on compilations rereleases or as a bonus song
3 Why do some reviews say Swag II is mostly filler
Critics feel the track lacks originality or depth serving more as background music rather than a standout hit in his catalog
4 What makes Swag II a standout pop track for some listeners
Its catchy hooks polished production and Biebers vocal delivery can make it enjoyable especially for fans of upbeat pop
5 Is Swag II a good introduction to Justin Biebers music
Probably notits considered weaker by many Try bigger hits like Sorry or Love Yourself for a better sense of his style
6 Where can I listen to Swag II
Its available on streaming platforms like Spotify Apple Music and YouTube often as part of albums or special editions
7 Does Swag II have a music video
No there isnt an official music video for Swag II Its primarily an audio release
8 What are common criticisms of Swag II
Listeners and critics note repetitive lyrics generic beats and that it doesnt add much to Biebers artistic growth
9 Are there any notable features or collaborations on Swag II
No its typically a solo track without featured artists
10 How does Swag II compare to Justin Biebers other songs
Its often seen as less memorable than his major hits but might appeal to diehard fans or those who enjoy lighter pop tunes
11 Can you recommend similar songs if I like Swag II
Try Biebers Boyfriend As Long As You Love Me or tracks by artists like Cody Simpson for a similar vibe
