How Justin Bieber's New Album Humbled Me
I was having a shit morning when Justin Bieber dropped his new album, SWAG.
A random thought triggered the memory of some dormant trauma and my attempt to pray about it turned into me shouting at God. I stopped mid prayer and stared into space, not ready to apologise or pray the anger away.
Trying to distract myself, I opened YouTube and saw a video about faith-based strategies that can help regulate your nervous system.
A kind-eyed, melanated stranger, began talking about how we often rely on exertion, instead of grace, to become more like Jesus. I felt seen and attacked all at once.
She offered an alternative — breathwork as prayer; a practical way to replace anger and anxiety for peace.
I finished watching the video and loaded up Bieber’s new album, getting ready to stress-clean. I was calming down now, but I could already anticipate the feelings coming back later that day. I inhaled for 4 and exhaled for 5, DAISIES playing in the background as I texted my friends to see what they were doing later.
By now SWAG had reached track 4, GO BABY. I wasn’t in the mood to hear songs about love. I came here looking for solidarity in my anger and, judging by Justin’s instagram over the last month, I thought this is exactly where I would find it. Just before I hit skip, I listened a little harder.
SWAG confronts situations that we’ve seen Bieber be publicly pissed off about with a level of calm that I wasn’t expecting. Nonchalance. He’s responding, not reacting.
The album bounces across several genres; country, techno, house, RnB and pop —but nothing of the music feels particularly angry. At least, not in the way I was hoping to find.
Instead of clapping back at the constant criticism Justin and Hailey Bieber have faced around their marriage, GO BABY opens with the line,
‘That’s my baby,
She’s iconic.’
Not one bar spared for haters. He’s focussed on what is important, not what isn’t. The tone of the whole album gives “You can keep trying to provoke me, but I’m grown now”. I was checked once again, inspired by the maturity.
A little less angry now, I started paying more attention. SWAG is a look into Bieber’s life in this chapter of his story. It’s a window into his thoughts, processing and mindset. This is the kind of album you can listen to on shuffle only after you graduate from listening to it the whole way through, as intended.
The album arrives 4 years after the double release of albums “Justice” and “Freedom.” in 2021. Featuring 3 collaborations with Christian Contemporary Music artist, Chandler Moore as well as voiceovers from Bieber’s Pastor, Judah Smith, Freedom. places a distinct focus on Justin’s faith journey. Separate albums — I’ll come back to that.
Throughout SWAG, Bieber addresses his some of his online controversy through interludes with comedian Druski. The two talk about his social media presence, dealing with life in the public eye and the viral video of Justin telling paparazzi he’s “standing on business”.
These introspective interludes mixed with candid worship moments are what make this album a listening experience. It’s comes across something like a home video, audio-only.
Worship is scattered throughout this album in a way that’s too relatable; honest, unrehearsed but meaningful. A little messy, but not out of place. It isn’t sectioned off to a separate album like it was in 2021. It’s infused this time, right next to sexy love songs and euphoric techno tracks.
From teen star, to global sensation, to industry bad boy, to husband and now father, Justin Bieber has evolved. His discography is evidence of that continued journey.
He may not be seen singing on megachurch stages or hanging out with megachurch Pastors anymore, but faith is still a part of Bieber’s life and music.
I listened to the album’s last track, titled “FORGIVENESS”. I was far less angry now. I’d been reminded that sometimes faith and life are messy, but God will be there for the journey.
Have you listened to SWAG? Tell us what you thought ⬇️
https://thelastchord.substack.com/p/the-marketing-genius-that-is-justin