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Justin Bieber has doubled down on his latest arc of music. Just months after the release of SWAG, the singer has surprised fans once again with the sequel album SWAG II, which officially hit streaming sites on September 5.
Ahead of its release, pink banners adorned with the project’s title appeared across major cities worldwide, such as Shanghai and Paris, hinting that something huge was on the horizon.
Justin Bieber himself later confirmed the news by uploading the same image across his social media accounts.
On his posts, the “One Less Lonely Girl” hitmaker provided a peek into the new album’s concept and revealed that it’s a “more colorful and lighter sibling” to its predecessor; hence, its cover art leans heavily on the color pink.
But now, with 44 songs in total, the question looms: which of the fresh additions rise, and which plunge into the filler category?
Without further ado, here’s our track-by-track breakdown, from best to worst.
[Disclaimer: The following track-by-track rankings reflect the personal opinions of the writer. Listeners may have different preferences and interpretations of the songs on SWAG II. Reader discretion is advised.]
1. Love Song
t’s titled Love Song for a reason. It features rustic piano, hard-hitting drums, and a hook that feels destined for concert stadiums.
Love Song stands out as one of the strongest tracks on SWAG II.
2. Mother in You
The title is already a hint. It’s an ode to his son, Jack Blues, with the line: “I remember the moment at 2:00 in the morning I saw the reflection in you.” The pop star being his most personal makes this one of his most heartfelt songs ever.
3. I Think You’re Special (feat. Tems)
Simple message, powerful delivery, and that’s what makes this track special. Tems’ feature also elevates what could’ve been filler.
4. I Do
Bieber’s vow, “I mean it when I say that I do,” feels like an off-the-rack track for wedding playlists, showcasing the new oeuvre’s versatility.
5. Speed Demon
Pure fun and swagger, Speed Demon is Justin Bieber’s most confident sing-rap performance in years, with its nostalgic boom-bap beat.
6. Bad Honey
One of the grooviest cuts in the album, the song is built for summer festivals. The rhythm skips and guitars creep, and Justin Bieber sounds chill.
7. Safe Space (feat. Lil B)
Lil B keeps things playful in this three-minute goodness, even as Justin Bieber croons, “I’ll be your safe space.” Safe Space has a catchy rhythm that keeps the listener engaged.
8. Open Up Your Heart (feat. Eddie Benjamin)
The ‘80s synth flourishes in this track. The chorus isn’t as strong as it aims, but Benjamin’s presence saves it from the filler category.
9. Moving Fast
Another misleading title! Moving Fast is one of the slower builds on SWAG II, teasing an explosion without delivering. It builds gradually, creating anticipation that never fully resolves.
10. Everything Hallelujah
While the concept might seem corny, Everything Hallelujah is unexpectedly heartfelt in delivery. Justin Bieber leans fully into gospel-pop earnestness, and it lands better than expected, compared to the tuneless, drowsy Story of God.
11. Oh Man
The title is deceptive. This is one of the gentlest songs on the grand sprawl of SWAG II. Its beat is hypnotic, although the chorus leaves little impact.
12. Need It
Need It promises a good time, yet it fails to land on climax. The chorus admits he “really does need it bad,” but the song doesn’t keep up.
13. Witchya
Witchya’s sleepy drums and moody guitar riffs make it worthy to be in a “late-night drive” mixtape. It’s cozy, but it doesn’t find its chorus.
14. Don’t Wanna (feat. Bakar)
This groovy Justin Bieber-Bakar collab has promise, but fails to land its climax. Nonetheless, Bakar’s presence adds texture.
15. Eye Candy
Eye Candy is a cheeky opener for a sugar-rush track, especially with its line: “Ooh the first one’s free, the second’ll cost you.” It’s fun while it lasts.
16. When It’s Over
Justin Bieber showcases an unexpected falsetto in this one; he sounds almost like a different artist. When It’s Over is moving and earnest, but not quite essential in the new album.
17. Poppin’ My S*** (feat. Hurricane Chris)
Justin Bieber’s surprise collab with Hurricane Chris provides some nostalgic fun, but the song has a playful tone, though it feels brief and casual.
18. Petting Zoo
Petting Zoo’s argument-in-real-time conceit works, but the hook lands so softly that it somehow fails to stick.
19. Better Man
There’s sincerity in the lines, “If I know one thing that’s true / You know exactly what to do and it’s amazing.” But Better Man’s falsetto-heavy R&B tune never quite gets the song beyond just passable.
20. Lyin’
Lyin’ is gentle, yet indistinguishable. It’s comforting, meant for cozy days, but has low replay value.
21. All the Way
Justin Bieber echoing himself is clever for a minute, but the track runs out of steam fast. It’s good at first as it leans towards the nostalgic tune of 00s R&B, but then it gets dizzying halfway through.
22. Story of God
Justin Bieber narrating Genesis is quite… unnecessary. At seven minutes, it sounds more like an audiobook than a playlist staple, or a spoken word piece rather than a repeat-worthy track.
23. Dotted Line
For some weird reason, it’s a relief that this track is only a little over two minutes long.
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Dotted Line feels like a voicemail demo accidentally included in the roster. It’s pretty, yes. Sweet? Also yes. Dotted Line is short and light, but not particularly memorable.
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