Mastering the mix of house music and heartwarming hits, Justin Bieber has once again proven his star power with his surprise release, SWAG II.
“MOTHER IN YOU,” a vulnerable track about his son, Jack Blues, caught me by surprise; the internet discourse regarding Justin and his wife, Hailey Bieber (nee Baldwin) is loud, and, often times, negative. Seeing a song where Bieber chooses to share his beautiful 2am thoughts about seeing the beautiful soul of his wife in his infant son was something I wasn’t expecting. As with SWAG, the initial album release in July, Bieber is proving vulnerability can be a vice, violently shattering the expectations of what it means to be a true artist.
In fact, the album largely feels like a love letter to his family; “LOVE SONG” reads like a conversation, with Bieber explaining his devotion to his partner. “I wanna write you a love song, baby. I wanna write you a good one you can’t stop singing to me,” he croons, pleading almost as if the words aren’t enough to capture what he truly wants to say.
My personal favorite? “BAD HONEY.” “And if you’re bad, honey, why you look so good?” Bieber sings, leaning less into love and more into lust. The track drips with sultry confidence, pairing sleek production with a devil-may-care attitude that’s impossible to ignore. It’s the kind of song that struts, all swagger and smirk, and cements Bieber’s evolution from boy-next-door to full-fledged pop provocateur.
From a non-believer to a true Belieber, I can’t wait to see where fatherhood takes Bieber next – and may we all be so lucky if he takes us along for the ride.
Featured Photo Credit: Renell Medrano
Nicole Speros holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications & Media Studies and is currently diving deeper into the industry at Berklee College of Music, where she’s studying Music Business. A passionate storyteller with an eye for what’s next, Nicole brings a sharp, curious voice to her work as a music journalist. She covers emerging artists, shifting trends, and the ever-evolving intersection of music and media—with a focus on authenticity, accessibility, and the songs that connect us all.
She’s an active member of GRAMMY U/The Recording Academy and Women in Music, always looking for ways to support and amplify voices in the industry. When she’s not in class or writing, you’ll probably find her stage-side at a local Boston show or hopping on a plane for her next adventure.