SWAG

ジャスティン・ビーバー、4年ぶりの7枚目となるアルバム!

過去を超えて、愛を抱きしめ――これが彼のSWAG(生き様)
夫、父になったジャスティン・ビーバーの真骨頂
"21世紀のキング・オブ・ポップ"と称されるアーティスト、ジャスティン・ビーバーが2025年7月に突如配信リリースした4年ぶり7枚目のアルバム。
ジャスティンが夫として、そして父親として生まれた忠誠心や深い視点が反映された内省的なサウンドが話題になり、リリース初週に世界のiTunesアルバム・チャートで1位、ストリーミングアルバム全世界1位を獲得するなど、キャリア最大のストリーミングデビューを記録している。
さらに、コラボレーターとしてDruski、Gunna、Sexyy Red、Eddie Benjamin、Marvin Winans、Dijon、Cash Cobain、Lil B、Mk.gee、Daniel Caesarなどが名を連ねている。

An album appearing without a traditional pre-release campaign indeed signifies swag, but the term seems an odd title for Justin Biebers seventh full-length. Its not only that the singer announced over three years earlier that it was forthcoming, or that he further teased listeners during the interim. With rare exception, Swag is about doe-eyed seduction, loyalty, humility, and faith. Moreover, "Swag" itself hardly shows Bieber embracing the term as he did in the early 2010s -- ironically, hes the hook man on the song, and its featured guest Cash Cobain demanding to be called "swag king." Production-wise, this is a departure for Bieber. Carter Lang, often joined by cohorts Dylan Wiggins and Eddie Benjamin, co-produces 20 of 21 tracks, ensuring that the LP has meandering and oddly soothing qualities akin to SZAs Ctrl and SOS and Omar Apollos Ivory. The addition of Dijon on four cuts enhances the albums sense of intimacy with softer-yet swirly/bristly touches. One of those songs, "Daisies," also involves the unmistakable Mk.gee, and for Bieber its a career highlight, a gentle rocker conveying an ultra-rare combination of anticipation, patience, and empathy. More often, Biebers direct and inelegant wordplay is at odds with the hazy sonics. Take "405," a peculiar love song that sounds something like Bruce Springsteens "Im on Fire" crossed with atmospheric drumnbass, where Bieber mumble-croons "You hit the gas/Spider-Man, Spider-Man on your ass." Apart from Lil B adding his positivity to "Dadz Love," the other featured voices, whether spoken, sung, or rapped, are unnecessary and sometimes inane. "Sweet Spot" in particular is a mismatch with an expectedly vulgar Sexyy Red. It desecrates New Editions "Can You Stand the Rain" with almost as much force as Jeezys swag-era "Sunny Days." ~ Andy Kellman