Justin Bieber will headline Coachella in 2026 The pop star's rebirth through SWAG I and SWAG II

Irreverent, turbulent, restless. These are just some of the labels Justin Bieber has received over his 16-year career, all marked by an enigmatic aura. His figure has always been uneasy in the pop industry, so contradictory that on July 11 of this year, he decided to drop an album without warning anyone, followed by a second one released (again as a surprise) this past September 5.

It’s a response to all the negative rumors surrounding him lately: having just become a father, he had to cancel a world tour to take care of his mental health, not to mention gossip about his marriage with model Hailey Bieber and endless clashes with paparazzi. In short, despite his four-year absence, Bieber has not gone unnoticed, and with this album, he is back in the spotlight. A major comeback that will even see him as a headliner at Coachella in 2026, alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Becky G.

New problems bring new songs

Swag is unlike other albums, a mix of R&B, voice memos, guitar riffs and very few pop hits. More than an album, it feels like a diary: Bieber doesn’t shy away from his “sessions” with makeshift therapist Druski (an actor and comedian friend), in fact, he includes three of them where he vents about how quickly his problems go viral worldwide.

The singer admits: «Lately I’ve had to deal with a lot of problems». He continues, emphasizing: «I’ve had to do it publicly and people always ask me if I’m okay. It’s starting to weigh on me». The weight of fame has never been hidden for Bieber, but as his problems multiplied, the spotlight on him grew exponentially, even putting his private life at risk.

Bieber never stops making headlines

To eliminate any doubts about his marriage with Hailey, Justin has written numerous songs dedicated to her: from Devotion, a featuring with Dijon that talks about emotional devotion towards his wife, describing everyday scenes; to Go Baby, a true declaration of love highlighting his support for Hailey’s endeavors. Then comes Yukon, which revisits the lovers’ first encounters. This track is probably the boldest on the album: the pitched voice sounds almost feminine, the melody recalls the old Bieber of Journals, but at first listen it’s hard to recognize it as his.

Yet Yukon, despite its initial lack of recognizability, blew up on TikTok thanks to its reference to the sex symbol era of 2013, when Bieber was at the peak of his career. It was during those golden years that young Bieber built a bond with P Diddy, the U.S. rapper and producer recently embroiled in a trial for alleged sexual abuse. It didn’t take long before speculation placed the Canadian pop star as one of Diddy’s victims: rumors spread quickly, placing Bieber at the center of yet another media storm he couldn’t escape. Bieber has not commented, but the release of this introspective album could be read as a plea for truce regarding his private life.

SWAG is an album full of surprises

Forgiveness, the track closing the album, entrusted to pastor Marvin Winans, is a symbolic choice for a singer who has long been seeking reconciliation with himself and his fans. Bieber chooses to open up, talking about all the aspects of his life that have been under the spotlight, including fatherhood: Dadz Love, a duet with Lil B, is a tribute to parental love and family. Daisies is the album’s hit, with its stripped-down instrumentation and guitar-only opening striking romantics as another dedication to his beloved. Sweet Spot explores a more intimate side, thanks to its sensual melody and daring lyrics by rapper Sexyy Red.

There’s no clear order within the album; in Butterflies, through a voice recording addressing paparazzi, he tackles the theme of fame and the volatility of wealth. Swag, the title track, stands out for its versatility thanks to contributions from Cash Cobain and Eddie Benjamin, a synthesis of flow and musical boldness. Way It Is reminds everyone what Justin can do in his R&B territory, joined for the first time by rapper Gunna.

Will Justin achieve the peace he’s been searching for?

There is, however, a common thread linking all twenty-one tracks: the pop star’s desire to bring peace into his life, for himself, his family, and his fans. Too Long perfectly sums up Bieber’s goal of letting go, where, worn out by gossip and flashing lights, he is ready to show himself as he truly is. Swag is the album of his rebirth, where from now on he can take flight, freeing himself from the cage he mentions in First Place. And to recall the famous quote that went viral on TikTok in recent weeks, Justin Bieber «is standing on business» and won’t be easily discouraged, not even by paparazzi intrusions or online criticism.