Justin Bieber in a happy place with ‘Swag’

Justifiably, Justin Bieber may be called a “Swag” because he is cute, cool and cocky. That is the title he gave his new album. Released only a few weeks ago, “Swag” is his seventh studio album and it comes on the heels of “Justice” from four years ago. Like most of Bieber’s sound output, “Swag” is a resounding success.

“Swag,” though, is no ordinary album. In fact, it is one of the most important Bieber has ever released. For one, it is his first without his manager and discoverer Scooter Braun who saw his potential as a pop idol and brought him to the US when Bieber was only 13 years old. But while Braun’s split from his other charge, Taylor Swift, was a prolonged headline-generating battle, Bieber’s bid for independence was allowed quietly, amicably and only had some cash changing hands. Bieber’s to Braun’s, of course.

Next and most importantly, “Swag” is Bieber’s first as a father. Yes, he and his wife, the model Hailey Baldwin are now the parents of Jack Blues, who is turning a year old this month. It seems unbelievable that Bieber, who we all knew as a kid who used to busk in his native Toronto and later became a huge pop star, is now a husband and father. Bieber turned 31 years old last March 1. Even idols grow old.

Judging from the contents of “Swag,” Bieber is in a happy place. His music retains its sweet, easy charm. The relaxed mood of the songs, set against a light kind of EDM-influenced pop arrangements, harks back to his early works like Baby, Where are U Now, Love Yourself and Sorry, but are now infused with confidence and maturity. Check out how he shows off Jack Blues in the video for the cut Yukon where the family is seen while on holiday in a yacht.

Yukon is one of the singles released from “Swag.” The other one is the lovely Daisies where Bieber talks about his beautiful wife who is also in the video. These two songs are the best from the album’s 20-cuts line-up. “Swag,” however, is the kind of album that one has to listen to in its entirety. It is the kind that elicits smiles and a satisfied reaction not just to the music but to Bieber himself.

“Swag” brings back memories of Bieber’s DUI arrests, drug use, mental problems, vandalism. Remember how he pelted his neighbors’ houses with eggs, his stormy on-and-off relationship with actress Selena Gomez and many more.

On the other hand, “Swag” is the proof that Bieber survived all those. In truth, he not only survived, but he also surmounted the problems of his difficult youth and is now happy and content. Knowing that makes the listener, what else but, also happy.

“Swag” was produced by Bieber along with Dijon and Eddie Benjamin and it is loaded with guest appearances from hip-hop stars like Dijon, Benjamin, Gunna, Druski, Lil B, Sexyy Red, Cash Cobain and gospel music great and pastor Marvin Winans.

The song Forgiveness, Bieber’s duet with Winans, closes the album. It  shows off Bieber’s light tenor and feels like a soul-cleansing experience. This now grown-up kid has indeed found his right place.

Aside from Forgiveness, Daisies and Yukon, cuts included are All I Can Take, Go Baby, Things You Do, Butterflies, Way It Is, First Place, Soulful, Walking Away, Glory Voice Memo, Devotion, Dadz Love, Therapy Session, Sweet Spot, Standing on Business, 405, Zuma House, Too Long and the title song.