NEED TO KNOW
Justin Bieber is surprising fans with a second album.
On Thursday, Sept. 4, the “YUKON” singer announced that SWAG II, presumably a follow-up to his July album, SWAG, is dropping on Friday, Sept. 5. Bieber, 31, shared images and videos on Instagram of billboards with the pink album cover.
“Swag II midnight tonight,” he captioned one of the clips.
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SWAG, which was released in July, was his first album since Justice in 2021. In May, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that Bieber was in the studio in Iceland working on new music.
Tracks on the 21-song record include songs that allude to his relationship with wife Hailey Baldwin Bieber. Fans think that “Daisies,” “Devotion,” and “Walking Away” are about their connection.
Bieber also addressed his mental health on the SWAG track titled “Therapy Session,” which featured comedian Druski.
“And that’s been a tough thing for me recently,” Bieber said on the track. “It’s feelin’ like, you know, I have had to go through a lot of my struggles as a human, as all of us do really publicly.”
“And so people are always askin’ if I’m okay. And that starts to really weigh on mе,” added the musician.
Gunna, Sexxy Red, Cash Cobain, Lil B, Eddie Benjamin and more are featured on SWAG.
Def Jam Recordings
A source told PEOPLE that the new album was a “milestone” for the Grammy winner.
“It’s the first solo album he’s released since becoming a father, and it’s the first time he’s produced sound that’s all his own. He was so excited for everyone to listen to his new music.”
“Justin felt a little nervous, but mostly excited, about putting this album out,” the source continued. “He wanted it to be perfect, and he’s so happy with how it turned out. He’s really proud of this accomplishment and thrilled for the next chapter.”
With SWAG, a source also told PEOPLE that fans can expect a “genre shift.”
“It’s darker, more vulnerable and less polished,” the source said. “It’s in no way depressing though.” They also noted that the music is “much deeper.”
The source added that becoming a new dad to son Jack Blues, who turned 1 in late August, “shaped the heart” of the album. His wife, meanwhile, “is the most precious to him.”
Renell Medrano
SWAG II releases at midnight.
