Justin Bieber Announces New Album, Sparks Fan Backlash Over Title

Justin Bieber Faces Backlash Over New Album Title "Swag"
By Justin Enriquez, DailyMail.com
Published: 19:40 BST, 10 July 2025 | Updated: 20:27 BST, 10 July 2025

Justin Bieber, 31, has sparked controversy with the surprise announcement of his seventh studio album, reportedly titled Swag, set for release just hours after its reveal. The pop icon teased the project with billboards in cities worldwide, featuring a black-and-white photo of him shirtless while holding his 10-month-old son, Jack Blues Bieber, above his head.

[IMAGE: Billboard with Justin holding Jack and "Swag" text]

Fans quickly criticized the title as outdated, citing "swag" as slang from the late 2000s—a nod to Bieber’s early career era. Social media erupted with mixed reactions: “We left him and his fans in 2015,” one user tweeted, while others defended him, calling the singer the “King of Pop.”

[IMAGE: Social media comments mocking and praising the album title]

The album marks Bieber’s first release since 2021’s Justice, which spawned hits like Peaches and Ghost. Collaborators on Swag reportedly include rappers Gunna, Sexyy Red, and Cash Cobain.

[IMAGE: Justin performing during his Justice tour in 2022]

Personal Struggles and Comeback
Bieber’s hiatus followed health battles, including a 2022 Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis that caused facial paralysis and canceled tour dates. In 2023, he parted ways with longtime manager Scooter Braun and sold his music catalog for $200 million. Despite setbacks, he remains a global phenomenon, with 150 million records sold worldwide.

[IMAGE: Justin and wife Hailey Bieber at an event in 2022]

The singer’s recent trip to Iceland with Jack, where he finalized the album, fueled speculation about a more personal direction. While critics question his relevance, loyal fans eagerly await his return.

Swag’s unexpected rollout proves Bieber still knows how to stir buzz—even if it’s not all positive.

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