This week on Live From Mars, Alex is joined by returning guest Nick Palmai to unpack Justin Bieber’s surprise new album SWAG. From the rollout and first impressions to the features, lyrical content (or lack of it), and how this record fits into Bieber’s larger discography, they dive into everything. The album is cohesive, moody, and full of bold choices... some of which work, and some that definitely don’t.
Alex and Nick debate whether SWAG is a Journals spiritual sequel, a SZA-inspired vibe album, or just a chaotic mixtape in disguise. They also get into THAT Sexyy Red feature, the confusing interludes, the Michael Jackson and Usher comparisons, and why this era of Bieber might be his most interesting yet -- even if it's not his best.
Topics covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:28 – Welcoming Back Nick
08:50 – First Impressions of SWAG
16:50 – The Songwriting of SWAG
21:16 – Interludes, voice notes & filler tracks
28:59 – Today's Male Pop Stars
34:47 – Our Favorite Tracks
40:32 – SWAG's Lasting Impact
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