Washington Post

REVIEW: On ‘Swag,’ Justin Bieber leans into the skid

For years, listeners have debated whether to separate art from the artist. But what about separating an artist from their tabloid persona? The latter question is asked but not answered by “Swag,” the album Justin Bieber surprise-released on Friday and one that forces us to consider how the pseudo-events of celebrity give oxygen to pop superstardom but steal it from pop music.