Genre:
Singer/Songwriter
Score:
60%
Recommended to me by @angel_halo17
Review/ Interpretations
American Idol alum, Benson Boone, released his very first album this April, While on American Idol, Boone received a golden ticket by the judges, yet he left the show almost immediately after his favorable reviews. In a press release by Benson, he stated that Idol was ‘not the right fit for him’. A couple of years later is is clear to see that Boone’s instinct was right. “Fireworks and Rollerblades’, is a well-crafted album and Boone needed time to show why he would be America’s next idol, even if it meant not officially taking that winning spot.
Boone starts his debut album off incredibly strong. “Intro” featured a very beautiful instrumental that emphasized the cool effects of Boone’s voice. The theme of the song revolves around him seeing only his one true love, Boone starts his first album out with very memorable feelings and emotions. The song then has a very smooth and nice transition over to “Be Someone” a song with a similar theme as the previous track. Boone sings about being there for someone, even if it means changing himself completely. The funky beat and fun rhythms make you want to get up and dance and the catchy bridge makes you want to sing along to it.
The next track is the first one of my favorites on this album, “Slow It Down”. With this song, Boone literally slowed down the album. The first two songs were fast-paced and upbeat, this one starts off chill. Despite the chill, Boone’s voice is still very powerful. The theme of the song follows the production and title of the song. Boone illustrates how he moves too fast when in a relationship with someone, therefore, the love isn’t fully enjoyed. The song then picks up at the end which could show that Boone’s bad habit is still present. The fourth track is another one of my faves, probably my top favorite on the album and one of my favorite songs at the moment. The Billboard Hot 100 entry, “Beautiful Things”.
This song was my first experience with Boone since American Idol and he was unrecognizable. The power in his voice as he sings about losing control in his relationship which leads to losing the relationship is what makes this song a hit. Then the way the song switches up to show the fear and chaos is remarkable. If you are unfamiliar with Boone and don’t know where to start on your listening journey with him. I highly recommend this track. “Cry” is another favorite one of mine and the tone completely shifts between the two tracks. “Cry” focuses on his healing state after a relationship breakup. Boone is at the stage where he doesn’t really care about the other person’s feelings anymore. He sings in a higher pitch and the beat is fast-paced and upbeat and matches the plot of the song nicely.
Not only has Boone healed, but he illustrates his journey all the way into “Forever And a Day”. In this song, Boone describes that he has started a new and more peaceful relationship and his healing completion is the reason for that. With beautiful lyrical composition and an orchestral piece, Boone narrates how there is a deep connection in his relationship that it starts to feel like the two ‘soulmates’ have been together longer than it seems. The feeling shifts in the next song, “In the Stars.” The back-to-back slow songs have two complete meanings. Instead of singing about how in love he is with gaining a new person in his life, Boone switches over to express how the loss of someone in his life is affecting him. The song is centered around death and heartbreak from grief. The memories are impossible to let go of. The emotional impact is heightened by the inclusion of a choir, which adds a deep, mournful quality to the already poignant music.
Something that I like on this album is Benson’s clever wordplay and lyrical fluidity. That shines bright with the eighth track, “Drunk in My Mind”. The theme of the song "compares a person to an alcoholic beverage, portraying them as temporary relief and not forever due to the sobering up, highlighting the idea of not making the same mistake twice. The song features a distorted vocal effect, a memorable rhythm, and clever lyrical play. After a whirlpool of emotions, Boone eases into a chill song. It is apparent that Boone’s fear of being alone is told through the ninth track, “Greatest Fear.” He explores the theme of the fear of losing someone before they are actually gone. It seems like he is trying to remain positive, but there is a plot twist at the ending where the lover is already gone or they were never there in the first place, living with his head in a fantasy. The song has a chill vibe and offers a nice break, making it a sweet and comforting tune.
The next track, “There She Goes”, made me Google who is the main composers and/or producers of this album. Boone played the drums, guitar, and piano for this album! He is like a one-man band. I am starting to think that his decision to leave American Idol was very smart. Boone perfected his craft more and it seems like it paid off. The theme of "There She Goes" seems to focus on the experience of watching someone change and become unrecognizable while feeling a sense of loneliness as a result. The beats on the album are really impressive due to Boone’s talent. It's truly an impressive showcase of his talent.
Boone quickly takes the instruments down a little with the next song. “Hello Love” has a minimal instrumental setup. As Boone sings about a breakup in his silky soft voice. Boone seems to want to be forgotten by his lover and to break up with them so that he can move on. He calls out his lover for wasting his time. It is a breakup song instead of a heartbreak song, and I admire this side of Benson's music. With the album almost coming to a close, I found myself appreciating Boone’s music. It has been a while since a male singer has emerged within this genre. The third to last song builds up the grand finale of this album. The song "Love of Mine" has a theme centered around mutual feelings and the realization that the honeymoon phase is over, conveying a sense of absence of love. It is accompanied by Boone’s silky vocals that contribute to creating a beautiful atmosphere, complemented by the song's production.
With all the songs about heartbreak, relationship, and breakup, it was a refresher to hear “Boone” sing about the power of friendship on the next track, “Friends”. Friend" is about the importance of having a good friend by your side, highlighting the mutual needs and support between friends. The message is sweet and relatable, making it a chill song with a comforting vibe. Just like what a friendship should be. Comfortable and easy.
At long last, the finale of “Fireworks and Rollerblades” has come and it was surely grand. “What Do You Want” is Boone’s cry for freedom. The overarching theme is about not wanting anything to do with an ex. The singer has healed and doesn't want to deal with them anymore after giving everything in the past. The meaning of the song shifts when the beat switches, making it a cinematic song where emotions are felt through the singing and vocals. The decision to switch the beat is a good choice, and the song ends on a positive note, conveying a feeling of freedom and empowerment.
