After two years, Benson Boone has finally dropped his new album titled “Fireworks and Rollerblades.” Featuring 15 unique songs, each taking listeners through so many different emotions at once.
The reason I became interested in Benson Boone as an artist was because of his single, “Beautiful Things.” He released it well before the album as a teaser, and it went viral across TikTok and other social media platforms. It’s no surprise it became such a hit, given that it is emotional and relatable. The upbeat chorus was particularly catchy and seemed to be everywhere, lingering in my mind long after hearing it. However, with Benson gaining rapid popularity based on just this one song, I was skeptical that the rest of his album could match up to such high standards.
As I listened to each track in the new album, none stood out or were as catchy as “Beautiful Things.” While there were songs I enjoyed, none were as memorable. Benson opened the album with “Be Someone,” an upbeat song about love, describing the journey of falling for someone.
Next up is “Slow Down,” which he teased a lot on TikTok and social media, so I already had an idea of what it would sound like. However, like many artists who tease songs early, they often only showcase the best part, which is what Boone did too. While the song had catchy hooks, it didn’t quite live up to the anticipation.
If you’re going to listen to any songs from the album, I highly recommend “Cry,” or “In the Stars.” These tracks are beautifully written and are among my favorites aside from “Beautiful Things.” When I first heard “Cry,” I was drawn in by its slow start, expecting another sad or emotional song. However, I was completely mistaken because, after a few more seconds, the beat undergoes a complete transformation, turning into a fast-paced song. The vibe shifts entirely, becoming more upbeat with added instrumentals. Though there are moments in the middle where it slows down a bit, by the end, Boone is screaming out the lyrics again, maintaining that energetic pace. Overall, it’s a catchy and fun song, perfect for singing along to during car rides.
“In the Stars,” on the other hand, maintains the same pace throughout without any sudden changes like “Cry.” It’s difficult to compare the two because they each have their own unique qualities. “In the Stars,” is a lot more touching and emotional, a tribute to a lost family member. However, one thing that I don’t like about this song is that it sounds somewhat generic, it reminds me of another song I’ve heard before, though I can’t place which one.
I also fell in love with the song “Friend,” which, like “Cry,” has a switch in the middle of it. It starts off slow and gradually picks up speed. Boone gets into emotions with his music, and this song is no exception as he sings about the need for companionship during tough times. He also stresses the struggle of facing challenges in life alone. The repetition in this song is memorable, especially because of his expressive delivery of the lyrics.
While most of the songs on the album are worth a listen, I don’t find anything particularly special about “Love of Mine,” and “Ghost Town.” They both have a slow melody and aren’t as enjoyable to listen to as some of the other options. The faster-paced songs tend to have more mood transitions, switching from slow to fast-paced melodies.
Overall, the album has something for everyone, touching on emotions and themes like love and friendship. Boone’s voice is also unique and, smoothly switching between tones, even becoming raspy at times. The mix of slow, sad tunes to upbeat makes it more engaging so I’d definitely recommend listening to it.
