Photo by Johnathan Weiner.
Benson Boone, a previous underdog with known singles such as “In the Stars” and “Ghost Town,” released his long-awaited freshman album Fireworks & Rollerblades on April 5, 2024.
Boone’s rising fame started on TikTok, where he posted covers utilizing his unique vocals. After realizing he had true talent, he started writing his own music, which really took off on the internet.
After strategically posting teasers for the album for the past year, it is officially out, and it was worth the wait.The album consists of 15 tracks, starting with the “Intro”.
The “Intro” itself takes you back in time with a vintage feel, then transforms and builds, using an orchestra, into a more modern sound with the powerhouse of Boone’s vocals.
Boone has such a distinct rasp to his vocals and controlled range that could survive without the drums or the guitar. In this album, the instruments enhance what Boone already has. The synchronization of his high notes and the chilling beats throughout the album pull it together.
Other artists make use of instruments as back up while Boone coincides with it. He proves the importance of the electric guitar, drums, and bass in music.
One of his most recents singles, “Beautiful Things,” featured on the album, demonstrated to listeners what was to look out for in this new album. Songs that truly pop out in Fireworks & Rollerblades includes “Cry”, “There She Goes” and “Slow It Down”.
The album conveys many different themes of love: the initial falling in love, fearing it will end, not knowing how to help the ones you love, falling out of love and even the hostility love can create.
The songs are entwined throughout the album to give a back and forth of emotions. It goes from happy to sad and everything in between. A prime example of this can be heard from the track “Cry” to “Forever and a Day.” The switch is drastic from the rage emanated through grunge rock, to the representation of the pinnacle of love with a ballad.
Benson Boone proved once more in the song “In the Stars” that he is a lyric genius. If you’re looking for a song that truly feels like love when you hear it, you’ve come to the right place. With lyrics like, “I bet we already knew our names before we met each other” and “I bet we’ve sailed the Milky Way, walked on the sun together,” Boone poetically presents the idea of a soul tie to listeners.
Benson Boone proved in this album that he can make music that can be tied into many styles all while creating his own. The album “Fireworks & Rollerblades” establishes the passion and fire Benson Boone can bring to the music industry.
Boone has already begun teasing his next album and is currently on tour. It is fair to say this album will not be the last time you hear the name Benson Boone.