Benson Boone, a loud performer who's light on content
US singer songwriter Benson Boone sure has energy - after all, this is the man who, during a sensational Grammy performance of his mega hit "Beautiful Things," tore his clothes off and did a flip on stage.
If this US newcomer isn't the future, then who is? And here is his new album "American Heart."
Genre, number of songs, length:
American pop – the 10 songs last 30:23 minutes.
How it sounds:
"American Heart" is an album so polished, it is like a mirror. Boone and his producers understand the craft of modern pop down to the last detail: catchy melodies, danceable beats, pointed, high-gloss productions with stadium ambitions.
It's all wrapped up with a bow on it - a touch of glam, reminiscent in parts of the early Killers, but without their rough edges. "American Heart" is the sound of a pop America that likes itself. Each track gets straight to the point, never lasting much longer than three minutes, so as not to overtax the TikTok generation's attention span.
What the artist is about:
A kind-hearted review would say life and feelings, especially in relation to love and dating – swooning for the moment in complete freedom.
But the truth is that Boone is 22 years old and definitely doesn't sound a day older. In 10 songs, we learn nothing about him, nothing about his life story, his values or why he makes music.
While Chappell Roan puts queer identity at the centre of her work, Billie Eilish explores inner darkness and Taylor Swift is the chronicler of her own life struggles, Boone's "American Heart" is pretty empty.
Perhaps this is the result of a deeply divided American society where any and all expression runs the risk of being politicized.
Or perhaps it is the choice of a young artist who wants to do all he can to please anyone and everyone - even at the cost of his identity. In this respect, Boone and the content of his "American Heart" perhaps sum up the state of his homeland right now.
What the artist says:
Boone worked on his new album in the shadow of his global hit "Beautiful Things," which the whole world has probably heard by now.
He told Rolling Stone magazine, "I think I'm getting to the point where I just want people to know that there's more than just that song."
Recommended tracks:
Those looking for the new "Beautiful Things" may not find a clear answer on this album. But the most important feel-good song is probably "Mystical Magical," which has a 70s disco vibe and a hit-worthy flow.
Then there's "Momma Song," a coming-of-age anthem that Boone sings as a tribute to his mother.
Who will enjoy this album:
"American Heart" is a fine album for anyone looking for danceable, well-produced pop, as long as they are not bothered by the lack of depth.
Boone's art lies in his presence as a performer and his infectious energy, not in the complexity of his lyrics.
If you have the chance to see him live, do so! If Boone's shows on his summer tour are half as exciting as his now legendary performance at the Grammys, it will have been worth it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Attend Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final
An extremely pivotal Game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final is taking place Thursday night, with the Florida Panthers looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead while the Edmonton Oilers aim to even things up and turn the series into a best of three. The game holds enough significance that it's not only drawn the attention of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, it's brought them directly to the home of the Panthers in a suite at Amerant Bank Arena to take in the action first-hand. Advertisement "In their #StanleyCup Final era ... Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce knew all too well they couldn't miss Game 4 in Sunrise," the post on X read. Yes, we see what you did there, @Sportsnet. In the clip, the announcer refers to Swift and Kelce as "musical and sporting royalty," and indicates the magnetic couple had apparently just arrived to the game, presumably a short time before the above video was likely quickly posted to Sportsnet's X account. Based on the colors of choice for their attire, one might assume Travis and Taylor are rooting for the Panthers because there is quite literally nothing about their fits that scream Edmonton Oilers. Advertisement But then again, perhaps the famous couple just continues to ride with Kansas City Chiefs red in the offseason, which would be completely understandable. Thankfully, despite the predictable negative nature of social media when it comes to something as innocent as Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift simply attending a fun sporting event, some civility prevailed in the comments. "I can assure you as a hockey fan that hockey fans also like Taylor Swift and are happy to see her there!" one user posted. While the brand of Kelce's hat is not entirely clear based on what's seen in the clip, it almost doesn't even matter because regardless of what that embroidery says, what we do know is that his hat game continues to ride an impressive hot streak. Advertisement Game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final will shift back to Edmonton on Saturday, June 14, with the puck dropping at 8 p.m. ET on TNT as well as TruTV. Related: Bill Simmons' Wild NBA Finals Stat Line Prediction Comes True in Game 3 Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Attend Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 13, 2025
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Travis Kelce Has Reportedly Dropped 25 Pounds Ahead of NFL Season
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce will be entering his 12th NFL season at the age of 35 and is coming off a 2024 campaign where he finished with 823 yards receiving and three touchdowns, marking the lowest output of his career in both categories, among others. So, perhaps some kind of change was in order? Advertisement Given his age—Kelce will turn 36 the day before a Week 5 Sunday Night Football showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars—and the physical nature of playing tight end, some kind of change might have been in order anyway in the name of keeping up, regardless of the stats he put up last season. Travis Kelce attends the Amazon 2025 Upfront at Beacon Theatre on May 12, 2025 in New York that appears to be the case, as reports have circulated that Kelce, officially listed at 250 pounds, has dropped 25 pounds in the offseason. That's a pretty significant drop in weight, and one that may have been necessary considering NFL insiders have indicated Kelce was playing "a little heavier" last season. "He [Kelce] will debut a bit of a slimmer look," ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler said. "He's told people close to him that he's lost about 25 pounds this offseason. Played a little heavier in 2024, it was sort of a thing. He vowed to change it, and he has." Advertisement "This could be the last dance here for him," Fowler continued. "Mid 30s, still a productive player. They want to go to him on third down, but declining a little bit, so he's trying to be slimmer and has gone hardcore this offseason to make it work in what could be his final season." With Fowler mentioning that the 2025 season could very well be Kelce's final run with the Chiefs, it's completely understandable for the seven-time All-Pro to have placed a significant focus toward trimming down. Remember, when he explained on his popular New Heights podcast to brother Jason Kelce as to why he chose not to retire, one of the major factors contributing to him coming back for at least one more go was due to how unhappy Kelce was with the level he was playing at, and feeling like he let his teammates down. Related: Travis Kelce Admits Financial Pressure Challenged Retirement Decision "I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them," Kelce said back in March. "I got a bad taste in my mouth on how I ended the year and how well I was playing." Advertisement Considering star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs as a whole will likely be entering the 2025 season with a rather large chip on their shoulder following an ugly 40-22 Super Bowl blowout loss that was even worse than the final score indicates, a recharged and in-shape Kelce has got to be music to the ears of head coach Andy Reid and his staff. NFL fans will get an official look at the rejuvenated Kelce almost immediately, with Chiefs' mandatory minicamp beginning on Tuesday, June 17, and set to wrap up on Thursday, June 19. Related: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Attend Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final Travis Kelce Has Reportedly Dropped 25 Pounds Ahead of NFL Season first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 16, 2025
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Pymatuning Lake Fest draws thousands to area
By WARREN DILLAWAY warren@ ANDOVER TOWNSHIP — The Pymatuning Lake Festival is a major draw, bringing thousands of people to the area the first weekend in August. The festival takes place along the beach at Pymatuning Lake Park, near the causeway that takes people to Pennsylvania. The event has been providing entertainment for decades. The event is sponsored by the Pymatuning Area Chamber of Commerce, with any proceeds going back into the coffers to fund the next year's festival, PACC Executive Director Lara Reibold said. She said the event will take place Aug. 2 and 3, and organizers are trying to keep costs down. She said $5,000 more in sponsorships will help families enjoy cheaper options for their children. 'We are trying to keep the costs down,' Reibold said. She said there will be ice skating, in addition to a climbing wall that come under a $5 cost for multiple experiences, but there are also free activities for children as well. A major highlight of the event is fireworks at dusk Saturday. 'This will be the 41st [festival]', Reibold said. Craft vendors are also a big part of the weekend, along with a variety of entertainment options. 'I have vendors that are coming from North Carolina, Virgina ... [and] Chicago,' Reibold said. The vendors area is spread through the large parking area adjacent to the waterfront, and entertainment occurs on a stage created just for the event. The entertainment schedule for the weekends includes Karissa Hoovler at 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by Workin On It Trio at 12:30 p.m., MMAD at 1:45 p.m., Rick Hornyak and Co. at 3:15 p.m., Aphrodite's Hero at 4:30 p.m., Brett Allen Morgan at 6:30 and Candace Campana at 8 p.m. On Sunday, Firmly Grounded kicks off the entertainment at 10 a.m., followed by the Bitter Sweet — Johnny Bauer Duo at noon; Dawn Savage at 1:30 p.m. and the Sounds of Elvis-Jim Felix at 2:45 p.m.
