Fireworks & Rollerblades

When Benson Boone dropped out of American Idol in 2021 because he wanted to be known for his own music, its doubtful even he imagined that his debut single, "Ghost Town" (out later the same year), would chart internationally. Two years later, with help from his strong social media base, "Beautiful Things," the lead single from his first album, topped the Billboard Global 200 chart while reaching number two on the Hot 100. That songs theatrical, rock-injected, arena-ready pop is surprisingly representative of the 15-track Fireworks & Rollerblades, an album flush with full-throated (sometimes strained) belting, earnest affirmations, self-doubt, and good relationship intentions. As foreshadowed by a credit list with 13 producers and even more co-songwriters, the debut seems to embrace "more is more" as a philosophy, with soaring melodies on even the sparest, tenderest entries ("Ghost Town," "Intro," "In the Stars," "Hello Love"). But in the tradition of one of Boones biggest influences, Queen, thats not necessarily a bad thing. ~ Marcy Donelson

今年前半を象徴する大ヒット曲"Beautiful Things"でスターダムに駆け上ったアメリカ人シンガーによる初のフル・アルバム。ピアノがメインのこれまでのヒット曲に加えて、豪快なギターで翻弄する同曲のような新機軸も充実。以前から関わってきたジェイソン・スウィート、ジェイソン・エヴィガンや、キャプテン・カッツ、TMS、マレイらダンス寄りのチームも制作参加。一曲の中でソフトな優しさと、タフなシャウト系の間を絶妙に行き交いつつ、有無を言わさぬドラマチックな歌唱で圧倒する。ピュアかつ無邪気、時に泣きを入れつつ、一直線なキャラでダイナミックに心を揺さぶる。
bounce (C)村上ひさし