“Fireworks & Rollerblades” - Benson Boone Album Review

After releasing multiple singles over the past few years, including the ever-popular “Beautiful Things,” which peaked at the Billboard Top 100, Benson Boone released his debut studio album, “Fireworks & Rollerblades.”

Boone’s debut album features 15 songs and has a runtime of 49 minutes.

The initial song is just listed as “Intro.” It lasts 1:02 before seamlessly transitioning into the next song on the album, “Be Someone,” without the listeners even realizing that the songs switched.

The album spews Boone’s contemporary pop/rock styling while providing the listener with thoughtful lyrics and features several bangers.

One that had previously been heard by fans but still hit the sweet spot was “Beautiful Things,” as it was rereleased as the album's lead single.

“Beautiful Things” is about the volatility of happiness and a reflection of gratitude about the gifts God has bestowed upon him and his hope that he won’t lose them.

It features a stellar vocal performance by Boone, which displays his range quite well and highlights his ability to demonstrate emotion while performing.

The track's background instrumental balances excellently with the lyrics, crafting a masterpiece.

One of the new releases, “Cry,” is a highlight of the album.

It perfectly demonstrates Boone’s strength of singing at a higher octave. The switch in the middle of the song from the slow pace to then going, “Nah, nah, nah, that doesn't feel right. Maybe, uh, speed it up. Yeah, that's nice" was a great stylistic choice.

The chorus is exceptionally catchy, and the premise about getting out of a toxic relationship is very relatable for many of today’s listeners.

“There She Goes” is also a must-listen to off the album. It is a heartfelt song expressing humans' desire for a special someone to be in their lives and the feeling of being lost when they are not around you.

Its upbeat tempo is a delight to listen to, and its lyrics leave the listener evaluating their own love lives.

The one low light of the album had to be “Love of Mine.” The song's pace is too slow and harmonizes at the wrong time. The chorus feels very repetitive and is probably the only song on the entire album that doesn’t have replayability.

The production on “Fireworks & Rollerblades” was also top-notch for a debut album, and each producer did an excellent job subtly adding their style while not taking away from Boone’s performance.

Boone is a star in the making, and “Fireworks & Rollerblades” may just be his coming-out party.

Rating: 9/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Tracks: “Beautiful Things,” “Cry” and “There She Goes.”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Track: “Hello Love.”

Ben Palillo is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bgp5079@psu.edu.