Benson Boone’s debut album, Fireworks and Rollerblades, is a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and self-discovery, wrapped in stirring melodies and raw lyricism. Following the massive success of his breakout single, “Beautiful Things,” Boone delivers a collection of songs that solidify his place as one of pop music’s most promising new talents.

From the moment the ethereal notes of the opening track, “Intro,” graces the listener’s ears, it’s evident that Boone is embarking on a deeply personal journey—one that transcends the boundaries of traditional pop music.

The title track, “Fireworks and Rollerblades,” serves as a fitting metaphor for Boone’s meteoric rise to fame. Like a firework shooting into the night sky strapped to a rollerblade, Boone’s rise has been swift, exhilarating, and at times, dizzying. Yet beneath the glittering surface lies a deeper narrative—one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to his music.

As the album unfolds, Boone’s soulful vocals and introspective lyrics take center stage, guiding listeners through a sonic landscape rich with emotion and authenticity. Tracks like “Be Someone” and “Slow It Down” showcase Boone’s gift for creating infectious pop hooks, while delving into themes of love, longing, and self-reflection.

Boone presents the highs and lows of living life and “Slow it down” while he demonstrates the yearn for love and creating a harmonious relationship between two people in different paths in their lives without the pain through the lyrics, “We’re too young to drown deep in dirty waters full of hopeless donuts, let me pull you out. Let me hold you now, let me slow it down”.

But it’s the quieter moments on the album that truly resonate. Songs like “Cry” and “In The Stars” peel back the layers, revealing the raw vulnerability that lies at the heart of Boone’s music. With each impassioned lyric and haunting melody, Boone invites listeners into his world, alluring them to share in his triumphs and tribulations.

Through his raw and vulnerable lyrics: “now you’re in the stars and six-feet’s never felt so far. Here I am alone between the heaven and the embers”, Boone captures the sorrowful grief that comes with losing someone you love and the reality of living on without them. As he mourns, he is in a state of in-between; yearning and left in a state of restlessness. Despite this, he holds onto the dear memories he has. His lyrics, and the raw emotion in his voice adds to the truth of the pain experienced.

One of the album’s standout tracks, “Drunk In My Mind,” captures the intoxicating rush of falling in love, while also exploring the pain of heartbreak. Boone’s emotive delivery and poignant lyricism make this track a touching reminder of love’s transformative power.

“When I gave you my heart, you just ripped it wide open. You must be jokin’ from takin’ it slowly to crashin’ full speed into hopelessly broken”: these lyrics from “Drunk In My Mind” expand on the feeling of seeing your relationship unravel and the new perspective of heartbreak and betrayal that was once a lens of admiration.

Throughout Fireworks and Rollerblades, Boone showcases his versatility as a songwriter, effortlessly blending genres and styles to create a compelling body of work. From the haunting piano balladry of “Ghost Town” to the lush orchestration of “There She Goes,” Boone proves that he’s not bound by convention, but rather guided by his own creative intuition.

As the album draws to a close with the reflective closer “What Do You Want,” Boone leaves listeners with a sense of catharsis—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope to be found.

Fireworks and Rollerblades is a stunning debut from Benson Boone, showcasing his talent as both a vocalist and a songwriter. With its sensational hooks, raw lyricism, and emotional depth, this album secures Boone’s status as one of pop music’s most exciting new voices. Whether he’s belting out soaring choruses or laying bare his innermost thoughts, Boone proves that he’s here to stay, and Fireworks and Rollerblades is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible career.

Photo courtesy of MOXIE