Bibliographic Information

Title: Fireworks & Rollerblades

Artist: Benson Boone

Release Date: April 5, 2024

Record Label: Night Street; Warner Records

Genre

Alternative/Indie Pop

Format

Music

Running Time

49 minutes, 16 seconds

Interest Level

Songs from Fireworks & Rollerblades regularly appear on Spotify’s editorially-curated “Teen Beats” playlist.

Awards or Honors

Album debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200; song “Beautiful Things” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Album Description

So slow it down, take a moment now
We’re too young to drown deep in dirty waters
Full of hopeless doubt, let me pull you out
Let me hold you now, let me slow it down
(from “Slow It Down”)

Nearly every song on Fireworks & Rollerblades is arranged with an intriguing juxtaposition of tempos, creating many dynamics fit for Boone’s intimate falsetto and belting tenor. The songs are achy and tender one moment, and nearly anthemic the next. The album is packed with emotion, communicated not just through Boone’s voice and lyrics, but the frequent use of piano, guitar, and soaring strings accompaniment. He ties the album together with themes of fear, love, loss, and other angsty realities of life.

Artist Background

21-year-old Benson Boone grew up in Monroe, Washington and though he learned to play piano around 12 years old, he had no experience with singing in front of people until his senior year of high school. Singing became a passion once he discovered his talent – and love – for it (Mundane, n.d.). He grew an online audience through social media and appeared in Season 21 of American Idol, quitting the show after reaching the Top 24 to pursue his own career in music. Fireworks & Rollerblades is his debut album (Benson Boone, 2024b).

Critical Evaluation

Even with some of the sleepier songs on Fireworks & Rollerblades, this album is the perfect belt-it-out sing-along for any car ride or kitchen karaoke. All the tracks are infused with a kind of grit and infectious energy that make it a really enjoyable listen. Boone’s musical influences include Sam Smith, Adele, and Queen (Ledone, 2024), and that’s easy to hear on this album. His voice is clear and piercing, and very approachable. Some of the pop melodies might feel a bit familiar, and some of the lyrics lack complexity, but Fireworks & Rollerblades is an exciting debut and launch to Benson Boone’s musical career.

Creative Use for a Library Program

Since Benson Boone discovered his love of singing at what was essentially a school talent show, a library could host an “open mic” night for youth who want to try performing for the first time. Giving them a safe space and plenty of encouragement to discover a new talent might be just the thing some youth need to find a new life-long passion.

Speed Round Talk

Singer-songwriter Benson Boone’s Fireworks & Rollerblades is a vulnerable, dynamic album full of energy and angst. Whether he’s pulled up close to the mic or soaring at top voice, Boone’s skillful vocals and writing will make you feel something.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

The only challenges I can imagine might be pushback from singer-songwriter purists who don’t see value in artists beginning their careers on TikTok. Otherwise, none of the songs are labeled Explicit, none of the subject matter is controversial, and to date, nothing problematic has been reported about Boone in the press.

Reasons for Inclusion

Benson Boone is very much the man of the moment. He has more than 7 million followers on TikTok, more than 59 million monthly streams on Spotify, and it was just announced that he will be opening for Taylor Swift at her June 23, 2024 Eras Tour show in London. He is incredibly popular everywhere teens listen to today’s artists and belongs in a collection of contemporary materials for youth.

Use the player below to listen to songs from Fireworks & Rollerblades on Spotify: