Troye Sivan
Blue Neighbourhood
EMI / Capitol
Release date: December 4, 2015
By Shawal Ras
YouTube star and all-around pretty boy (he's a South African and proud Australian citizen, FYI), Troye Sivan, released his debut album earlier this month and I have to say, this record feels like a collection of songs for your slow-mo walk under the cloudy days of December. An emotive and dramatic soundscape, I tell ya.
After listening to the whole CD (on repeat!) for the last three weeks, the album, to me, is a concept created about the mellow and sorrow of his love life. While the word "blue" refers to the aforementioned characteristics, "neighbourhood" refers to something he clearly understands, his heart. OK, this totally brings a new meaning to the idiom "home is where the heart is". You understand what I'm saying, right?
Anyway, the album is a mixture of electronic and synth pop with a touch of some subtle R&B flava. Like Lorde's Pure Heroine, Sivan's debut record is all about the agony of life as a millennial and yes, love. But in lieu of originality, Blue Neighbourhood provides a much vulnerable look at a young boy's heart. It's pretty dark IMO but made light with a touch of that whole genius pop production.
And I kinda agree to this review gave by The Sydney Herald: "Troye Sivan is making pop music smart again. In an era harking back to the bad old days when young acts are lumbered with generic songs hastily assembled by others purely to meet deadlines for maximum profit, Sivan is a gust of fresh air."
EXACTLY! The writer sums up this whole amazing record with just one para!
My top choices: 'WILD', 'FOOLS', 'TALK ME DOWN', 'for him.' (feat. Allday) and 'SUBURBIA'
Blue Neighbourhood is currently available for purchase and endless stream via your fav services.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.