We play the beats that move you every day, but it’s time to take a look behind the beats.
A seed was planted in December of 2015 when Troye Sivan released his debut concept album, Blue Neighbourhood. We were introduced to a new era of dreamy synth that challenged the Australian pop scene in a really cool way. Featuring Australian artists, Allday and Betty Who, and collaborating with Sydney-born writer and producer Alex Hope, this album was home grown through-and-through.
After a move across the world and some time to grow, Troye Sivan’s sophomore album, Bloom, is finally upon us. Co-written by LA producer Leland (who is the Executive Producer of Netflix’s Sierra Burgess Is A Loser and scored the whole movie), this album is intricate, honest and full.
Have a geez behind the beats of Troye Sivan’s, Bloom.
Seventeen
Breathable, glittery verses and a full, layered chorus, automatically transport you to the time and place that he is describing. Troye recalls a time when he was in an intimidating relationship, where he felt immense anxiety about doing too much, too soon. ‘I’ve got something here to lose that I know you wanna take, from me.’
This is the perfect introduction to the sophomore album, showing a very real and relatable vulnerability. The lyrics are heavy but the relief is in the music that they sit in.
The airy, magical instrumental bridge lets the weight of this track sit on your heart and pander to your younger self.
My My My!
The first single on the album came out of the gates and perfectly set the tone for this new era. The name of the song, ‘My My My!’ is a physical, honest declaration of overwhelming, outward expression. The beat itself is very unique and mirrors the feeling of a heart literally skipping a beat. Aside from being a perfect pop hit, it’s intensely personal and feels conversational, like you’re eavesdropping in on something you’re not supposed to hear. ‘Go slow / No, no, go fast.’
The sounds used throughout this track feel uplifting, not unlike the Windows 98 startup sound. This could definitely indicate a all-round reboot, and a sense of moving forward.
The Good Side
The lyrics are definitely a secondary, this song could be an instrumental and still tell the story of a broken relationship, absolutely beautifully. It’s more linear than any other track that Troye has released, meaning that it runs very smoothly and methodically throughout its entirety and neatly bookended with deliberate instrumental.
The lyrics are artful and honest, almost plucked from a personal journal and spoken directly to the person it’s about. ‘You taught me the ropes, and you taught me to love’
He thanks his ex-relationship for the what they went through, and it feels like this is closure.
Bloom
The title track of the album sparks curiosity of the true meaning of ‘bloom’. The multi-tiered definition alludes not only to the obvious, physical blooming, but also referencing growth, new life and vulnerability and that absolutely sums up the concept of the album.
Lyrically, the recurring motif of gardens and flowers are present with strategically placed innuendos, ‘Take a trip into my garden / I've got so much to show ya’
Deliciously silky smooth vocals and glittery 80s piano sounds swirl together with light and shade in mind. The pace has definitely been thought out; first verse builds, choruses that slink into each other and a bridge that allows room to breathe creates the perfect recipe for a timeless pop song - they knew what they were doing with this one.
Postcard ft. Gordi
Troye really challenges his vocal range on this track, exploring the lower tones of his voice. Beautiful classical piano-driven choruses are the perfect bed for solemn and soulful lyrics, begging for the relationship to be two-sided, ‘Don't put me back down, like it's nothing to ya.’
The feature from Gordi comes in the form of a delightful, melodic bridge.
Experimenting with a choir-type sound in the choruses and verses that kick against the tempo you’d expect from a slower song definitely paid off and make for a mature, interesting addition.
Dance To This ft. Ariana Grande
Still accessing those lower tones, Troye creates an effortless and timeless 90s-inspired hit. Back into the synth beats and smooth runs, this feels comfortable and very much his sound. This is unlike anything on the radio at the moment, and is a totally unique approach to soft R&B Pop.
The addition of Ariana Grande on this track is unreal and lends itself to creating an entire collaboration album. The simple lyrics are sincere. ‘Under the kitchen light, you still look like dynamite.’ It’s the kind of song that you listen to when you’re just with the person you want to be with and you’re just, comfortable.
Plum
This track is a very sad and honest song about discovering what it’s like to come to a crossroads, but it’s been cleverly disguised as the greatest bop on the album. The writing is just so good- the recurring motifs, unique tempo pattern and just a really well-rounded song.
The chorus, ‘Even the sweetest plum, has only got so long.’ is a heartbreaking reminder that nothing is forever, no matter how good it feels. It is definitely one of the most interesting songs to listen to on the album because again, it feels like a very personal thing that you’ve been allowed to hear.
What A Heavenly Way To Die
Euphoria; that’s what this track projects. Instantly, it feels like it could be the sequel to the Blue Neighbourhood track, COOL. There are also multiple nods to other Blue Neighbourhood tracks including YOUTH and HEAVEN. There’s been so much growth since that time and it feels like a natural progression, from scrambling to find a place in this world, to knowing it and sitting in it comfortably. There’s a definite weightlessness to this song that is very rare and feels uplifting.
‘What a heavenly way to die, what a time to be alive.’ The only critique for this track is that it needed to be longer.
Lucky Strike
Picture leaving a dive bar in the middle of LA after a great night, just as the sun is rising - this song is playing. This dreamy 80s-inspired track confirms all speculation that Troye Sivan has found his sound. It is expertly written, and blends a mix of genres with absolute ease. Influences for this track can be found in Bazzi and Ariana Grande. The carefully curated theme is reflected in the catchy lyrics, especially the chorus, ‘Tell me all the ways to love you.’
This is definitely a hidden gem on the album.
Animal
The final track on the album is a unique and intricate love letter to someone very special to him. By the title of the song, you’d expect a wild and explosive song but this is refined and extremely unexpected. This is a multi-layered song and definitely feels disjointed at times, but that’s exactly the charm of it. The lyrics are the hero of this song, ‘An ode to the boy I love / Boy, I'll die to care for you.’ It feels like a final exhale and completes the album in a very rounded way.
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Troye Sivan’s sophomore album is a natural progression from his humble beginnings. His evolved, mature sound is very evidently influenced by his surroundings, his experiences and the extremely talented writers and producers he’s worked with on this album.
With dreamy synth pop sounds inspired by the late 80s to early 90s rhythm flowing through the heart and soul of this album, it feels nostalgic and full. Gordi and Ariana Grande in the mix, this is definitely a unique album that is worth many, many listens.
From the seed, comes new life in the form of ‘Bloom’ by Troye Sivan.
Available from midnight local time, 31st August 2018.