I was ever so recently made aware of Jon Bellion. A friend was streaming and talking about this studio concert that Bellion had put on. What I discovered there was a fascinating version of "Simple & Sweet." So after watching Bellion perform and craft a whole new version of a song in real time I had to check out the original. This is what lead me to this album. It is maybe not his most recognized or most played, but I love the vibe and each song. Fantastic pop hooks with a flavour of hip-hop that I have always loved. I wasn't sure about featuring an album and artist I had just discovered. But, after I had listened to the album almost 10 full times I figured I was on to something.

I am obsessed with the way you can see Bellion's songwriting in his finished products. Drum and rhythm tracks create space for melody and lyric. Often the instrumentation is just light and tight in a way you can lock right into. What feels special to me is the vocals and vocalizations. These are separate, but deeply integral parts of these songs. For example, "Pre-Occupied" has these tight and rhythmically rhyming vocals. They hit hard about being occupied with things in your life. The obsessions of a creative (and I would argue any) mind with the things that you can't help but pay attention to. It reminds me of how I cannot help but pay real attention to music whenever it is playing. I can't help but be pre-occupied with the music playing, even when it is just 'background music.' But, I digress. The vocalizations where he jumps in with accapella to lay down rhythm or melody are a strong feature of his music. It gives the music a bit of a different feel than if you made a similar sound with an instrument. This is something quite evident in the difference between his live and album versions of "Simple & Sweet." Where some of the vocalization is replaced or added to with studio instrumention. It's the song that first caught me and really is simple. It is filled with his voice and genuine lyrics. "Human" hits me as a great example of his actual lyric writing prowess. It is this highly relateable song about the human condition. The things that we deal with. Not enough time. Anxieties. Feeling lost. The formula that Bellion uses throughout the album is simple, but good lord is it effective.

I thought about how when I've listened to this album to completion I am usually jarred out of my listening by whatever comes on next by autoplay. Even if it is other Jon Bellion. It feels like one long experience and I can appreciate that. It is hard hitting and attention grabbing. And if you think 'why have I never heard anything by him before?' Well. You probably have. In addition to his own work he has lent his considerable creative skill to some huge names. Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and Halsey are just a few names that you might recognize. But, before you hop off to check out those artists and his contributions there. Please check out his own vision for his music. It is all a great time. Go ahead and get lost in Bellion's absolutely fantastic production and songwriting.