Australian singer songwriter Troye Sivan released his third album, “Bloom,” Aug. 31, taking pop into his own hands with this delicate yet intense record.
“Bloom” embraces the experiences of a young gay man in the 21st century. Troye’s lyrical talent, accompanied by strikingly dreamy melodies and tinkering beats, will evoke an emotional response in any listener.
The album flows with themes of youth, lust, discovery and the all-around trivialities of being a hopeless romantic.
Sivan makes clear the importance of using male pronouns to describe love interests relevant to his personal life. His additional goal of eliminating heteronormative undertones and fragile masculinity throughout the album is accomplished with soft, traditionally more feminine sounds.
Important topics in Sivan’s music are his experience with his sexual orientation and obstacles related to puppy love, heartbreak and true love.
Compared to past albums, the overall sound of “Bloom” is less aggressive, and the meaning is more intimate and personal. The album is particularly colorful in its sense of pride and excitement while discovering and exploring sexual themes.
Instrumentally, a beautiful cross of acoustics, pop beats and electronic sound effects grab the listener’s attention. The first track, “Seventeen,” is about Sivan reminiscing on the naive thrills of being with an older, more experienced man, specifically when it comes to intimacy. It embodies the feelings of youth, mischief and pure lust.
Lyrics like “Got something here to lose that I think you wanna take from me” and “Boy becomes a man now / Can’t tell a man to slow down” truly showcase these themes on “Seventeen.”
“Dance To This” is another standout bop which features pop princess Ariana Grande. Grande, an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ community, is a perfect choice to team up with Sivan in helping him get across the message in this pretty, lively pick-me-up.
Every Sivan fan is aware of his interest of playing with runway-esque makeup looks and colors on his album covers, which have stuck to a floral, light-tempered aesthetic until “Bloom,” which features a striking black-and-white photo of the back of his newly dyed platinum blond hair as the cover. This sophisticated image could symbolize the new, mature themes addressed in this album.
Overall, the record is a sweet take on a young man’s perspective on frivolous love, hopeless romance and heartbreak. By the end, Sivan will leave you wanting more.
“Bloom” can be streamed on Apple Music and Spotify and purchased on Google Play and iTunes.
Photo courtesy of YouTube
