The Golden Years by Joshua Bassett via https://www.joshuatbassett.com/
If you've been waiting for Joshua Bassett to drop an album, I can say with an abundance of joy that the wait is over! The album consists of eleven tracks that give us a better look at the talent Joshua Bassett holds. Between the powerful lyrics and his smooth voice he allows us to journey through his personal experience with "The Golden Years" which is a transition period between adolescence and adulthood.
Track List:
Biting My Tongue
The Golden Years
Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
Don't Let Me Down (Ft. Jenna Raine)
Cherry Blossom
Circles
Wildfire
Little Rita
Would Ya Tell Me
Mirror
Look How Far You've Come
Joshua Bassett was born in Oceanside, California. He began acting, dancing, and singing at a very young age. He has five sisters who also love to be involved in theater. Joshua Bassett was the male lead in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series which can be watched on Disney+. However, his role in the show did not define who he was. Bassett quickly broke through the barrier and signed a recording contract in 2020. He released his first single, "Common Sense", that year. Shortly after, his first single he released his debut EP "Joshua Bassett" in March of 2021 and then in 2022 he released his EP "Sad Songs In A Hotel Room." Joshua Bassett is currently on "The Golden Years" tour. Aside from making music and touring Joshua Bassett has "Sammy Sundays" which is an outreach that extends food and other supplies to those who are experiencing homelessness. Bassett has experienced many ups and downs, including a major health scare, but one thing he has been very open about is his experience with finding faith and sharing it with others. He truly is a young inspiration to those around him.
Biting My Tongue
Joshua Bassett starts the album off strong with the song "Biting My Tongue." For those of you who are seasoned listeners of Bassett's music, you may notice a few similar lyrics to that of his song, "Set Me Free" which was released in 2021. The song starts off in a rather soft and quiet manner. The acoustic guitar introduces the lyrics and eventually the drums as the beat picks up. As a listener we quickly understand that we're experiencing the story of a strained relationship that is no longer benefiting either party. "Biting My Tongue" allows us to tap into our emotions early in the album so we can better understand the other songs that are yet to come.
The Golden Years
The second song on the album is "The Golden Years," which further introduces us to the relationship Bassett reflects on in "Biting My Tongue." This time, we're given a reflection of all the good moments within the relationship. At one point, we even come to understand how much Bassett misses the story of their past relationship. With the song "The Golden Years" we're given faster tempo as well as a strong presence of drums. These elements help pull our mood from serious and slightly sad to content and more understanding. This is where we begin to experience what can only be described as the lightness or airiness of Joshua Bassett's music.
Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
Right off the bat, "Dancing With Tears In My Eyes" gives us a disco vibe. The song is very upbeat and groovy, it gives us something to tap our feet along to. This, however, does not change the fact that the lyrics still hold deep and powerful meaning. Joshua Bassett uses this song to compare the past relationship, he is mourning, to that of Romeo and Juliet. The song tells a story of loss and the impact of mourning something you didn't necessarily want to lose. We can also gather what it might look like to go through all the stages of a breakup and the emotions that can play a part in moving on.
Don't Let Me Down (Ft. Jenna Raine)
While the song "Don't Let Me Down" still gives us the upbeat feeling that we love, it also gives us a look at second chances. The whole song touches on what it's like to reflect and want to give things a second chance. At the same time we pick up on the hesitance of wanting to go back to a relationship that has hurt us. It's as if Joshua Bassett is pleading with the other person not to break his heart again. This song brings a steady tempo which brings the overall tone back to that a space in between, where we aren't necessarily sad or happy, but rather just stuck in the moment.
Cherry Blossom
The song "Cherry Blossom" introduces a freshness to the rest of the album. This song is probably the most upbeat, and cheerful out of all of them. This turns our attention to the feeling of crushing on someone and how it feels to understand the connection we are beginning to form with someone else. This is the song that represents the beginning stages of a relationship. The excitement that is present within the song is almost tangible, you can grasp the hope and passion that's being portrayed. Along with the acoustic guitar and drums which have been present in most of the other songs this far, we also get to hear the piano as well. The piano adds a nice touch to the rest of the song and gives you the "Cherry Blossom" vibes that you might expect.
Circles
"Circles" brings us back to that place of reflecting on a past relationship. The lyrics pack a powerful punch by describing the way he fell for this past lover repeatedly, despite being hurt each time. Bassett has made it very clear within numerous other songs that nothing is ever one-sided. However, this song gives us a glimpse into how much time he put into a relationship that he really wanted to work out, and ultimately how it led him in circles for years. Eventually, he had to make the decision to move on for his own well-being. This song is the perfect blend of upbeat and solemn which ties the song together like a perfectly crafted bow.
Wildfire
At first listen, you might think that "Wildfire" is an upbeat song, but after really listening, to the song you hear that the tone is rather gloomy. When the lyrics are applied and really thought about we notice that this is the song where Joshua Bassett begins to delve deeper into the wreckage of the past relationship that left him hurting. His soft voice paired with the gentle beat of the song gives it a power it almost leaves you speechless. There's a level of understanding for the listener because we can relate to his struggle and the pain of a relationship burning at both ends. "Wildfire" is the perfect song to listen to if you're in the processing stage of a breakup.
Little Rita
If you're looking for a song on Joshua Bassett's new album that will move you to tears, I would recommend "Little Rita." This song is a touching reminder to his dear friend that no matter what happens he will always be there. It's the perfect little gift for a friend that is near to his heart. The song features a soft, consistent flow that adds a special touch. The acoustic guitar creates a smooth, calm environment for the listener. You can feel the love he has for Rita in the lyrics and the way he sings them. As a listener you're likely to put yourself in the position of his friend which makes the song even more special.
Would Ya Tell Me
If you're like me, sometimes you just need a bit of reassurance. Joshua Bassett captures that exact feeling in the song "Would Ya Tell Me." The song features a beat that makes you want to turn up the volume and roll down the windows, it also provides deep lyrics. The main theme of the song is Bassett asking the person he's addressing whether they would tell him if they moved on or if there is someone else. Throughout the song he also touches on the fact that things have changed since the other person has left and he can't keep away the sorrow. This is a hard-hitting and relatable piece for those who have experienced those exact feelings in prior relationships.
Mirror
For anyone who needs a song that hits deep and really resonates with you, I would highly recommend "Mirror." When I first listened to this song, it shook me to the core because I've experienced the same lows that Joshua Bassett talks about. The whole point of the song is to recognize that sometimes we don't know who we are anymore. Bassett shares of his experience hitting a new low in his life, he felt like he couldn't face himself in the mirror. The song maintains a steady, slow, and rather sad beat, which drives the meaning of the song home. This is when Joshua Bassett becomes his most vulnerable, sharing how alone he's felt within recent years. The song gives us hope to keep pushing so we can become the best versions of ourselves.
Look How Far You've Come
This song closes out the album and it serves as a reflection of each track. "Look How Far You've Come" is the perfect reminder we need when we're feeling low. It offers encouragement to everyone struggling. Bassett wrote this song to remind himself that despite struggles he's made it so far and yet there's still a whole life to be lived. The song gives us a sweet, and soft end to a wonderful album about growing, learning, and accepting the past. "Look How Far You've Come" can only be compared to a warm hug when we need it most. The the melody gently sneaks up on us, like the soft touch of a hand against your cheek. When the song ends, we're left feeling encouraged, understood, and seen.
Joshua Bassett has given us a gift that should not be taken for granted. He has proven to us that we have the power to overcome adversity, but more than that, he's reassured us that we are never alone. It's incredibly rare to find an artist that is able to reach you in such a deep and personal way without knowing you personally. Yet, Joshua Bassett does just that in this album. Speaking for myself, I will continue to go back and listen to "The Golden Years" and remain grateful for everything I've learned in the time that I've listened to every song. In a short amount of time Joshua Bassett has managed to make a lasting impression in the world of music. I can't wait to see what he does next.
Written By Destiny Rundquist
*copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
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