Troye Sivan just released his fourth studio album “She’s the Best,” on Friday where he tackles love, admiration, attraction and sexual themes, diving creatively and boldly into new sounds and production styles.
The title of the album “She’s the Best,” is also the name of the first track and the one of the two singles that was released before the album, alongside the song “Party.” The opener sets the tone for the album perfectly, with a 90s style production of colorful synth loops and a rolling snare drum touch that makes the song feel continuous and constant.
With the first song sounding so adventurous compared to Sivan’s past work, it starts the album perfectly, intriguing you and begging you to continue listening. “Party,” the other single, shows up as the third track on the album, and is an exciting dance track with house elements that urge you to move.
Sivan’s first two albums are collections of leisurely pop songs that surround romantic themes; however, his albums started to grow more upbeat and dance oriented with grander composition and musical diversity.
Similar to Sivan’s previous album, “Something to Give Each Other,” songs like “Rush” and “One of Your Girls,” showcase a new level to Sivan’s emerging songwriting that “She’s the Best” demonstrates heavily.
Not only are the fresh musical elements captivating, but Sivan also takes lyrical risks as well, with the song “Canada Dry,” and “I Do this For You,” painting a striking and sensual scene of his love life and the feeling of desire.
Throughout the album, Sivan carries his singing voice faintly, delicately using layering and harmony techniques reminiscent of this genre of music. However, his application of the aqueous tone of his voice blends perfectly with the texture of the music, leaving room for the composition of the songs to be prevalent without overpowering it.
The album is an optimistic painting, that is not only danceable and enjoyable to listen to but throws you into Sivan’s world where you can visualize the atmosphere each song is creating.
This is specifically unveiled with the diversity of sound throughout the album, so each song is saying something new to you, and it doesn’t all blend into one entire unmemorable project.
For example, the song “Embarrassingly,” opens with acoustic guitars, presenting a shift in the mood, while “Le Boy” is theatrical and majestic with noisy ambience.
These components feel like you’re turning the page in the book Sivan is writing, separating you from some of the dance tracks earlier in the album.
After a serene intermission with the lulling, melodramatic songs, the final stretch picks up the energy, executing a storytelling vision the album transports you to.
The final song on the album, “Lost Time,” features actress and model Lily-Rose Depp on vocals.
The song is a slow close to the album, finalizing and leaving it off on an intimate note.