Actor-musician Ben Platt shines on “Bad Habit,” the second single from his highly-anticipated debut album, Sing to Me Instead.

If you’ve never heard of Ben Platt, well, get to know this dude. Platt is a Broadway actor, singer, and songwriter, who has appeared in some of the biggest Broadway productions in recent times.  Do the likes of The Book of Mormon and Dear Evan Hansen ring a bell? Now, the actor-musician is taking his awesome vocals talents to the recording studio, releasing his debut album, Sing to Me Instead.  Following the awesome promo single “Ease My Mind”, Platt captivates once again on single “Bad Habit.”

Like the previously reviewed “Ease My Mind,” on “Bad Habit,” Ben Platt does what he does best – sing ballads.  Platt continues to show off his incredible voice, chocked-full of nuance, power, and most of all, authenticity. In addition to top-notch vocals, “Bad Habit” benefits from its production work, with its prominent piano, soulful organ, and accentuating backing vocals. No, the backdrop isn’t ‘game changing’ – its relatively standard adult contemporary pop – but it totally feels right in the hands of Platt.  Furthermore, it allows this compelling musician to be the focal point as opposed to being overshadowed by the music itself.  Even so, “Bad Habit” has some nice harmonic underpinnings that bode well in its favor, and the music reminisces back to the pop of the 70s (Elton John, Billy Joel), without sounding anachronistic that is.

Final Thoughts

Ben Platt has plenty to offer the music world beyond his Broadway career.  His voice, unsurprisingly, is incredibly strong, and translates well from the stage to the studio.  “Bad Habit” isn’t pop in the modern vein, but, the sincerity that Platt brings to the table with this adult contemporary-styled pop is much more rewarding and aims bigger.  All in all, another solid record from Ben.

Ben Platt • Sing to Me Instead • Atlantic • Release: 3.29.19

Photo Credit: Atlantic