Pop singer, songwriter, and producer Jon Bellion returns with a thoughtful, if slightly quirky, left-of-center single, “Conversations With my Wife.”

Jon Bellion had been extremely quiet, following the release of his 2016, major-label debut album, The Human Condition.  In my mind, that LP had plenty of highlights, including “All Time Low”, “New York Soul – Pt. ii”, and the explicit “Woke the F*ck Up”.  Of course, it was “All Time Low” that got folks buzzing about the producer, singer, and songwriter, in addition to his work behind the scenes with others. Bellion returns in the fourth quarter of 2018 with an eyebrow-raising promo single, “Conversations With my Wife.”

So, what makes “Conversations With my Wife” eyebrow-raising? Well, it’s not the alternative pop sound, because we’re accustomed to that from Jon Bellion’s production and the songs he’s released previously.  “Conversations…” features layered vocals, electronic effects, and colorful synths.  The major-key record is modern-sounding, while also incorporating some 80s cues.  Jon Bellion delivers solid vocals – nothing flashy, but quite effective. So, it is actually the fact that very few folks knew much about Bellion’s relationship status that makes the title eyebrow-raising, as it appears he is indeed married.

Of course, there’s more to “Conversations” than his marriage status.  The record features a more non-traditional form.  This is odd and definitely more nebulous than concrete, but does make for an interesting effect.  “Conversations…” opens with the said pre-chorus, where Bellion sings:

“I dreamt I slept on a sidewalk, but you still laid with me

I dreamt I fell in a lion’s den, and you still came for me

I dreamt I lost all of my faith, and you still prayed for me

Who the fuck cares about these plaques on my wall?

You’re still the only thing I’ve done right.”

On the chorus, expectedly, he speaks about the importance of him and his wife’s relationship above everything else – “I don’t want to be some digital Jesus…” The chorus is followed by the bridge, where Bellion asserts, “I’m so ready to run from the spotlight…”

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Conversations With my Wife” is a unique, slightly left-of-center pop track.  There’s plenty to like, most of all, the return of Jon Bellion himself.  Perhaps it doesn’t scream hit, but nonetheless, the non-traditional approach to the record is interesting.

Jon Bellion • Conversations with my Wife – Single • Capitol • Release: 10.19.18

Photo Credit: Capitol