Jon Bellion, Glory Sound Prep | Album Review 💿

Unafraid of being ‘left of center,’ alternative pop musician Jon Bellion delivers a quirky, yet incredibly unique sophomore album with ‘Glory Sound Prep.’  

Singer, songwriter, and producer Jon Bellion seems to be fearless when it comes to trying new things. He definitely seems to be a proponent of innovative spirit. Case in point in his 2018 sophomore studio LP, Glory Sound Prep, which firmly maintains the ‘sanctity’ of the alternative pop style. Bellion could’ve delivered a more standard, straightforward pop effort, but instead, he embraces being left-of-center, something that makes Glory Sound Prep quite intriguing and unpredictable.

“Conversations with my Wife”

☑ “Conversations with my Wife” kicks off Glory Sound Prep in intriguing fashion. Like many Jon Bellion cuts of old, “Conversations” features layered vocals, electronic effects, and colorful synths.  The major-key record is modern-sounding, while also incorporating 80s cues. Bellion delivers solid vocals – nothing flashy, but quite effective. The record features a more non-traditional form – more nebulous than concrete – making for an interesting effect.  “Conversations…” opens with the 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, 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…”

“JT”

“Lay me down, put me out / Call me home, let me know / I’m ready to go / ‘Cause I was down, now, I’ve flown / Oh, what’s reality lately?” ☑ “JT” stands for John Travolta if you can believe it.  “JT” features a unique rhythmic groove, synths, and electric piano. Jon Bellion serves up low-key, subtler vocals on the verse.  That said, the melody is rhythmic.  The vocals are warm on the pre-chorus and chorus sections, finding Bellion ascending into his upper register, a stark contrast to the verse. The chorus is both catchy and rhythmic:

“Remember dreams seemed so far away
Was pinching pennies like Lane and Hardaway
Now my beats make fees for holidays in Greece
And I don’t mean John Travolta.”

The wordplay is nothing short of epic. Travolta references continue, including Bellion mentions Pulp Fiction.  Beyond the unique lyrics, there are some excellent sounds in addition the standard groove, synths, and electric piano that occur on the second verse.  Also, worth noting, are the lovely choral backing vocals on the chorus section, which only accentuate Bellion’s lead.

“Let’s Begin”

☑ “Let’s Begin” features a star-studded cast including Roc Marciano, RZA, B.Keyz, and Travis Mendes (“Guillotine”).  Like “New York State – Pt. ii” from The Human Condition, Bellion busts out his rhyming skills on the second verse (“My wife thicker than liquor soaked in Italian biscuits / Cookin’ minestrone every Sunday, call that a superstition”).  That’s not before Marciano spits (first verse), while RZA and B.Keyz serve up the brief chorus.  B. Keyz goes on to drop the third verse, while Mendes closes things out on the outro – “Funk got me sanctified.” 

☑ “Stupid Deep” contrasts the more biting hard hitting rhymes of “Let’s Begin” in favor of thoughtful balladry.  The production is bright and optimistic, characterized by its use of keyboards and synths.  Vocally, Bellion sounds beautiful, nuanced, and incredibly tender in his execution, that is until he grows grittier and more dynamic towards the end.  The chorus is the centerpiece, followed by an instrumental feature.

“What if who I hoped to be was always me?
And the love I fought to feel was always free?
What if all the things I’ve done
Were just attempts at earning love?
But the hole inside my heart is stupid deep, oh, stupid deep.”

“The Internet” 

According to Bellion on “The Internet,” “Life became dangerous the day we all became famous.” He has a point. On this record built on groove, and a non-traditional, repetitive form, Bellion seems highlights the downside and inhumane nature of fame, specifically thanks to the internet and obsession with social media.  On follow up “Blu,” he compels with changes of tempo and feel.  Initially “Blu” sounds more energetic, before the chorus slackens the pace and opts for a lusher, though still ‘happy’ vibe.  Clearly, Bellion celebrates the passion and power of true love.

On ☑ “Adult Swim,” Bellion enlists the services of producer Tuamie.  “Adult Swim” is one of the most innovative, left-of-center numbers from Glory Sound Prep.  Following an intro by Christopher Sabat, Bellion gives us another heaping does of his rapping skills, which includes references to Kenan and Kel, Hannibal, and Prada, among other pop cultural nuggets.  A beat switch occurs on the second verse, keeping things fresh and unpredictable. Like the first verse, he drops a number of names/topics, including Coheed and Cambria, Dwayne Johnson, King of Queens, Lebron James, Kia… it’s never-ending.  Once more, the production and mood changes before his third and final verse.  The tone is notably more spiritually-driven – a stark contrast to the two verses that precede.

“Couples Retreat” 

On “Couples Retreat,” the relationship is on the rocks – “You crashed in my car, I fucked up vacation / I tried to change this and you tried to change that / But it’s just in our nature.”  Despite the problems, the fix seems to be dancing and of course, makeup sex. The chorus in particular is hella groovy.  On “Cautionary Tales,” Bellion surprises with an uncredited guest feature, Will Smith (!) on the triumphant, energetic chorus:

“Big bang, the six, the seven
Hey hey, the king, the legend
Big bang, the truth, the weapon.” 

Obviously, that’s just one element of the alluring record, but it’s a big one. Glory Sound Prep concludes with the epic, thoughtful “Mah’s Joint,” featuring the legendary Quincy Jones.  Addressed to his mom, he is concerned about her for her having to take care of her ailing mother (his grandmother) – “I see it in your eyes now, it’s only getting harder.” This is a reflective record with plenty of spiritual references, serving as this album’s “Hand of God.”

Final Thoughts 

Jon Bellion is incredibly talented, something that he continues to show on his sophomore album, Glory Sound Prep.  If the album is a lot to digest the first time listening, listen for a second time, and all of the magic further unveils itself.  The pros are abundant on this 43-minute effort, which showcases the God-given musicianship of Bellion in all his ‘glory.’ 

☑ Gems: “Conversations with my Wife,” “JT,” “Let’s Begin,” “Stupid Deep” & “Adult Swim”

Jon Bellion » Glory Sound Prep » Capitol » Release: 11.9.18

Photo Credit: Capitol