Kevin McHale, James Dean | Track Review

Former Glee actor and pop musician Kevin McHale drops a must-hear, steamy bop with “James Dean,” the second single from his debut solo EP, ‘Boy.’

“I like this boy, right / I said I like this boy, right.” Kevin McHale (NOT the legendary power forward) is probably best known for playing Artie Abrams on Glee.  Beyond that though, McHale was a member of a boyband, NLT (along with Travis Garland for further reference).  The point is, besides acting, McHale is a musician, hence why the release of his EP, Boy should come as no surprise.  Also, given the excerpted lyrics from the single at hand, “James Dean,” it should come as no surprise that McHale is gay.  Throw in a steamy music video accompanying “James Dean,” along with its storyline and compelling vocals, and McHale has a progressive pop hit on his hands.

Clearly, romance and intimacy are the M.O. of “James Dean,” and the results are incredibly sexy.  Kevin McHale has always had a fantastic instrument to work with, and nothing’s changed about that since his Glee days.  He is quite playful with his performance, amplifying the innuendo and comes off incredibly authentic.  Personality is one of the biggest selling points, shining throughout the song, especially on the descriptive chorus:

“Your breath smells a little bit like a cigarette

Your sin covers your sins like a silhouette

But your kiss is the softest thing I’ve ever felt before

Wearing thrift store James Dean jeans, you’re made for sex

Used to spend the nights alone on the dark internet

And now you spend the nights instead with me in bed you know.”

Adding to the excellence is a slow tempo and excellent production work in a pop/urban contemporary style.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Kevin McHale adds another excellent addition to an ever-evolving queer music catalogue.  Beyond the sexuality component itself, “James Dean” is merely a great pop song.  As the second single from Boy (EP), it sets up McHale for potential pop success.

Kevin McHale • Boy (EP) • Kevin McHale • Release: 6.21.19

Photo Credit: Kevin McHale