Spencer Barnett, I’m Fine | Album Review 💿

Approaching his 20^th year living, ascending pop heartthrob Spencer Barnett impresses on his second EP and first of 2020, I’m Fine.

Cultured Mag definitely seem to have an accurate take on Spencer Barnett – he is indeed “one to watch.” Following his debut EP, Reckless (2019), and approaching his 20^th year on Earth, Barnett releases his second EP and first of the new decade, I’m Fine.  This six-song, 16-minute-long effort certainly shows off his potential. In other words, “He may be young, but he’s ready” – playing off a famous Keith Sweat line, of course.

“Best Friend”

✓ “Best Friend” is an instant bop, thanks to the old-school soul cues. The soulful backdrop is initially merely an intro, that shifts to a guitar-based sound accompanying Barnett’s expressive, nuanced vocals. Producers Hoskins & The 23^rd and Denis Kosiak definitely deserve a shout out. Soul and pop/rock merge together beautifully on the chorus, where he sings:

“I’m my own worst enemy
I’m my own best friend
I won’t say I’mma be the death of me
Until then I’mma ride to the end.”

With the rhythmic nature of some of the melodic lines, as well as sneaking in a f-bomb (two actually), Barnett also bring some hip-hop swagger to the mix.  If this is your introduction to Spencer Barnett, you definitely won’t be disappointed.

“Waste My Time”

✓ “Waste My Time,” single released in advance of I’m Fine, gives the young artist a second consecutive bop.  Running more than a minute longer than the brief but decadent “Best Friend,” he delivers another balanced vocal performance, never overreaching or underwhelming vocally.  I particularly like the breezy nature of the repetitive post-chorus, which highlights the titular lyric.  Thematically, like many-a-good pop song, Spencer Barnett is focused on matters of the heart and basically wants to understand where they stand:

“You cross my mind, you hit my line
Do you want me?
Or do you just wanna waste my time?
Say goodbye, then we rewind
Do you want me?
Or do you just wanna waste my time?
Waste my time.”

“I’m Fine” 

“I’m fine / A little bit out of my mind / Yeah, but everybody else is crazy / I don’t need you to come save me, don’t save me.” That’s logical… I think… Anyways, according to Spencer Barnett, title track and single ✓ “I’m Fine” is “About figuring things out and not taking yourself too seriously.”  The music reflects this philosophy, with a lovely urban-pop backdrop which he paints beautifully with his voice.  The aforementioned chorus is absolutely infectious to the nth degree, while the concept – the thin line between sane and insane and the fact that it encompasses us all – is spot on.  Also, pretty cool, is the fact that Barnett references the preceding song when he sings, “Thinkin’ ‘bout girls that could waste my time.”

“Torture”

Following three excellent urban-infused pop numbers, “Torture” adds more rock sensibility.  Don’t get it twisted – “Torture” is still a pop song with a dose of soulfulness but brings a nice contrast of I’m Fine.  Most importantly, Barnett continues to shine as bright as a beacon, showcasing his personality and again, his terrific vocals.  Penultimate cut “Try” returns to more of an R&B-infused sound, yet also manages to contrast the opening trio.  Barnett is more liberal with his falsetto (a true blessing on the track), while the synths within the production are quite colorful.  Also, a robust bass line and killer groove never hurts the cause, sigh. The shortest cut of I’m Fine, unsurprisingly, is “Outro.” Even so, it’s still ‘ear candy’ by all means, reprising the title track.  What makes this ear candy are the vocal effects, the synths, the pads, the groove – the overall enigmatic vibe.   

Final Thoughts 

As aforementioned by Cultured Mag, if you haven’t ‘cultured’ yourself on Spencer Barnett yet – aka you haven’t checked this talented young heartthrob out – you need to get on that.  To reiterate, I’m Fine is a brief but well-rounded six-track, 16-minute effort that showcases his immense potential.  This EP is a success because of great vocals, great production, and overall, relatable songwriting.  Moments like “Waste My Time” and “I’m Fine” are certainly relatable to anybody, whether you’re a teen approaching your 20s like Barnett, or beyond.  Don’t sleep on this kid.

✓ Gems: “Best Friend,” “Waste My Time” & “I’m Fine”

Spencer Barnett • I’m Fine (EP) • Chateau Barnett • Release: 1.17.20

Photo Credit: Chateau Barnett