23-year old South African-born Aussie pop artist Troye Sivan returns with a tight, authentic sophomore album with Bloom.

Troye Sivan took his time to promote and release his highly-anticipated sophomore album, Bloom.  Bloom arrives nearly three years after his debut, Blue Neighbourhood, which itself was preceded by various singles and the 2014 EP, TRXYE.  Ultimately, Sivan is a better artist for pacing himself, as the quality shines through his music.  Bloom doesn’t sacrifice quality in the least, featuring merely 10 tracks and clocking in at a tight 36 minutes.  There are no major miscues to be found here.

“Seventeen”

“Seventeen” serves as a brilliant start to Bloom.  Expectedly, Sivan gives an excellent vocal performance, showing off his stunning tone. His instrument is superbly accommodated with a lovely palette of pads/synths.  Thematically, “Seventeen” encompasses the singer’s search for love, including losing one’s virginity. While the verses are well-penned, the chorus earns the nod as the song’s best moment:

“I went out lookin for love when I was seventeen / Maybe a little too young, but it was real to me / And in the heat of the night, saw things I’d never seen / Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, seventeen.”

Sivan has another winning record with“My My My!”, which is groovy, honest, and sexy.  It features sleek, modern production work that perfectly matches the low key vocals of Sivan.  Despite a ‘calm, cool, and collected’ approach, “My My My!” packs a punch. Lyrically and vocally, he gives off a sexy vibe.  On the first verse, he sings, “Don’t make me wait another day / ‘Cause passion is passion / You know it just as well as me,” later adding, “Now, let’s stop running from love / Let’s stop, my baby.” The arrival point is the chorus, which amps up the energy level.  He’s not known for gospel histrionics, but his passion and authenticity are indisputable.

“The Good Side”

“The Good Side” maintains the utmost consistency. The record commences with an electronic harp-sound synth/sound effect, before rhythm acoustic guitar shifts to a more intimate backdrop.  That initial electronic palette recurs throughout. Sivan sounds refined, thoughtful, and naturally beautiful, amplified by superb vocal production.  Lyrically, he’s honest and open. Centered around love, “The Good Side” is addressed to his ex- and references his new boyfriend. He apologizes for how things went down, singing, “But I sympathize, and I recognize / And baby, I apologize / That I got the good side / The good side of things.”

“Take a trip into my garden / I’ve got so much to show ya / The fountains and the waters / Are begging just to know ya.” On “Bloom”, Sivan is willing to bloom sexually.  The innuendo is ‘through the roof.’ “I guess it’s something like a fun fair / Put gas into the motor,” he sings on the second verse. Even though “Bloom” encompasses sex, Sivan also highlights the emotions of the experience, which separates it from songs that are merely about empty sex.  On the pre-chorus, he sings, “Hold my hand if I get scared now,” which represents vulnerability, a legitimate emotion associated with ‘the first time.’  On the chorus, Sivan showcases his dedication to his boyfriend, willing to ‘give it up’ because he truly ‘feels some type of way.’

“Postcard”

“I sent you a postcard from Tokyo baby / You never picked it up / I even wrote it in Japanese, baby / You didn’t give a fuck.” “Postcard” brings on the first featured guest of Bloom, Gordi.  Primarily a piano ballad, Troy Sivan addresses the ballad to his boyfriend.  While the first verse might suggest Sivan is disappointed, he goes own throughout to sing his praises – “But you’re still picking me up.”  

“Dance to This” has a sexy, danceable backdrop and overall sound.  The record possesses an incredible smoothness with its consistent, driving rhythm, subtle pad, and guitar lead on the chorus. In addition to the core sound, there are some other unique production touches, notably the ‘80s nostalgia’ via boxy drums of the bridge. Sivan blesses the track with silky smooth vocals on the first verse, showcasing his flexibility. He gives us his low/mid-register as well as his lighter, upper register. Ariana Grande arrives on the second verse, showcasing the sheer beauty, richness, and robustness of her instrument. There is superb vocal chemistry between the both of them on the second chorus.

“Plum”

“I was summer, you were spring / You can’t change what the seasons bring.” On “Plum” Troye Sivan explores the idea that a good thing can only last for so long, in the context of a relationship. On the chorus of this bright, rhythmic joint he sings, “Maybe our time has come / Maybe we’re overgrown / Even the sweetest plum / Has only got so long.” “What A Heavenly Way to Die” is a pretty ‘heavenly’ listen in its own right, continuing to be fueled by L-O-V-E.  Simply put, Sivan simply wants to “take it in, all, all all, all.” He exhibits some swagger on the groovy “Lucky Strike,” proclaiming, “And my boy like a queen / Unlike one you’ve ever seen… / A hit of dopamine, higher than I’ve ever been / He knows how to love me better.”  Clearly, he’s ‘head over heels.’

Bloom closes exceptionally with “Animal”. The production is superb overall, featuring modern, electro-pop cues mixed with the 80s vibes.  The lushness is awesome. It never gets hurried nor feels overproduced. Sivan sounds fantastic, never forcing anything. His vulnerability is one of his selling points as an artist. The chorus is absolutely golden: “I want you all to myself / Don’t leave none for nobody else / I am an animal with you / No angels could beckon me back / And it’s hotter than hell where I’m at / I am an animal with you.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Troye Sivan delivers on his sophomore album, Bloom.  Like his career to date, love, particularly as an openly gay male, remains a big part of his artistic script.  His authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability truly help to make him such a compelling artist. At 36 minutes, Bloom is a tight effort that lacks any miscues.

Gems: “Seventeen,” “My My My!,” “The Good Side,” “Bloom,” “Dance to This” & “Animal”

Troye Sivan • Bloom • Capitol • Release: 8.31.18

Photo Credit: Capitol