Review
In "everything means nothing," released in 2020, blackbear treats us to an album recorded with a flair reminiscent of haute couture designs—precisely curated, profoundly detailed, yet surprisingly wearable. Building upon his previous work in "Anonymous," blackbear shifts his style to an upbeat, inviting harmony of heartbreak, loss, and and personal struggles, creating an album perfectly suited for those unique moments of self-discovery and dance. The contrasting sprightliness of tracks like "Hot Girl Bummer" and "Me & Ur Ghost" highlight his playful spirit, all while diving into an emotional exploration crafted with a sartorial brilliance only blackbear could concoct.
What truly weaves a captivating spell on this album is blackbear's savvy for sequencing emotionally charged ballads alongside sizzling beats in tunes like "I Feel Bad," "I Feel 2 Much," and "I Felt That." Here, the listener can feel the delicate brushstrokes of blackbear’s turbulent emotions, all resonating in a blend of vibrant alt-pop supported by live drumming and rhythmic claps. Almost comparable to a designer's grand pivot, blackbear embraces a diversified fashion-forward approach throughout his storyline tapestry of personal highs and lows, most vividly portrayed in "Sobbing in Cabo," an introspective piece inspired by a wistful conversation with his son's mother, Michele.
Collaborative touches add dynamic accents to the album, with guest appearances by Trevor Daniel in "Clown" and Lauv in "If I Were U," lending a unique twist to the emotional spectrum of blackbear's recent opus. Successfully capturing commercial appeal with thoughtful lyricism, the Gold-certified album signifies not only a significant achievement in blackbear’s career but also his stylistic mastery to imbue modern sound trends while keeping an accessible aural landscape for listeners ready to don the latest developments in his musical artistry. - Vivian
