Long Island born and raised singer/songwriter/rapper/producer/fill in the blank Jon Bellion just released his debut album, "The Human Condition." This album comes after years of making his name in the music industry, drawing inspiration from artists as varied as Billy Joel and Kanye West. His new album is a culmination of all of the experimental themes and styles he's used and created and shows his strength as a songwriter and producer. After writing hit songs for Jason Derulo ("Trumpets") and Rihanna and Eminem ("The Monster"), he saved these hit songs for himself. Here are my top five songs from the album, and the meaning behind them. All the artwork you see below was the official artwork for each song, done by David Lojaya.
5. "Morning in America"
This song is all about being real. Pulling from his life experiences, he preaches the importance of keeping your head up and recognizing that life has it's problems, but not to let those issues ruin you. In this uplifting song, Jon pulls us all up and helps us begin the march forward towards a peaceful life.
4. "80's Films"
This song reminisces the popular romantic culture in a lot of '80s movies. He tells the story of a girl he's interested in and hooking up with. He looks back at his high school days, wondering if he made the right choices in life. Also, he name drops a Long Island town (Smithtown) and that's a big deal to people who live there (me).
3. "Woke the F*ck Up"
This was a single that came out a few months ago, giving people time to get used to a new part of Jon's career. This song talks about realizing that you need someone in your life that you didn't think you did. It's a very blunt way of saying you've made a mistake and just understood what someone or something means to you. "I realized I need you here, as desperate as that sounds."
2. "Maybe IDK"
IDK is the big issue in a lot of people's lives. Jon himself says how he is singing the blues, but does so in an upbeat and pop-influenced song that would do really well on the radio. This song is an anthem to those engulfed in day to day worry, showing them that maybe you don't know, but maybe that's okay.
1. "Guillotine"
This song is pure poetry. It starts off as a ballad but then goes into a funky bass-driven track that just mixes everything together perfectly. Take a listen to the song and just focus on the words. It's unbelievable how he puts them together. His words are, "The secrets you tell me, I'll take to my grave. There's bones in my closet, but you hang stuff anyway. I know that you love me even when I lose my head. Guillotine."
I'm telling you, if you're looking for new music or just want to feel something, download this album. It's on Spotify, iTunes, and on Jon's website www.jonbellion.com.
