Benson Boone has had a whirlwind few years, Beautiful Things turned him from rising star to full-blown pop phenomenon, and now, with American Heart, he’s stepping into a bigger, bolder vision of himself.
This second album leans heavily into retro-pop textures and dramatic showmanship, drawing on everything from glam-rock to synthy Americana. But while the album wears a flashier outfit than his debut, its most powerful moments are the ones where Boone takes the costume off and lets his guard down.
Boone is clearly having fun pushing the limits of his sound. There’s a theatrical, almost cinematic quality to tracks like “Mystical Magical” and “Man in Me”, layered vocals, playful lyrics, bold production. These songs are full of colour and confidence, and while they won’t be everyone’s taste, there’s no denying they’re crafted for big stages and bigger reactions.
“Mystical Magical” is particularly infectious, leaning into its fantasy-pop feel with a wink. If it sounds like something out of a Disney-meets-Killers fever dream, that’s kind of the point, it’s fun, glittery escapism, and Boone delivers it with full commitment.
Where it really connects
While the upbeat tracks show Boone stretching his pop muscles, it’s the more grounded, emotionally driven songs that feel like the heart of the record. “Reminds Me of You” stands out with its dreamy production and vivid, personal lyrics, a nostalgic slow burn that feels effortless.
The title track, “Young American Heart,” also hits an emotional note, especially for listeners navigating their early 20s. There’s something disarmingly relatable about lines like “I get so scared we’ll never make it through our 20s,” delivered with sincerity rather than spectacle.
Then there’s “Momma Song,” a heartfelt ode to his family that might catch you off guard with its emotional weight. It’s intimate, earnest, and clearly means a lot to Boone — even if the arrangement leans a bit heavy, the sentiment shines through.
Growth in progress, and that’s the point
American Heart isn’t trying to replicate the stripped-back charm of Boone’s earlier work, it’s him taking creative risks, experimenting, and exploring different corners of his artistry. Not every track hits with the same impact, but there’s something refreshing about how unafraid he is to try new things.
Boone’s influences are worn proudly on his sleeve, from Springsteen to Styles, from ’80s synth-rock to 2010s stadium pop, and while the references can feel familiar, Boone’s voice gives them a fresh twist. You can tell he’s still figuring out his sound, and honestly, that’s part of what makes this album interesting.
Not flawless, but full of feeling
American Heart doesn’t always land perfectly, but it doesn’t have to. What it does offer is a snapshot of a young artist still growing, still reaching, still learning how to match his stage presence with his inner voice. The highs are genuinely enjoyable, the heartfelt moments are moving, and the whole thing feels like an honest next step.
For fans of big emotions, soaring vocals, and a bit of retro flair, this album’s got something worth discovering.
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