Ben Platt’s New Album is Here and it Proves He is Most Definitely Not a One Hit Wonder
By Meghan Connors
Ben Platt has grown, matured, and given us an album that proves he is most definitely not a one hit wonder.
Moving on from his first album, “Sing to Me Instead,” Platt spends “Reviere” catering to his more playful side whilst showcasing the wise and understanding man he has become. He takes on new themes like finding solace from adult life in his childhood bedroom, acknowledging that being sad after a loss means the time spent was meaningful, recognizing when you’re just not meant to be with someone, liking the chase more than the person, offering advice to those who feel alone in “the darkness” of their youth, and more.
The album is a transformative experience as it guides listeners through the different experiences that change a person's perspective on their life. Their childhood innocence, their sacrificial first love, and the moment they decide whether or not their life was well lived. The parts are guided by the title “King of the World,” and all reference something “on the Titanic,” insinuating that whatever has been labeled as aboard the ship (youthful innocence, a first love, life itself) will eventually, and often unexpectedly meet a fateful end.
One can hear the freedom Platt feels through the honest and realistically hopeful undertone of each song. In the best way possible, his song, “Come Back” which appears at the end of the album, brought me to a place that aligned heavily with the ending of High School Musical 3. Specifically, the scene at their end of their production when they step forward and announce where they’re going to college. “Come Back” is nostalgic, anthemic, and destined to be remembered.
“Tough times don’t last, tough people do,” Platt reminds his listeners as he escorts them through points in his life and reflects on the lessons he’s learned. “Dark Times,” is either a hope filled letter to his listeners, to himself, or maybe even both. Regardless, it is a song written clearly and entirely in love. The lines “Scars turn to memories / they keep us company / and it’s nice to know that we are not alone” carry a sentiment similar to Dear Evan Hansen’s, “You Will Be Found.” It is a significant reference as the show has had such a profound impact on Platt's life and career; “Dark Times,” serves as an unintentional tribute.
After finishing the album I was forced to spend a few moments sitting alone with my thoughts. I spent that time reflecting on the last 40 minutes (and 1 second) that I’d spend building and losing a life full of love, loss, and so many other experiences. Is it possible to mourn a life you haven’t lived? I think that is exactly what I did.
Well done, Ben Platt, well done.
Meg’s Must Listen’s:
Disclaimer (this entire album is an experience in itself, but if you don’t have the time to listen every song, these are the songs you must listen to)
