Jon Bellion - The Human Condition

Jon Bellion
The Human Condition
2016
Spotify

You may or may not know Jon Bellion's name. You may have heard some of his music and had no idea that it was him, or listened to a song He wrote for someone else but didn't know Bellion's signature was on it. It happens, people fall under the radar while still putting out some of the days' best music. That is about to change with this album. With millions of plays on Spotify Jon has slowly but surely eked out his place in the pop world building his following on his own terms. This album The Human Condition is a celebration of that work and that success. If you have ever had a chance to see Jon live you would know that his ear for music is impeccable. Though on this album there are plenty of electronic elements when He plays them live it is all about real people bringing those songs to life. On this album Jon feels incredibly comfortable, using his very unique vocals to his advantage every time He opens his mouth. "All Time Low" has been floating around for some time now, but the song is no less impactful. The vocals slide in and out of existence so smoothly, and his use of the occasional silence on the track is mind blowing. Bellion has tons of friends in the Hip Hop and Pop worlds, but He keeps those features to a minimum on The Human Condition only having two collaborations throughout.

"New York Soul (Pt. ii)" is the first time we get to hear Bellion rapping and while the track is solid, his rapping is not his strongest suit. He can clearly write incredible lyrics but his best delivery is in his singing. Speaking of singing it is on full display on "Fashion". A piano, some strings and Jon makes for an intimate song that is filled with heart. It is a reminder that talent simply cannot be replicated or produced, it comes from somewhere deep down and when it really moves you, just wow. "Woke the F*ck Up" is another one of the singles that has been around for awhile, and it's also one of the best on the album which is saying something for a record that is chalked full of them. Bellion also infuses a heavy does of sexiness in his songs especially "Overwhelming" when he says "There is a potion in your lips/so sweet/i die/there is an ocean in your hips/so deep/i dive". It is profound, sexy, interesting and fun all at the same time. There are times on the 55 minute album where it does drag a bit, but when those moments happen Jon pulls out of them with extremely well crafted instrumentation. The Human Condition very well be one of the best Pop records of the year, or maybe in the past few years and further solidifies that tons of writers and millions in production don't always make for a great record, true soul and an artistic spirit do and Jon has that on lock.

9.1 out of 10