A Glimpse Into the Journey that Hollywood Brought Joshua Bassett with His Debut Album "The Golden Years”
Written by: Giulia Campora
A debut album that tucks your heart’s strings and shows a raw side of Joshua Bassett that we haven’t seen before.
Joshua Bassett’s debut album, The Golden Years, has been released, showcasing a raw and emotional side of the artist that we haven’t seen before. The album features 11 unique tracks that guide listeners through themes of heartbreak and self-love.
The opening track, “Biting My Tongue,” was a long-awaited release for fans. It delves into themes of resilience and staying true to oneself, reflecting on the impact of sudden fame from his role in Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The lyrics reveal a struggle to express oneself amid the pressures of stardom: “Silence speaks louder than I ever could…I can’t breathe, I’m suffocating on my words, and maybe the story that’s been left unsaid is gasoline, just waiting for the perfect match.”
The title track, “The Golden Years,” offers an upbeat reflection on young love and nostalgia. Bassett expresses a longing for past relationships with lyrics like: “Four years have gone by in the blink of an eye. We were young till we weren’t. It was fun till it hurt, now I am terrified that I’ll never find love like yours.”
“Dancing With Tears In My Eyes,” the album’s second single, explores the pain of seeing an ex move on while hiding one’s own heartbreak. With lines such as, “I cry every time our song comes on. It breaks my heart, dance in the dark, so you don’t see me fall apart,” the song captures the essence of emotional struggle.
In “Don’t Let Me Down,” a duet with Jenna Raine, Bassett seeks a second chance in a soothing ballad. He pleads for reconciliation and promises to work through past issues: “So, you say you want me again. Don't you remember the hell we were in? I haven't been the same since you left. Half of my heart is still there in your hands. So, if you pick me back off the ground, don't let me down.”
“Cherry Blossom” brings a summer-like vibe, celebrating a relationship with a girl named Cherry. The track is filled with vivid imagery: “You pick a flower and pray it lasts. Seasons falling away too fast, yeah, we talk too much. We fell headfirst under the sun.”
The pop track “Circles” reflects on a tumultuous relationship with a sense of nostalgia: “I've been running for my life. I end up at the starting line. I've been wasting all my youth on you. Lovesick spinning 'round and 'round. I'm a broken record wearin' out. All this time I wasted chasin' you.”
Bassett explores deep emotions with “Wildfire” and “Little Rita.” “Wildfire” describes a fiery and painful love, while “Little Rita” is a tribute to his friend Rita, honoring the memory of her late parents: “Lyrics for both songs can be found on Genius.”
“Would Ya Tell Me” expresses frustration over an ex’s new relationship, capturing the emotional intensity of heartbreak: “I don't know where my love went When you left, dear. I don't know where my mind was when you were here.”
“Mirror” tackles themes of self-loathing and introspection, reflecting on past struggles and spiritual growth: “Where did it all go wrong? Out on my own at seventeen. No one to tell me who to be. I'm going insane. I'm wasted away. I found a new low at twenty-three.”
The album concludes with “Look How Far You’ll Come,” a message of pride and encouragement, highlighting Bassett’s journey and faith: “I know you're not nearly done when You can't seem to get back up, just Look how, look how, look how far you've come.”
Overall, The Golden Years is a profound exploration of various emotional landscapes, resonating deeply with fans. Bassett’s tour, which started last week in Arizona, will visit cities worldwide, including London, Paris, and New York, with a performance at Radio City Music Hall marking a significant milestone in his career. I definitely recommend listening to this album and attending his concert, you won’t regret it.
