Joshua Basset “Crisis-Secret- Set Me Free” Singles Review

In case you have been living under a rock, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star Joshua Bassett, has dropped a trio of very revealing singles after teasing them across his social media platforms this past week. Each song seemingly in response to his pop-star ex girlfriend Olivia Rodrigo’s #1 album SOUR; which is rumored to be about her breakup from Bassett. With the song Crisis, Bassett references his former flame as he starts by singing

“If you get to tell your truth than so do I”

and continues to admit maybe Rodrigo was the one who called it quits with him as the emotional lyrics continue:

“Weren't you the one who left in the first place?
Weren't you the one who called things off?
Was it an act to love me or an act to hate me?”

“you sensationalize, keep fannin' the fire for the headlines”

Half the sh*t you're saying's only half-true. Messin' with my life as a career move.”

Is this a hint to all of the headlines and hit singles released since the infamous split from Rodrigo? His next single Secret is even more revealing with references to Olivia’s songs “Good 4 U” and “Drivers License”. Basset’s sounding as if maybe the split between the two wasn’t exactly as amicable as fans may have thought:

“I really hope you had your fun, good for you foolin' everyone”

Joshua’s response to SOUR has been highly anticipated and he did not disappoint. Bassett vows to let go of his pain through his music.

It seems to me the third and final song “Set Me Free” is both about healing from the split, and, also in a recent article in Seventeen magazine, Joshua explained it’s about memories from his childhood and early teen years when he was routinely sexually abused. He described this song courageously as an anthem for himself and the sort of people who’ve held pain and power over him his whole life.

“You don't get to take all of me, Set me free
and I don't need your apology, Let me be”

Set Me Free is my personal favorite. The lyrics are beautiful and moving. You get new understanding of both love and hurt. I know the album most likely coming next year is about to be an emotional rollercoaster if it is anything like these singles. This is one of my favorite releases from a very talented young artist this year; he showed such vulnerability and honesty. Overall, listening to these songs what seems like a million times, I know in 2022 Joshua is gonna come in hot with new releases!

-XOXO Rachel