Joshua Basset Sad Songs in a Hotel Room EP Review
Joshua Bassett, is best known for his recurring role as Ricky Bowen in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” but with his incredible talent and relatable style, he is quickly becoming one of the rising stars in the industry. This is his second EP as fans are eagerly awaiting the release of his first album, with good reason. Bassett has never been afraid of sharing his vulnerabilities with the world and ‘Sad Songs in a Hotel Room’ is no exception; in fact, it is his most personal release to date. If you’re looking to have an emotional moment and need a good soundtrack, these songs are for you.
To be more specific Basset includes a song dedicated to his mom titled “Lifeline.” If there is one thing you should know about Joshua Bassett is he is lucky to be alive. This song is an expression of that feeling and thoroughly depicts his fear of dying. For those who are unfamiliar with the story, summer of 2021 Joshua was hospitalized with Septic Shock and Heart Failure. Doctors told him he had 12 hours left to live and a 30% chance of survival; he was rushed immediately into emergency surgery. The lyrics throughout the song reference his mom coming to visit him and being afraid she is picturing life without her son. A true tear jerker if I have ever heard one.
As you can tell he beat those odds, has made a full recovery and lives to tell his story.
As for the rest of the EP the sound is quite different from his usual genre. It is not as much about falling in or out of love as it is his experience of feeling lonely in an unforgiving industry. This is clearly indicated in the track titled “LA.” For a remarkable example of just how candid Bassett is with his fans check out lyrics to “LA” below!
Everyone comes here but nobody leaves
Yeah, we're all only actors, no one's actually happy
It's all "Who do you know?" and "When did you know them?"
Not "Where you're from?" but "Where are you goin'?"
"How can you help me get to where I need?"
When everything is going right
They're on your side
But just as your luck runs out
They're harder to find
This verse stood out to me because its the first time I have ever heard an artist, in a song, speak so freely about what life is like in one of the most competitive industries in the world. It only makes me want to praise him more. In any case, you can see why I am such a massive fan of his work.
If you are looking to add a fresh, young, thoughtful voice to your repertoire, you may just find yourself listening to “Sad Songs in a Hotel Room.” Maybe even in your own hotel room!
Stream the EP Below!
-XOXO Rachel
