Just picture it - the pop scene right now is absolutely glittering with phenomenal "girlilies", but who's really championing team XY? Sure, male solo artists have made significant splashes in the charts recently, yet they seem determined only to produce endless amounts of ballad-esque music that leave us longing for the fun and wit of the bachelor party before the big day.

Enter Benson Boone, a charismatic joker with an undeniable knack for wowing audiences with his mischievous sense of humor and emotive voice. His video for "Mr. Electric Blue" saw Boone laugh off his own songwriting prowess – all while donning a "One Hit Wonder" T-shirt (a nod to his own ground-breaking hit "Beautiful Things," the most streamed song of 2024). Sporting a ferocious mustache and parading in a glam-rock jumpsuit, he's not afraid to poke fun at himself, adding a splash of humor to his performances that has left fans eager for more.

However, it's with a heavy heart we report that Boone's latest album "American Heart" seems to have missed the comedic mark. Both spirited and sentiment-drenched, Boone appears to have stepped away from his naturally mischievous aura and ventured into the world of mawkish songwriting, much to the disappointment of his adoring fans. Don't get us wrong, Boone's singing abilities are unquestionable and still manage to add a sprinkling of magic to an otherwise lacklustre album.

Standout tracks like "Mystical Magical" and "Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else" capture Boone's playful charm, while "I Wanna Be the One You Call" brings an infectious groove that's a testament to Malay's (Frank Ocean, Lorde) knack for brilliant production.

Yet, the rest of the album feels deserted, as though Boone’s unique wit and energy are noticeably absent. Songs like "Wanted Man" and "American Heart" touch on more serious subjects and veer towards overly dramatic performance. In these moments, Boone’s expected goofy charm is swapped for intense earnestness.

Meanwhile, "Momma Song" and "Young American Heart," while clearly heartfelt and personal, feel premature in their bouts of nostalgia. There's something endearing - or perhaps misguided - about a young talent like Boone striving to sound wise beyond his years.

Yes, it is easy to be wooed by Boone's spectacular voice alone, but we yearn for the return of his entertaining character that previously elevated his work. On "American Heart," he brings a phenomenal amount of skill and musicality, but there is a lingering feeling that this could be chiseled and polished further.

Boone's future as a recording artist has potential - he's got the talent, he's got the charisma, and his fans are still passionately cheering him on. For now, however, it seems he’s slipped up a bit. Boone’s magnetic persona has promised much, but his latest album falls short of delivering. The good news? At just 22 years old, Boone has plenty of time to master his craft and ensnare us with his irresistible charm once more.