BEST NEW TRACK: JON BELLION - JT

Jon Bellion was excelling in his work as a producer and songwriters for others, but he wanted something more. Tiring of writing boring pop songs for other artists, the Long Islander of Italian-descent decided he’d make his own music that would be anything but dull. His breakthrough 2016 LP The Human Condition did that and more. The eagerly awaited follow up Glory Sound Prep is due out November 9th. Earlier this month Bellion released “Conversations with My Wife,” the first taste of the new record. And now he’s offered up “JT,” a genre-bending track that highlights his wide array of talents. 

Comparison is the thief of joy, or so it has been said. We could all do a lot better to recognize our accomplishments and celebrate our achievements. With “JT” Jon Bellion has created an anthem chronicling his rise to stardom and reveling in just how far he’s come.

The song begins with some industrial percussions and fluttery synths that recall Louis The Child. Bellion’s tenderly croons about the discipline instilled “light years ago” that’s acted as the foundation for his meteoric ascent. A swooning, Owl City adjacent pre-chorus gives way to the bouncy, infectious chorus that will burrow its way into the deepest recesses of your mind. The song grooves and bops along until it reaches its triumphant conclusion as a full gospel choir joins the proceedings to backup Bellion. The final minute is a soothing come down as the song slowly dissolves into a glorious haze.

All this is to say that it’s very good and you should listen to it immediately.

JON BELLION - JT

Bellion flashes some next level wordplay on “JT”, first and foremost that the tracks initials are one of many allusions to John Travolta. There are also mentions of Pulp Fiction and Grease, perhaps Travolta’s two most well-known films. (I remain hopeful that future generations will remember Baby Boomers’ JT for his epic work in Battlefield Earth.) The chorus makes mention of the world’s most notorious groupie Penny Lane, as well as would be great Penny Hardaway, although there’s no mention of the fact that Hardaway’s knees betrayed him. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as Bellion’s cleverness is concerned. Repeated listens will begin to reveal the depth on display here.

Bellion has been dormant all year long, so expect some extended touring once Glory Sound Prep is released. As of writing, there’s no such news of a tour, but we can always hope.

Calvin Paradise is not any one thing. The half-hearted vagabond and forgetful luddite currently resides in Los Angeles and how he spends his time is none of your damned business.