Joshua Bassett’s third EP Sad Songs In A Hotel Room is the quintessential EP for 20-somethings everywhere. Following the release of his EP “Crisis/Secrets/Set Me Free,” a direct response to the backlash he received following Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR, his subsequent releases have been highly anticipated. Sad Songs In A Hotel Room is the perfect addition to Bassett’s discography. The singer’s previous releases are all light guitar ballads that feature his signature higher vocal range accompanied primarily by a singular guitar. Whilst that has always worked in Bassett’s favor, showcasing what he does best: storytelling and a snappy guitar. This EP, however, breathes new life into his discography.
The title track “Sad Songs In A Hotel Room'' begins in typical Joshua Bassett fashion with a catchy guitar hook and lyrics that paint a picture: “I'm wearin' a robe / The same ones we left on the hotel floor / Just one year ago / ‘Do not disturb’ hangin' on the door.” However, the song quickly shifts to display a light percussion accompaniment, dreamy synth, and beautifully layered vocals from Bassett. These additions really round out the sound and introduce the musical complexity Bassett exemplifies in the EP.
Much like the opening track, the first half of the EP, “LA” and “Used To It,” both exemplify Bassett’s growth as an artist. Bassett has come a long way from his debut single “Common Sense,” which he produced alone. The song showcased isolated vocals and a singular guitar which is how most of Bassett’s discography shaped up; however, this EP shows us a new side of the artist. The production on the first half of this EP is immaculate. This is all thanks to producer, Davis Naish, who brought much-needed depth to Bassett's discography. He added groovy beats and amazing bass lines which fleshed out the sound as a whole. “LA” and “Used To It” are some of the more complex songs sonically and lyrically. “LA” discusses the struggles of being a 20-something trying to make a name for yourself. The echoey vocals, light piano, and dreamy synth encapsulate the fast-paced environment and extensive loneliness that comes alongside struggling your way through an industry. “Used To It” is not your typical heartbreak song. If Bassett has proven one thing about his lyricism over his past two EP’s is he knows how to execute the perfect indirect call-out. “I'm not surprised you didn't call / When I almost died, you didn't care at all / Mama said you can't be mad at who you wish somebody was / Well, I'm not surprised you didn't call,” is a stand-out lyric. The song feels like reading a diary entry accompanied by a groovy beat to juxtapose the truly heartbreaking lyrics.
The second half of the EP however sticks to Bassett’s niche of acoustic guitar and pop-y vocals. “Smoke Slow” is the typical Joshua Bassett song, making sense as to why it was the lead singer of the album. However, I find “Smoke Slow” to be the least dynamic of the EP, although the bridge’s change in pace and showcase of Bassett’s stellar range is its saving grace. The final tracks “Lifeline” and “All In Due Time” mesh together in my mind, both songs have a typical strumming pattern and feature Bassett’s lower vocal range. However “All In Due Time” features some of my favorite of the singer’s lyrics with, “There scars will be stories I tell,“ being a standout line to me.
Sad Songs In A Hotel Room perfectly exemplifies Bassett’s potential to become the next breakout star. With a killer vocal range, candid and sincere lyricism, and a solid production team, Bassett is proving he can grow beyond the image of “just a boy and his guitar.”
Published via Returner Magazine
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