Australia’s sweetheart Troye Sivan has finally unleashed his talents into the stratosphere with his debut record Blue Neighbourhood. Primarily known for his YouTube channel, Sivan is not just another vlogger who earns an income from doing the Chubby Bunny challenge – he has expressed his personal journey into adulthood in a collection of songs that prove the 20-year-old Perth artist is not fading away into the depths of the internet anytime soon.
Although the release of Blue Neighbourhood was welcomed to the screams of fangirls all over the world (admittedly, myself included), it’s not a watered down pop record to be poured into the ear buds of his predominately teenage female fanbase. Being a contributing writer to all tracks on the record, Sivan doesn’t stray away from dark, thematic elements that have been carefully soaked in synth-pop production. There’s consistent swearing, the visualization of alcohol and illict substances dancing around hands at parties and the intense, effervescent feelings of love, loss and maturity.
Tracks including ‘HEAVEN’, ‘for him.’ and ‘YOUTH’ are incredibly deep, raw and prove that Troye has a true grasp on his personal musicianship. The lyrical choices in these songs do not obscure from being direct in pronouns and are straightforward and intense, a feat to be praised in pop today.
His popularity is not just central to Australia and thanks to his YouTube channel, as Troye has emassed a strong international fanbase that has allowed his record to climb the charts. With the record peaking at number 6 and 7 on the ARIA and Billboard 200 charts respectively, the new and notable identity in the current world of pop culture has not strayed from his home by featuring local acts including Allday, Tkay Maidza, Betty Who and Broods (NZ) in tracks ‘for him.’, ‘DKLA’, ‘HEAVEN’, and ‘EASE’ who deliever an excellent accompanying sound.
Troye’s electronic niche for Blue Neighbourhood is addictive, but his raw and true talent are best delievered stripped back, as seen in the solemn and piano-led track ‘Talk Me Down’.
Troye Sivan may be a newcomer in the eyes of the pop world, but it is clear that he’s not just another young, manufactured pop star. Blue Neighbourhood delivers brooding, serious and excessively progressive undertones that prove Sivan is not just another YouTube sensation – he knows what he can deliver to the world, and he sure as hell is doing a fantastic job doing it.
Review Score: 9.3 out of 10 
Blue Neighbourhood is out now.
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