Album Appreciation: ‘Boy Problems’ by Shaton [2020]

Hey there Insighters, and welcome back to another music post, here on #FiveOnFridays! Today, we’ve got incredible music from Bahamian artist Shaton.

His new EP ‘Boy Problems’ dropped on a very special day this year – October 17th – aka my birthday. The 9-track EP is a genre-bending whirlwind of emotions. So, you know I had to shed light on his talent with an #AlbumAppreciation post.

And for those of you who may be unfamiliar with the concept, here’s the gist:

‘Album Appreciation’ is where I discuss my thoughts on an entire body of work from a musical act based on recommendations or out of personal curiosity. And to keep in-tune with the Top-5-countdown spirit of things, I rank and comment on my 5 favorite songs from said body of work.

That said, Shaton’s ‘Boy Problems’ may have just dropped this year, but he’s far from being considered a new artist. His discography actually dates back to 2014!

His first two albums ‘Illumi-Nation’ and ‘Shaton’s Lyric’ sonically lend themselves to pulsing Pop and riveting R&B. There’s even some elements of Hip-Hop, Dance, and House music thrown into the mix.

When diving through his works , I paid special attention to his timeless production. Likewise, his ear-grabbing lyrics centered on spirituality, love and relationships, drug abuse, self-acceptance, self-love, and the list goes on.

Honestly, Shaton is one of those artists you can’t place into a single genre. You never know which way a song is going to go. However, what you do know is that great thought went into bringing his art to life – both musically and visually.

Furthermore, I had the privilege of meeting the young artist, lyricist, and director. Dude is just as cool and quirky as his music.

So, without further ado, here are my top 5 tracks from ‘Boy Problems’ by Shaton!

[5]

“nEXt Time”

As someone whose favorite genre is Pop alongisde it’s many sub-genres, “nEXt Time” was an instant favorite off the EP! The feel-good production is anthemic and immediately gets me pumped!

Personally, I consider it the dance break moment on the entire record. In tandem to pleasant production, there’s cleverly placed reverb and a catchy chorus. “nEXt time/ I’m choosing me/ Over you”. It’s simple and effective, indicative of any great Pop song.

Lyrically, Shaton is found reflecting on the negative behaviours displayed by his former love. “You were always perfect/ You never show any flaws/ But I see through your fake sh–/I’m over it all”, he chirps rythmically.

During the song’s build, he makes a declaration to try his hand at love again. However, this time it’s with the mindset of putting no other above himself. Overall, the song has a lasting message, great production, a ton of replay value, and gives me my much-needed Pop fix. In conclusion, I stan!

[4]

“How High”

Blissful keys and steady bass whirl you into a chilled groove as Shaton’s pensive lyrics enter the fold. “I like to think that I’m the life of the party/ But I’m really not / See I just like to smoke ‘n’ drink ‘n’ maybe/ I’m just sick of the party.”

Rather than glorifying the use of drugs and alcohol, he reflects on their place in his life as coping mechanisms. Certainly, he makes this clear with the lines “If I could do this all day I think I prolly would/ But it’s not good for me. Cuz it just leaves me/ Hollow hollow oh oh”.

Thereafter, you find yourself floating away in an oasis of nearly-psychedelic melodies on the chorus. It’s one of those songs that permits you to wind down to, reflect, and allow the present to melt away.

Its message has consciousness to it and moves listeners to reconsider their habits and the effects they’re having on the body and mind. Above all, the addictive production juxtaposes themes of addiction tastefully – giving birth to a stellar, sonic experience.

[3]

“Oceans”

A wavy, glistening production sends ripples of sonic joy from one ear to the next. It continues to flow as some of Shaton’s best storytelling on the EP manifests. Due to a relationship going down under, “Oceans” finds Shaton scuffing at the thought of taking a chance on love again.

Throughout the song, he illustrates his mistreatment during the relationship and dealing with somebody who seems to be a gaslighter. The lines “It’s unfortunate/ That I chose to forget the shit/ I allowed you to put me through/ Don’t believe me but it’s true” allow me to entertain the thought.

First of all, felt. Secondly, I’m triggered – officially. Insighters, there is nothing more hopelessly exhausting than engaging romantically with a gaslighter. They will actively attempt to distort your whole reality, exonerate themselves from every ounce of self-accountability, and leave you numb to love.

Thankfully, Shaton comes to a much-needed resolution with the lines “Basic reality is/ I’m not a factor in your/ Your choice of actions/ So to make it easier for me/ I’d rather you don’t hold on me”, he mused rather calmly.

All in all, this song struck a personal chord and increased Shaton’s relatability as an artist. Really, after dealing with a gaslighter you can’t blame him for his dreadful disposition on love. “[He’d] rather fall into the ocean/ get lost with the rise of the moon”.

[2]

“Perspective”

Piano keys quickly usher you into a state of self-reflection as Shaton’s soothing vocals enter seamlessly, without missing so much as a beat. “I never written a happy love song/ Cause if I did I know it’d sound wrong.”

He muses softly, assuring listeners that this one’s about to cut deep. Certainly, as more the lyrics ruminate you start gaining more insight into Shaton’s thoughts centered on his creative process and possibly his life in general.

Mentions of “bad thoughts” repeatedly plaguing the mind could be alluding to the kind of anxiety every artist battles with when creating. Likewise, an ode to having to face the gloomier realities of life.

However, the starry and mellowed production help make it evident that he utilizes these haunting and dreary thoughts to cope with life, to deal with loneliness, to gain closure, and to bring forth art. And art he brought!

All things considered, “Perspective” is the perfect into track for ‘Boy Problems’; it sets the stage for the emotional ride to come.

Honorable Mentions

• “Pen Pal”
• “No Logic”
• “All We Need”
• “Boy Problems”

[1]

“Priority”

Of course this track is my number one pick! I’ve played and continue to play this song OUT. It’s an infectious bop to say the least. Although originally released in 2018, “Priority” hasn’t aged at all in my opinion. For me, it still sounds as effervescent as I’m sure it did 2 years ago.

The confidence Shaton breathes across this track is what really sells it for me. Well, that, the tropical house-like production, and oozing Pop elements. Additionally, the song is ode to coming to grips with reality on how you’ve been treated by a lover.

However, although not pleased with being an afterthought, there’s a hint of satisfaction Shaton exudes while telling this person off.

“You always got excuses when it comes to me/ Then you say I’m elusive and got no feelings/ Tell me I got issues and then you play dumb/ You seem to forget where this shit started from”, he spits assuredly, keeping in-tempo with the song’s easy-going groove.

He continues growing more adamant, “I’m not the one/ I know the cards you play”…“I created this game/ I know what you gonna say”. Tired of the excuses, he then gives this love interest an ultimatum. “You better get right with me/ I ain’t got no more to play”.

To this end, he’s demanding his right to be prioritized, and after all the hellfire he faced on previous tracks, it’s more than right. Even more so righteous is the fact that he’s determined to move on, with or without the other’s improved behavior. And I say, more power to you.

Conclusively, ‘Boy Problems’ is an amazingly cohesive project from a talented, Bahamian artist whose music should not be slept on. Trust me, do yourself a favor and make streaming this EP a priority. See what I did there?

[End]

Did you enjoy today’s Album Appreciation segment? Have you given this album a listen? If so, what’s your Top 5 from this album? 

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