The “golden years” are finally here! Over the summer this year, on July 26, twenty-three-year-old musician and Disney actor, Joshua Bassett, released his long-awaited debut album “The Golden Years.” Bassett, best known for one of the lead roles in Disney’s “High School Musical” spin-off show, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” wrote and released his first song, “Common Sense,” in 2020. He proceeded to release two EP albums in 2021, two more in 2022, as well as a few singles along the way. Then, in May of this year, Bassett announced his first upcoming album which had long-time fans over the moon with excitement.
Bassett, who once spent some time in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, is breaking away from the severe scrutiny he faced. Many are familiar with Bassett’s famous ex, Olivia Rodrigo, who also had a lead role in the popular Disney spin-off show. Things got heated back in 2021 when Rodrigo supposedly bashed Bassett because of their breakup with her album “Sour.” Although Rodrigo never confirmed that these rumors were true, Bassett was faced with tons of hate online and even received death threats due to the drama. He was even hospitalized after the release of Olivia Rodrigo’s hit song “drivers license” for heart failure, which many believe could have brought on the incredible amount of stress he was under. After getting back on track after his health scare, battles with addiction, and starting on his spiritual journey, Bassett wrote and released “The Golden Years.”
“The Golden Years” album serves as a therapy session for Bassett as he explores through “some of the best and worst years” of his life. Within the tracks of the album, which include hints of past drama and his mental health struggles, Bassett manages to keep most of them upbeat with his Harry Styles-like style of music and vocals. Listeners of the album could either relax to mellower, softer beats found in “Biting My Tongue,” “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Little Rita” or get up and dance to the more energetic, tuneful sounds found in “The Golden Years,” “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes,” “Cherry Blossom” and “Circles”.
I think Bassett’s brutally honest song “Mirror” is the track from this album that deserves an honorable mention. Throughout “Mirror,” Bassett performs some self-reflection, both figuratively and literally, about his past struggles with addiction and damaged self-image. He speaks of not recognizing himself and who he has become through all his experiences and hurts. This bittersweet song could be relatable for many people, specifically young adults, who may have experienced or could potentially experience some form of identity crisis or struggle with finding the happiest version of themselves.
In “The Golden Years,” I think it is valid to say that Bassett brings a fresh perspective and energy to his music, which will hopefully enable him to grow his career and fanbase. He was able to curate poetic lyrics that contain bits of nostalgia, raw emotion and encouragement within this album, making it worth a listen. Bassett wrapped up the U.S. part of his “The Golden Years” tour on Aug. 30 and will officially conclude it with the European portion on Jan. 27 of next year.
