The COVID-19 pandemic may seem like a distant memory now, but it was not that long ago that all of us were stuck at home against our will. “Bo Burnham: Inside” (Shortened to simply “Inside”) is a comedy special that serves as a sort of time capsule, cataloging Burnham’s personal experience being isolated from the outside world. “Inside” is a series of short sketches and songs that perfectly capture the good and the bad of 2020 to 2021, as well as the pervasive loneliness that followed.
While I recommend watching the entire special, the most impactful segments are, in my opinion, the music. In fact, the music from “Inside” was later released as a standalone album titled simply “Inside (The Songs).” The album has quite a wide spread of genres for listeners to choose from. For a more comedic and upbeat sound, there are tracks such as “How the World Works,” a sickeningly satirical song that criticizes our modern capitalistic society. On the other hand, there are tracks like “That Funny Feeling,” which is a surprisingly genuine and heartfelt acoustic piece about the grim reality of growing up.
The thematic elements in “Inside (The Songs)” are beautifully presented. It has the perfect mix of comedy, commentary and emotional connection. There are many recurring topics, such as Burnham’s relationship with the internet and his platform, as well as broad social issues like politics and climate change. While the special very much centers around the time it was produced, there are plenty of songs that still carry weight today.
“Inside” was heavily praised for its direction, especially its music. It won three Emmy Awards, as well as winning a Grammy for the track “All Eyes On Me.” It strikes the perfect balance between artistry and simplicity, winning with both critics and general audiences. Reviewers consistently praise the special’s sense of humor and thoughtful introspection.
“Inside” can be appreciated in any dosage, whether you choose to listen to a couple of stand-out tracks or binge the entire special. That is what, in my opinion, makes the special so, for lack of a better term, special! When I listen to “Inside,” it feels like I am right back in my room in 2020, doing online assignments and figuring out who I was, for better or worse.
