Troye Sivan is no stranger to the exploration of love, identity and human connection in his songs but his latest album, “Something to Give Each Other,” is a significant step forward. The Australian pop sensation experiments with vibrant and modern sounds all while maintaining his signature songwriting.
Troye Sivan fans love his authenticity; it’s what he’s known for. Ever since his days on YouTube, Sivan has connected with his audience, especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In an interview with Another Man, he emphasizes the importance of different LGBTQ perspectives in pop culture.
“I’m one voice of so many that are missing, and so I’m just trying to tell my story, and right now I’m having so much fun in my life, I feel confident, I’m just enjoying myself, and so that was really important to me to express,” Sivan said.
Previous albums set the stage for “Something to Give Each Other” and developed a discography reflective of a coming-of-age story. The album starts with its summer tease, “Rush.” Its impressionistic lyrics and bumping house music set the tone for the rest of the tracks and, let’s not forget, the music video tops it off with captivating camerawork. Its fitting title alludes to a brand of poppers (huffable liquid nitrite) and captures the euphoric vibe of the song. There’s not a dull moment in the video’s choreography, so you can’t help but agree with the song when it says, “you got my heartbeat racing.”
A month before the new album’s release, the singer shared another track, “Got Me Started.” When you first hear the song, the sample from Bag Raiders’ “Shooting Stars” can feel like the star of the show, but its pairing with Sivan’s modern palette is what makes the chorus so catchy. Emotive lyrics like “Come back and feel the vibe” and “I don’t wanna go home alone, alright?” convey a signature desire heard throughout his discography.
Just like “Rush,” the music video for “Got Me Started” is energetic and Sivan’s dance moves do not disappoint. Sergio Reis and Mauro van de Kerkhof’s choreography draws inspiration from Britney Spears’s “I’m a Slave 4 U,” from 2001, and Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation,” from 1989. The spirited production of these singles instantly lifts the mood of listeners, leaving fans wanting more.
The third track, “One Of Your Girls,” is another song that stands out to listeners. Sivan drew attention to the song when he shared a stunning new look on Instagram a couple of days after the album’s release. His diva-like appearance bolsters the desire to express his sexuality the way he wants to. Sivan yearns for emotional reciprocity with lyrics like “Give me a call if you ever get desperate / I’ll be like one of your girls” and “nobody wants you bad as I do.” These lines tie in his experience with complex relationships, where he longs to connect with someone who is questioning their sexuality.
As the album progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that “Something to Give Each Other” is a reflection of Sivan’s personal growth and the wisdom he has gained from his experiences. Tracks like “Can’t Go Back, Baby” and “How to Stay With You” bear testimony to this evolution. They convey a sense of disappointment in love, acceptance and self-discovery.
While the album is an exceptional piece of work, one minor drawback is that a few of the tracks share too many sonic similarities. At times, it can be challenging to distinguish one from another, making it necessary to revisit the album multiple times to fully appreciate the nuances and distinctions between them. However, this issue does not detract from the overall experience and the songs themselves remain evocative and bright.
“Something to Give Each Other” is a vibrant album that reflects Troye Sivan’s artistry. With a sincere exploration of love and identity, Sivan has once again demonstrated his abilities as a pop songwriter. This album invites listeners to contemplate their relationships and experiences all while reveling in Sivan’s relatable and provocative storytelling. His new album is a must-listen for those who appreciate heartfelt, introspective pop music, and it adds another layer of depth to Troye Sivan’s body of work.
