Benson Boone’s latest album, American Heart, has sparked a wave of critical reviews, with many questioning its artistic direction and appeal.
Benson Boone’s American Heart: Critics Weigh In
Benson Boone achieved significant success with his hit “Beautiful Things” in 2024, but his sophomore album, American Heart, released in 2025, has not garnered the same enthusiasm from critics.
Critical Reception
With a current Metacritic score of 43, American Heart has been criticized for its lack of specificity and the absence of the edge found in Boone’s influences.
Pitchfork’s Jeremy D. Larson notes, “I don’t fault the wholesome pop star son of Mormon parents for not writing songs about the rot at the heart of America, or for not biting the heads off bats on stage. But it’s hard to consider a teetotaling showman with a voice straight out of The Voice and not wonder: What makes any of this actually special? While he can sing, there’s little flair or character in his voice. Boone’s delivery is impressively earnest, reminiscent of Ed Sheeran and the buskers before him, but it lacks the qualities that would elevate him among the greats of performance art.”
Vulture’s Craig Jenkins adds, “Boone’s musical and visual references to artists like Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn, Shawn Mendes, Sam Smith, and Harry Styles, as well as icons like Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, fail to confront sociopolitical themes. His art is more about athleticism than a compelling vision of Americana, despite the flag-draped cover art and synth-infused rock that hints at Springsteen.”
Comparisons to Previous Work
Even when compared to his own previous work, particularly “Beautiful Things,” American Heart appears to be a disappointment.
Rolling Stone‘s Brittany Spanos remarks, “Despite his Freddie Mercury-inspired jumpsuits, this album deflates under its glam-pop and retro influences. At times, it feels overly polished and lacks the youthful edge that made his debut a hit. Songs like ‘Man in Me’ and ‘Mystical Magical’ exemplify this retromania, with the latter feeling overly sweet and unconvincing.”
See More ...
Boone has defended himself against critics, claiming they dislike him without justification. However, American Heart has faced scrutiny when compared to its contemporaries.
Variety‘s Chris Willman states, “It’s disappointing to report that American Heart isn’t particularly enjoyable. While there are attempts to inject cheekiness and confidence into his performance, Boone seems to aim for the realm of artists like Teddy Swims or Alex Warren, with material that is sentimental before it’s rock-oriented. His vocal abilities are undeniable, but the overall material feels grounded and lacks energy.”
Conclusion
Despite the critiques, it’s possible that Boone achieved exactly what he intended with American Heart. NME‘s Jordan Bassett concludes, “It would be easy to say he’s fallen flat, but it’s not that simple: the boy wonder has landed exactly where he aimed. This is bombastic, overproduced pop-rock with theatrical lyrics that aim for broad appeal. The summer of 2025 is on the horizon for Boone. Prepare for impact!”
