Wildly creative, indie pop-rock songwriter and viral LGBTQ+ influencer Boy Jr., the project of Ariel Allen-Lubman, unveils their latest album, I Love Getting Dumped, a collection of tracks chronicling the stages of a breakup.
In their interview with XS Noize, Boy Jr., talking about the album, said, “‘I Love Getting Dumped’ is all breakup songs from the last 4-ish years. It varies in style because they were all written at different times and explore different sonic influences, but they’re all related in theme.”
With millions of streams on Spotify, along with a huge fanbase on social media, Boy Jr. has been featured in elite media outlets because of their versatility and authenticity.
Comprising a baker’s dozen of tracks, entry points on I Love Getting Dumped include “Your Mom Is Disappointed In You,” a gently percolating tune riding a syncopated rhythm topped by Boy Jr.’s evocative vocals. Vaguely reminiscent of Billie Eilish, this is a stellar track.
“Bullying Myself” travels on darker energy and features a murky, rolling rhythm driven by a fat, finessed bassline. Introspective, there’s a delightful, essential flair to the harmonics, infusing it with shifting surfaces.
The contagious, bouncy feel of “The Yellows” blends shiny pop colors with rock-like energy, resulting in an upbeat, unique song that changes tempo, giving the tune a dual, proximate nature.
The softly shimmering intro of “Unfortunately” leads into a dreamy pop-flavored melody tinted with psychedelic-lite textures. Boy Jr.’s breathy vocals imbue the lyrics with mellow, musing savors. For some baffling reason, this track conjures up suggestions of The Kinks’ “Sunny Afternoon.”
“Still Be Friends,” a burbling pop tune, rumbles, drips, and oozes with effervescent aromas as Boy Jr.’s vocals imbue the lyrics with lusciously regulated vibrancy. A personal favorite, despite it’s title, “I’m Not Pretty,” probably the prettiest song on the album, glides on iridescent guitars as Boy Jr. shows off their luxurious voice.
“I’m Breaking Up With You” rolls out on shadowy, ominous coloration, while Boy Jr.’s vocals radiate portentous timbres, revealing the fateful sensation of turbulent emotions. The tension captured in the song’s harmonic flow is crushing.
On I Love Getting Dumped, Boy Jr. exposes the visceral, elemental emotions of a scorned lover coming to terms with heartbreak.