Sometimes, an artist is able to epitomize the concept of “understanding the assignment.” On “Rush,” Troye Sivan earns an undeniable A+ in the category of thot boy summer. Atop a thumping House/Pop amalgamation, Sivan glides effortlessly, evoking the sounds and sensations of a very hot, very sweaty, and very gay night at the club. Ever fearless and never desperate, Sivan’s music has always embraced and celebrated his sexuality, and “Rush” is the sonic embodiment of Pride. With the lead single from his first album in 5 years, the 28-year-old singer is making it clear he’s all grown up.

Watch the “Rush” video, stream it, or preorder the album, “Something To Give Each Other.”

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here.

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Troye Sivan’s journey to a full-length album continues with his second EP in just over a year, WILD. He follows up last year’s TRXYE stronger, more focused, and a more well-rounded artist. The EP was recorded over the last year. Thematically it touches on crushes, relationships, and family, reflecting how Troye’s life has progressed during the writing and recording process.

The EP is sequenced fantastically, and describes the stages of falling for a crush, from the initial butterflies all the way to falling out. With a catchy hook and kid’s chorus in tow, he opens with the title track. He describes the initial moments of a developing crush by reaching into his soul to deliver scorching lyrics like “You make my heart shake, bend and break, but I can’t turn away, and it’s driving me wild.” “BITE” is a haunting invitation for his crush to embrace him and “set him free”. He delivers the lyrics in bone-chilling fashion from “I can be the subject of your dreams, your sickening desire” until he reminds his interest “please don’t bite,” both literally and figuratively.

Next is the standout moment, “FOOLS,” a brutally revealing description of himself as he gets ahead of himself while falling for a crush. His mind races through the premature thoughts of “swimming pools, living rooms, and aeroplanes” to “a little house on the hill and children’s names” until “everything is shattering” and he comes to the conclusion” only fools fall for you… only fools do what I do.” It is a blunt series of statements that are incredibly relatable and gut-wrenching.

He momentarily side steps the love arc for “EASE,” which he called his favorite thing he has even written. Co-composed with and featuring Broods, Troye delivers a moment of reflection and desire to return to the simplicity of life, minus the fame, fandom, fangirls, and life in the spotlight.

From there, love sours. He poignantly describes the torment of non-communication on “THE QUIET.” Those moments when communication ceases and it feels more painful than any words could ever be are agonizingly conveyed. Finally, he closes with the heartbreaking “DKLA” (which stands for ‘don’t keep love around’). He realizes he can’t have his love, and must rid himself of the thought and disperse the feelings. It’s an incredible emotional journey and if it’s any indication, when his full length album arrives later this year it will most likely not disappoint.

Grade:

90/97

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