Joshua Bassett’s EP, “Sad Songs In A Hotel Room,” came out at midnight on September 23 and it certainly deserves recognition!
“Sad Songs In A Hotel Room,” Bassett’s third EP and the title of the lead-off track, consists of six songs and highlights somber experiences.
The fourth song on the EP, “Smoke Slow,” first debuted as a single in August. The instrumentals, including the guitar, maintain a catchy beat and rhythm. Bassett explores his creativity through his lyrics. In the first verse of the song, Bassett sings, “We’re buying more time/While we kill ourselves as we both inhale.”
“Smoke Slow” has one of the faster beats of the EP. The lyrics, “Addicted to illusions of a love that never was/And never will be anyway,” keeps an upbeat pace for the song. The artistic choices in “Smoke Slow” also aid in its success. When Bassett sings, “Play with fire, take me higher,” his voice progressively gets higher, showing off his talented vocal range.
Bassett also dropped a music video for the fifth song on the EP, “Lifeline,” at midnight. The song and video display raw emotion. In the black-and-white music video, Bassett simply looks at the camera and sings. Its simplicity speaks volumes. Towards the end of the video, Bassett begins to cry as he sings despairing, yet heartfelt lyrics. He battles his fears of death in the song, singing, “Save me, now I’m facing/All my fears of the unknown/I’ve been shakin’ in my bones.”
HITC reported that “Lifeline” surrounds Bassett’s hospitalization in 2021 from septic shock and heart failure. He said that throughout this medical crisis, his mother remained his “lifeline.” Bassett tweeted, “Fun fact the voice in the intro is indeed my mother. i love you to the moon and back forever. #Lifeline.”
HITC also said, “All earnings from Lifeline will go towards [organizations] and charities that are a ‘lifeline’ for people in need, according to [a] statement.” “Used To It,” the third song on the EP, also references Bassett’s near-death experience. He sang, “I’m not surprised you didn’t call/When I almost died, you didn’t care at all.”
I would definitely recommend Bassett’s EP, “Sad Songs In A Hotel Room,” particularly if you like calm music. Even if you don’t listen to “sad songs,” the mellow instrumentals invite the audience to simply listen and relax. Bassett’s emotional lyrics about his personal experiences can touch people who have and haven’t encountered similar situations. Bassett demonstrates his vocal range, musical talent, and lyrical talent throughout the EP.
