Benson Boone is everywhere. Seriously. If you’ve stepped into a grocery store or scrolled through TikTok in the last two years, you’ve heard that raspy, arena-ready belt. But while "Beautiful Things" was the lightning bolt that started the fire, American Heart is the house he built with the embers.
Released on June 20, 2025, this sophomore record wasn't just another collection of radio hits. It was a pivot. It was Benson trying to prove he wasn't just "the guy who does the backflip." Honestly, he succeeded, even if the critics were a little split on how he got there.
The Coachella Reveal That Broke the Internet
Most artists announce an album with a cryptic Instagram grid. Benson? He decided to bring out Brian May.
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Yeah, that Brian May. During his 2025 Coachella debut, Boone stood on the main stage and tore through "Bohemian Rhapsody" with the Queen legend himself. It was a massive statement of intent. At the end of that electrifying set, he dropped the bomb: his second studio album, American Heart, was coming in June.
The cover art says it all. He’s standing in front of an American flag, looking like something out of a vintage Springsteen era. It’s gritty. It’s intentional. It was the first sign that he was moving away from the "bedroom pop" labels and aiming for something much more timeless—Americana infused with high-gloss pop rock.
What’s Actually Inside American Heart?
The album runs about 30 minutes. Short? Maybe. But it’s packed.
Boone wrote the bulk of the record in a 17-day blur with Jack LaFrantz. You can feel that frantic energy in the tracks. He wasn't overthinking it; he was just bleeding onto the page.
The lead single, "Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else," set the tone. It’s that awkward, gut-punch scenario: running into an ex while you’re out with your new partner. It’s messy. It’s human. And it’s exactly why people connect with him. He doesn't write about perfect love; he writes about the "suppose we're working it out" kind of love.
The Standout Tracks You Need to Hear
- "Mr Electric Blue": This is arguably the most interesting song on the record. It’s a tribute to his father, but it sounds like a fever dream collaboration between Electric Light Orchestra and modern pop. He explores masculinity in a way that’s actually pretty vulnerable for a 23-year-old pop star.
- "Momma Song": Warning—don't listen to this without a tissue. It’s a stripped-back ballad about watching his mother get older. The line "’Cause I’m gonna need this when I’m holding pictures of you and that’s all I’ve got left" is a certified tear-jerker. It peaked at #2 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 for a reason.
- "Mystical Magical": This is the glitter-pop outlier. It’s catchy, it’s radio-ready, and it mentions "moonbeam ice cream." It’s basically the fun sibling of the record.
- "Man in Me": Released as a single in early 2026, this one is synthier and dancier. It explores the darker side of a past relationship, using some pretty sharp metaphors about treason and dishonesty.
The World Tour and 2026 Live Dates
If you haven't seen him live yet, you're missing out. The American Heart World Tour kicked off in August 2025 and basically conquered every major arena in North America. We're talking Madison Square Garden, TD Garden, and the United Center.
He’s still at it. As of January 2026, he’s wrapping up some of the tail-end dates. He has a massive show scheduled at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on February 5, 2026.
The reviews from the tour have been wild. Fans are calling it a "religious experience." One 74-year-old fan even claimed it was better than seeing the Beatles. Hyperbole? Maybe. But it proves that his appeal isn't just limited to Gen Z. He’s got that "old soul" energy that pulls in everyone.
Is It Better Than Fireworks & Rollerblades?
That’s the big debate.
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Critics like those at The Daily Northwestern found it a bit "dimensionless," arguing that he leaned too hard into a formula. On the flip side, outlets like Renowned For Sound praised it as a sleek, no-skip pop-rock milestone.
The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. American Heart is definitely more polished. It feels expensive. Sometimes that polish hides the raw edge that made "Ghost Town" so special, but it also shows an artist who is learning how to command a global stage. He’s experimenting with retro vibes and Americana influences, trying to find where he fits in the lineage of great American songwriters.
What Most People Get Wrong About Benson
People think he’s just a TikTok product.
They see the viral clips and the backflips and assume there's no depth. But if you look at the credits for American Heart, you see names like Jason Evigan and Malay. These aren't just "hit-makers"; these are craftsmen. Boone is heavily involved in the writing and the vision.
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He admits he wanted to move past "Beautiful Things." He was ready to be known for a body of work, not just a viral moment. This album was his way of saying, "I’m here to stay."
Actionable Insights for Fans and Listeners
If you’re trying to keep up with everything Benson Boone in 2026, here’s what you should actually do:
- Check the "Man in Me" Music Video: It just dropped in January 2026. It gives a whole new visual context to the synth-heavy track and shows a more "dancy" side of Benson we haven't seen much.
- Look for the Cassette and Box Sets: Unlike his first album, American Heart had a massive physical release, including cassettes. If you're a collector, these are the "retro" way to experience an album that was inspired by 70s rock.
- Monitor the 2026 Festival Circuit: With the tour winding down in February, expect him to be a top-line name for the 2026 summer festivals. If you missed the arena tour, that’s your best bet to see the backflip in person.
- Listen to "Wanted Man" for the Edge: If you think he’s too "soft," listen to the chugging rhythmic guitar line on this track. it’s the edgiest he’s ever sounded.
Benson Boone didn't just release an album with American Heart—he claimed his spot in the pop-rock hierarchy. Whether you love the glossy production or miss the raw piano ballads, you can't deny that he's one of the few artists today who can actually bridge the gap between social media fame and genuine, long-term stardom.