Bleu – Six Tape

In the past decade and a half, Bleu has written pop gems for Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and the Disney company. That’s an impressive resume. Now he’s back with a new solo effort entitled Six Tape. The album’s ten songs run the gamut from the very personal to the completely off the wall. Well written and masterfully produced, it sounds as if he had a ball recording it.

I first heard Bleu as one third of The Major Labels. It was 2008 when he, Mike Viola and Ducky Carlisle released the uber-catchy single “Velveteen Queen”. His Jeff Lynne like production values became immediately evident. He still holds true to those sensibilities today.

Six Tape starts off with “I Wanna Write You a Symphony”, an instantly relatable song in which he outlines his plan to impress a woman.  “A Crazy Life” is a pop gem, an off the wall celebration of life and the perfect single. Without its slightly decadent twist, I could see this being a hit for a boy band or any of the aforementioned singers.

“Baby by Your Side” brings ELO to mind while “Kid Someday” is about as charming a piece as I’ve heard in a while. In this one, Bleu sketches out what he envisions life to be like upon the arrival of his first child. Here’s hoping it’s everything he wants it to be.

Bleu saves the best for last with “My Emo GF” and “Mercy Girl”. Each conjure up memories of those great Prince singles of the 90’s. They would have fit right in on Diamonds and Pearls.

The aptly named Six Tape is a ten track party. You’d be a fool not to give it a listen. It’s easily one of my favorites of 2021. With five bonus tracks available only through Bandcamp,  You can get your copy HERE.