As the pioneer of “uncorny pop” Posner’s new album 31 Minutes to Takeoff is music that you can play “while you drop off your girl, and then keep in your CD player when you pick up your boys,” as he describes it.
Unlike other modern pop-artists, Posner has risen to the top with his head on right and his morals perfectly intact. The only thing that’s changed is that he’s now a pop superstar and household name with skyrocketing popularity.
On August 12th, the biggest day of his life, he continued to put his fans first in typical Posner fashion. My buddy Schubert sent him a message about how much he loved the album – and within like thirty minutes, Posner had responded to him. Somehow, he has maintained the rare quality that makes him seem like the artist next door.
We were all intrigued when we found out Posner and Cisco Adler were teaming up on a handful of tracks on the album, and their productions do not disappoint. “Do U Wanna?” is my favorite Cisco/Posner collaboration (even though it shot out my iPhone headphones). It’s a really synthy track with high and low frequency faders that that bring in big sound to the album while still maintaining Posner’s unique style and voice.
Posner also shares some personal stories, which allow us to put a name to his pain: Caroline Stevens is finally announced as the wrecking-ball of love that provided him with an endless supply of artistic inspiration. This girl put her high heel through his heart and made him bleed gold records. If it wasn’t for her, 31 Minutes to Takeoff would have like three tracks on it.
I also love the chorus of “Gone In September.” It narrates the recurring dilemma for all college lovers: the summer relationship. When Fall semester rolls around, summer love is almost always extinguished as things fade back into normality.
I said I loved you in the summer
But will I love you in the fall??
I thought I wasn’t like the others
Guess I’m an asshole afterall
Posner manages to remain charmful while calling himself an asshole, and the sincerity in his voice totally negates the fact that he’s breaking a girls heart. This guy could sweet-talk anyone.
In an emotional contrast to many of the other songs that focus his past relationships, the track “Delta 1406” (the flight from LAX to Detroit) makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a deep and personal conversation between him and his parents.
“I can’t come down, maybe I flew too high?” mimics the message of his mixtape track Speed of Sound which details how he has “a hundred million people inside of my phone, but I still got no one to call.” The entire album is a genuine glimpse into the emotions and thoughts of a truly talented artist that is navigating the turbulent journey of being famous.
It’s been an enlightening year learning about Posner, especially for the girls in his life. By now, I hope they know to proceed with caution and play nice… any drama they create will undoubtedly make it to the top of all the major music charts in the world.
get 31 minutes to takeoff on itunes
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Posner also just tweeted this song by Cee-Lo Green as the Song of the Year. When Posner tweets, we download and listen. Enjoy
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