Who is Jon Bellion?
Jon Bellion started his music career by experimenting and writing songs on his brother's keyboard during high school. A short while later, he wrote a song called "The Monster," which not only made its way onto an Eminem album (feat. Rihanna), but also topped the charts in 12 different countries. Much of his work can be heard from several different artists and bands.
Now, Bellion is out making his own music, including three mixtapes and two full-length LPs, "The Human Condition" and "Glory Sound Prep." His alternative style blends indie rock, rap, and new wave genres to create something totally unique. It's our privilege, as a music blog, to share some of that with you.
This is our playlist of the top 10 Jon Bellion songs to listen to now.
10. Morning in America
We all have our own skeletons in the closet, and Jon Bellion doesn't hide that fact in "Morning in America," a song about high school and growing up in a twisted world.
He sings of overdoses, addictions, mental illnesses, and more, all over the repeating bass line and a thumping low drum that hits your soul just as hard as the lyrics themselves. Bellion wants to convince us that the illusion of perfection is unattainable, and while this song hides nothing, it somehow comes close.
9. All Time Low
Yes, you've heard this one before. It was all over the radio when it was released in 2016.
"It's an illustration of what it feels like to be three days into a breakup," said Bellion of the track. Aside from the lyrical content, however, "All Time Low" plays with vocoders and looping pedals in a way that hadn't been done before. The silent moments in the song just add to the effect of desperation, solidifying its place as one of Jon's best songs.
Is it slightly overplayed? Maybe. But does it deserve the recognition it's received? Absolutely.
8. Stupid Deep
"What if who I'd hoped to be was always me," asks Bellion on "Stupid Deep." The music video for the track was described as a "mythical tale of self-discovery." The song itself is no different. In fact, its lyrics and slower tempo evoke a sense of realization and profoundness that's, well, "stupid deep."
Though far different from the rest of "Glory Sound Prep," this track remains a fan favorite, and well-deserving of a spot in our top 10.
7. While You Count Sheep
As the only song from his early mixtapes (released in 2013 on "Translations Through Speakers"), Jon Bellion's slightly poppy track, "While You Count Sheep," is so sweet you can taste it.
It can be corny at times, as many of Jon's early songs are. But the melodies and the swelling synths, paired with as many lyrical references to sleeping as you can imagine, all come together to create this piece that can always bring a smile to our faces.
6. Overwhelming
Yet another love song makes the list. "Overwhelming" plays with all different kinds of pacing and production methods. The quick verses perfectly contrast the soothing chorus that can take the listener right off their feet. Medium.com described the track as "feet-tapping" and "groovy."
Whoever Jon was singing about is surely grateful that this song turned out so well.
5. Maybe IDK
Alternative music often explores new concepts. On "Maybe IDK," Jon Bellion expresses his adoration towards God, and sings his most poetic lyrics to date. Seriously, these are the kinds of things that you only think about late at night when you're all alone in bed.
The strings in the pre-chorus melt seamlessly into the inspirationally loud hook as Bellion proclaims that sometimes it's okay to not have the answers. This song is what we need.
4. Conversations With My Wife
"Conversations With My Wife" is the first track on Jon Bellion's second album. He sings about wanted to disconnect from the virtual world, and asks, "Will you love me when my phone turns off?" It's a fitting question to pose in today's world. He "wants their love to last even in the absence of these things." And the alt-pop artist does so along with a moving piano chord progression and a bass riff that is sure to keep you listening.
This song is a must-have on any Jon Bellion playlist.
3. Good Things Fall Apart
To be fair, this is technically an Illenium song. Jon Bellion provided the vocals and much of the writing, however, so it's fair to add it to the list. Plus, it's just too good not to. Anyone who has seen Bellion perform the song as an encore to his live setlist would surely agree.
With one of the most impressive guitar intros of modern music, and Illenium's heart-racing electronic production, this song remains one of Jon Bellion's most iconic pieces to date.
2. Hand of God (Outro)
It's the final track on Jon's debut album, "The Human Condition." And he decided to go out with a bang.
Everything cuts deep here. The lyrics, the melodies, the beat, the soulful chorus, and the instrumentation all seal in Bellion's songwriting genius. You'll have to pick your jaw up off of the floor when you get to the last minute of this nearly 6-minute song about "rebellion and redemption."
"Hand of God" is sure to come up in any conversation about Jon Bellion's greatest hits... which brings us to our final piece.
1. Blu
There are no words to describe this song. Personally, it's one of my all-time favorites. Bellion truly struck gold with this one. All fans agree that this, and even the wildly popular acoustic version, is one of the best songs of the 2010's.
It's introspective, yet light-hearted. It's powerful, yet subtle. It's individualistic, yet spiritual. It's "Blu."
Conclusion
Jon Bellion has truly cemented his place among the best of modern, alternative artists. Be sure to check him out if you haven't already and add these "Top 10 Song by Jon Bellion" to your playlists now.
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