Description
Ben Platt – Honeymind – Vinyl Record
Ben Platt’s third studio album, Honeymind, released on May 31, 2024, via Interscope Records, marks a poignant and introspective chapter in the Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner’s musical journey. Departing from the synth-pop textures of his previous album, Reverie, Honeymind embraces a folk-infused, ’70s singer-songwriter aesthetic, drawing inspiration from artists like James Taylor and Paul Simon. The album delves deeply into themes of queer love, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerability, offering listeners a heartfelt exploration of Platt’s personal experiences.
The album’s title, Honeymind, stems from a moment of clarity Platt experienced during a hike with his fiancé, Noah Galvin. He described the sensation as his mind being “coated with warmth and sweetness,” a feeling that permeates the album’s 13 tracks. This sense of warmth is evident in songs like “Before I Knew You,” a romantic dedication to Galvin, and “Andrew,” which poignantly reflects on unrequited love for a straight man. The latter track, accompanied by a heart-wrenching music video, showcases Platt’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
Produced by Grammy-winner Dave Cobb, known for his work with Brandi Carlile and Chris Stapleton, Honeymind features collaborations that enrich its sonic palette. Notably, the duet “Treehouse” with Brandy Clark adds depth to the album’s exploration of queer Americana. Throughout the album, Platt’s vocals are front and center, delivering lyrics that are both personal and universally relatable. Tracks like “All American Queen” serve as celebratory anthems of queer identity, while “Monster” closes the album with a Broadway-style ballad that encapsulates the album’s emotional journey.
Critics have lauded Honeymind for its authenticity and emotional resonance. Slant Magazine praised the album as “an open-hearted tribute to love,” highlighting Platt’s growth as an artist who confidently embraces his queerness. The New York Post noted the album’s ’70s influences and its celebration of queer love, describing it as a “sweet reminder that it has always been here.” While the album did not chart on the Billboard 200, it reached number 15 on the UK Americana Albums chart, reflecting its impact within the genre.
To support the album, Platt embarked on “The Honeymind Tour,” a 21-city North American tour that began on June 18, 2024, in Boston and concluded on July 27, 2024, in Seattle. Prior to the tour, he held an 18-performance residency at Broadway’s newly refurbished Palace Theatre, featuring surprise guests like Kacey Musgraves and Kristin Chenoweth. These live performances allowed Platt to bring the intimate and heartfelt songs of Honeymind to life, connecting with audiences through his storytelling and musicality.
Honeymind stands as a testament to Ben Platt’s evolution as a singer-songwriter. Through its blend of folk-inspired melodies and deeply personal lyrics, the album offers a sincere and moving portrayal of love, identity, and self-acceptance. It’s a work that not only showcases Platt’s vocal prowess but also his commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty in his artistry.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Right Kind of Reckless
All American Queen
Andrew
Before I Knew You
Cherry On Top
Treehouse
Fear Of Missing Out
Shoe To Drop
Honeymind
Home Of The Terrified
Need You Like This
Boy Who Hung The Moon
Monsters
