Joshua Bassett
Sarah Barlow and Stephen SchofieldAfter teasing new music for the past two weeks, Joshua Bassett has delivered on his on promise. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star released three new tracks — “Crisis,” “Secret” and “Set Me Free” — on Friday (Dec. 3).
Bassett opened up about the trio of songs in a press release, revealing that the songs came from a difficult period of his life. “While it’s been one of the most challenging periods in my lifetime by far; it has ultimately led to immense growth,” he said. “I’ve been up, down, and everywhere in between… Each of these songs pinpoint a different moment in time, in my processing.”
On “Crisis,” the 20-year-old talks of being burned by a former lover in the aftermath of a break up. “But don’t you dare act like I didn’t love you/ Don’t go thinkin’ that I didn’t hurt, too/ Don’t you ever wonder if I’m okay after all you put me through?/ Half the shit you’re saying’s only half-true/ Messin’ with my life as a career move,” he sings in the chorus.
Bassett revealed that all earnings from “Crisis” will be donated to mental health organizations in perpetuity, to help others with their own healing journeys.
“My hope is that those going through similar things feel heard and seen and can step closer to healing. While it’s important to express my truth in art, I do not wish ill will on anyone, nor do I endorse using art as fuel for negativity,” he explained in the press release. “I truly hope the peace I’ve found amidst this challenging year encourages others to keep going and know that there really is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Meanwhile, on “Secret,” Bassett feels double-crossed by his love interest. “Swore that you only had a crush/ You told me that you would cut him off,” he sings. “I should’ve seen it coming then/ My friends all warned me I should run for the hills/ But I defended you still/ ‘Cause I know rumors could kill.”
“Set Me Free” sees the end of the trilogy, with the actor hoping to make amends and put the drama of his situation behind him in an attempt to move on. “I don’t wanna be rude or on the defensive/ But I’ve been goin’ through it too/ And I know you feel used, I know you’ve been hurt/ Anything I did to make you feel worse/ I’d take it all back if I could,” Bassett sings on the first verse.
Watch the official videos for “Crisis,” “Secret” and “Set Me Free” below.
Dua Lipa has described Britney Spears as "an icon".
The Houdini singer also pointed out her personal favorite track from the pop legend.
Dua, 30, said that Britney’s 2003 single Toxic is the song she loves most, sharing that she often plays it every night to relax while spending time on holiday with her extended family.
"You're very silly and giggly and fun and I need to hear 'Toxic' at the end of every single night when I'm feeling like that," she told Vogue Magazine. "It's one of my favourite songs."
The Levitating artist took it even further, calling Toxic "one of the greatest" and saying it has a timeless quality.
"I think it's one of the greatest pop songs ever made," Dua gushed. "It makes me feel nostalgic, but also at the same time, if it came out yesterday, it would be an absolute smash. I love it so much."
She also mentioned that the track’s music video, which shows Britney, 44, as a space-themed flight attendant, played a major role in its appeal.
"The bit that stays in my mind that I remember so well is Britney in a stewardess outfit, and I don't think anyone has been able to make a stewardess outfit look so good," Dua said, before confessing her belief that Britney was "an icon".
"I love Britney so much," she said. "I love everything about her, all her songs. She's such an icon."
