Last October, Kevin Bessey released an album that is perfect for the current pandemic. Its title? The Patient. That sounds crazy. Nostradamus would be proud. And, honestly listening to the album is kind of eerie. The Patient feels more like it was written during a pandemic, not months before.
The Music
Before I get to what makes this album perfect for COVID-19, I want to get into the music. On The Patient, Kevin combines alternative rock, hip hop and folk production to create beautiful and interesting soundscapes. Raw organic rock combines with space age techno set the stage for a new age crisis. On top of those soundscapes, he layers catchy melodies and interesting ear worms.
It’s hard not to sing along to every word. And, those words are brilliantly sung. Kevin’s voice is so mature sounding on this album. He shifts from haunting low tones into soaring falsetto in many songs, notably on “You Were.” On “Paper America” and “High on the Mountaintops,” he seamlessly shifts from aggressive rap to tender singing.
Isolation and Loss
The Patient has four major lyrical themes: isolation and loss, physical suffering, economic suffering, and reflection.
Almost every song on the album deals with the idea of being alone and left behind. Those feelings are part of the human condition. They’re especially prevalent during the current pandemic, local governments are mandating that people don’t gather in groups larger than ten people. “All of the people I love so much aren’t passing by.” Sound familiar? “You let me get closer and then you push me away.” Social distancing may be new, but we all know those feelings so well. It’s as if these lyrics scream cry in the face of social distancing. “No words I say could close this space.”
Hospitalized
The Patient doesn’t treat its title lightly. Kevin Bessey explores the suffering of an illness both by the sufferer and by their loved ones. And, Coronavirus sends people to the hospital left and right. Furthermore, it’s expected to get better before it gets worse. “Back down on the Hospital Bed, he is seeking solace.” Aren’t we all at a time like this? “They come and they go, but you never know.” Uncertainty hangs like a shadow, awaiting the news of the day. “With an IV bag in tow, you preach that problems can be solved.” These lyrics offer hope and comfort to all of those physically suffering or who have loved ones suffering.
Economic Suffering
The economy is going down the toilet. While the US government is working on its largest stimulus package ever, small business and individuals suffer uncertainty. On The Patient, Kevin vents frustrations against economic woes. Might be his background in economics that keeps such a hot topic so near and dear to his heart.
He pushes us to abandon materialism. “We’re obsessed with this paycheck.” Look at things right now. Was the dollar amount on the paycheck the most important thing? “I’ve got some old friends, they are slaves to their debts.” His lyrics help us reflect on our lives and feel understood in the monetary turmoil.
Reflection
Everyone is at home alone with a lot of time to think and reflect on their lives. “Do you find comfort in the silence?” Well, do ya? “Maybe the craziest things are the ones I can’t see.” Close behind, the second craziest would be the lines at Costco right now. “I’m only dreaming cause there’s nothing else to do.” Kevin invites us to sit back and consider what’s happened in our lives. He does so with beautiful music that sinks into our souls. Aren’t we all…The Patient?
As we’re all home alone looking for something to do, we have a soundtrack to our lives. The Patient.
Enjoy!
Before you go, check out more articles on music here.
While we’re talking about The Patient and Kevin Bessey’s music, peep the review for his last album, Maybe. Or maybe not. But then again…Maybe.