Josh Cullen drops first solo album ‘Lost & Found’
Josh Cullen opens up about old wounds and internal struggles in his debut solo album, “Lost & Found,”released under Sony Music Entertainment last week.
The nine-track recording tackles themes that are often considered signs of weakness. Here, the SB19 member shares an unadulterated version of himself as he deals with past traumas in life and takes control of his creative agency by telling an inspiring story of resilience and hope.
The P-pop singer-songwriter explains, “This album explores themes of pain and suffering, redemption and the strength of human resilience, inspired by my inner truth. In ‘Lost and Found, I wrote about the pain that never truly goes away, the trauma that lingers long after we think our wounds have healed and discovering strength within ourselves.”
Vulnerability
Taken as a listening experience, the album shows Josh’s songwriting strengths. He doesn’t mince words about the pressures and fakery of the industry, and even in exploring his recollections of childhood. He treats vulnerability as a form of refuge: it stings and lingers, but its effect only fuels his spirit as a storyteller.
He points out, “I know what it means to be lost and found. I’ve experienced being lost throughout my life, sometimes trapped between trying to process all these intense emotions while desperately hoping to be found. I hope to connect with my fans and listeners who have been through the same journey.”
Genre-defiant territory
“Lost & Found” marks a vital vibe shift from the rap/urban-leanings of his pre-album era to a more amorphous musical strain that blends emo, pop-punk and alt-rock sensibilities with producer-driven, hip-hop and R&B influences.
Moving toward genre-defiant territory, Josh’s chameleonic presence, coupled with his affinity for emotionally captivating lyrics and inescapable hooks, makes “Lost & Found” a more intriguing but enjoyable effort.
Tracks range from the hard-hitting, guitar-rock swells of “1999,” where he navigates the harsh realities of life to the suave electro-pop strums of “See Me,” where he finds happiness in someone else’s love and presence.
Other standouts include the sensual and moody “Lights Out,” which features Mo of P-pop group Alamat, the ceiling-punching anthem “No Control” and the acoustic ditty “Honest.”
