It’s a sad boi autumn for Ben Platt. The Tony-Award winner released his sophomore album Reverie this August, a playful forward-step from his previous ballad-driven record Sing To Me Instead.

Platt swaps the piano for synths for a bouncy new sound. “chasing you” embodies the 80s pop vibe pulsing throughout the album, detailing the rush of falling for someone new and the thrill of the pursuit, complete with a Blondie nod.

While Platt’s previous work was littered with pining, it’s clear now that he’s found love and appreciates both the ups and downs of his relationship with actor Noah Galvin, made plain in “happy to be sad” where he’s grateful to feel an emotion so strongly when the two are apart for work.

When he’s not singing about relationship bliss, his breakup tracks make peace with leaving someone you love behind. “carefully” is an album standout, a quiet, guitar-driven prayer for a lover to break his tender heart with grace, while “leave my mind” dances through the heartbreak of getting over someone.

Platt has captured our hearts once again, and we can only hope he doesn’t let go.

Ben Platt goes on tour next spring. 

Stream Reverie here.