BØRNS Blends Indie Pop, Country, and Latin Influences in His Genre-Defying New Album “Honeybee”
BØRNS, the stage name of Garrett Borns, is a Michigan-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his blend of indie pop, glam rock, and electro-pop. Rising to prominence in the mid-2010s with his breakout hit Electric Love, BØRNS quickly gained attention for his smooth falsetto, catchy melodies, and eclectic style. With Honeybee, he continues to evolve, expanding his sound to include influences from country, Latin music, and more, all while staying true to the whimsical, romantic essence that defines his work.
Photo by Christopher Gabello
The opening track, “Honeybee,” sets the tone for the album, blending soft vulnerability with sonic experimentation. BØRNS uses a subtle tremor in his voice, especially in the extended drawing out the phrase “be my love” with ethereal falsetto. The track’s playful, Beatles-esque charm is complemented by plucky guitars, while his approach to backup vocals adds a layered, almost acapella feel. The lyrics—“You will always be my destination”—lend a depth that elevates the track from sweet to sincere.
“Blue Corvette” takes a more playful, almost childlike approach with its sing-songy delivery and quirky, staccato instrumentals, particularly the bassline. Lines like “Sad songs make me happy/La-la-la-la-la-la” bring a carefree, whimsical quality, while the string arrangements against the beats create a chaotic yet charming vibe. The track builds to a crescendo, only to stop abruptly, leaving a sense of unfinished joy.
“Grateful For” is a definite highlight with its country-tinged balladry and BØRNS’ honey-smooth vocals. The twangy guitars provide a perfect backdrop to his voice, which conveys longing and love with simple yet poignant lyrics: “Give me something to be grateful for, my love/Come on back to California/Show me what you’re made of.” The sensuality in his delivery, especially in the repeated, “Come here, love,” makes this a track you could easily imagine slow dancing to in a barn.
BØRNS continues to shift genres with “Breakfast of Bohemians,” an upbeat and melodic track with experimental flair. The song mixes English and Spanish, with lyrics like “I feel like Picasso, Sir Pablo, te mueves como un gato,” giving it a bohemian quality. His vocalizations add a dreamy texture, while the catchy refrain and Latin undertones give the track an exotic feel.
“Taylor” is a twangy love song that blends country and indie-rock. The lyrics, “Taylor, we made it to the moon and back/And I'd go back with you again,” are simple but meaningful, capturing the essence of an adventurous, yet deeply intimate love. It’s a song that encapsulates warm summer nights, sharing quiet moments by the ocean.
“Back to the Way We Was” brings a jazzy, slower mood to the album. The contrast between the upbeat verses and the slower, reflective chorus adds depth to the track, with lyrics like “Will we ever make it back/Back to the way we once was?” balancing playful nostalgia with bittersweet longing.
The album closes with “Letting Myself Go,” a 70s-style melodic ballad that feels emotionally rich and introspective. The track captures BØRNS’ vulnerability as he sheds his previous restraints. The lyrics, “Everything I thought I knew is falling apart/So I think it’s time I let myself go,” mark a moment of self-liberation, providing a fitting and reflective conclusion to the album.
Honeybee is a beautiful, genre-blending album that highlights BØRNS at his most experimental and tender. Each track is a journey, moving from whimsical and playful to deeply romantic and reflective. For those who appreciate artists willing to experiment with their sound while staying emotionally grounded, Honeybee offers a sweet and satisfying listen.