Bo Burnham is a musical comedy prodigy. Taking advantage of the all-powerful YouTube, Burnham was able to take video of him singing his own songs and turn it into internet and stand-up fame. Now he’s only 18 is getting his own Comedy Central special. His debut album, a digital EP entitled Bo Fo Sho showcases just why the kid became a whiz-kid.
While the “I’m so white but I’m rapping hardcore, get it…it’s ironic” thing has been done to death (and for the most part poorly), Burnham pulls it off with style. This is because he has exquisite wordplay. Really, it’s borderline ridiculous at times (which I guess is kind of the point…). It’s reminiscent of the master of musical stand-up, Stephen Lynch, with a pinch of Andy Sandberg thrown in for good measure.
While spitting his lyrics over his own piano playing, Bo touches on all the subjects that a teenagers do, namely sex. And more sex. And religion and sex. While this is not startling, just how blue the humor gets at time is. While his riffs on mindless high school aspects such as whores (“H-O-A-R”) or a “High School Party (Girl)” seem to straddle the line of what’s offensive, other tracks leap over it without a care. The case in point is the song “Sunday School” which is about being very gay for Jesus. There are more than a few moments that just make you go, “Wow, did he really just say that? Jesus…oh poor word choice.” If you’re uptight I’d at the very least steer clear of that track.
What really helps tie the EP together is Burnham’s self-awareness. He takes stabs at himself and the songs themselves constantly. It’s a combination of the admitted lack of confidence while talking mad smack, blunt sexual innuendo (or not just losing the innuendo altogether and opting for plain blunt), or a self-defeating line (like how he calls his song about proving he’s not gay counterproductive), that all add hilarious and needed subtle audio winks to the listener. He seems to understand that it’s just comedy, so why should he take himself to seriously?
The problem with Bo Fo Sho is that the songs don’t really stick. This is probably in part due to how rapidly Burnham delivers his punchlines, but it’s an issue none the less. It also probably stems a bit from his not truly singing as much as rapping/quick-talking. It’s just plain easier to remember something that is sung. For all the instant hilarity, the songs are more series of one-liners strewn together and don’t focus strongly on memorable themes (like songs such as “Robots” by Flight of the Conchords or “D&D” by Stephen Lynch do).
The kid clearly has a ton of talent and potential. While Bo Fo Sho may leave a bit to be desired, offers a glimpse into what might be to come. Any fan of musical stand-up should be extremely excited.
Review Score: 6.5
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