Ryan Beatty's latest single, "Secret Language," released today as a prelude to his fourth album, Sweet Fortune, signifies a compelling evolution in the artist's creative path. The song's music video, a visually rich narrative of a cross-country journey, mirrors the emotional depth and expansive themes explored in his new work. This release not only introduces listeners to his fresh sound but also highlights a period of personal and artistic growth, characterized by a departure from past melancholic themes towards an embrace of joy and newfound confidence. Beatty's reflections on the creative process underscore a sense of liberation and authenticity that permeates his new music.
The visual narrative for "Secret Language" unfolds as a captivating odyssey, with Beatty traversing diverse American landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Hollywood and the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the serene New Mexico desert and the storm-swept Texas plains. This metaphorical journey culminates in Boston, where he metaphorically catches the paper plane he launched at the outset, symbolizing a full circle of self-discovery and emotional arrival. Beatty describes the video's creation as his most fulfilling experience, emphasizing its raw authenticity and the collaborative spirit of the small, passionate crew. Despite the physical demands of filming, including running in cowboy boots, he felt it was crucial to maintain the video's essence: a testament to the heart's boundless capacity for exploration.
Beatty's artistic trajectory has seen him evolve significantly since his early days as a teenage YouTube sensation. After breaking ties with management and a label that attempted to mold him into another pop idol, he forged his own path with albums like Boy in Jeans (2018) and the experimental Dreaming of David (2020). His collaborations with Brockhampton and Tyler, the Creator further elevated his profile. The critical acclaim for his 2023 album, Calico, a poignant exploration of post-breakup emotions, solidified his reputation for sophisticated songwriting. This talent notably led to his contribution to Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter, where he co-wrote four tracks, earning him a Grammy and further bolstering his confidence as a composer.
The experience of working on Beyoncé's album profoundly impacted Beatty, instilling in him a renewed sense of self-assurance as a songwriter. This newfound confidence is palpable in "Secret Language," a track that meticulously captures the overwhelming sensation of falling in love. The song, with its swelling horns and euphoric climax, embodies a powerful declaration of emotion, despite its lyrical theme of unspoken affection. Conceived in his boyfriend's Boston apartment, with the mundane backdrop of laundry, the song's creation mirrored its narrative of emerging feelings and the courage to express them, even when words fall short. Beatty views the song as representing the threshold of a profound realization about love, a practice in overcoming shyness to embrace new emotions.
The decision to release "Secret Language" as a single weeks ahead of the album, due out on June 26, reflects Beatty's preference for album-oriented work. He aims for Sweet Fortune to offer a "scorching" and impactful introduction to a more maximalist sound, a distinct shift from the introspection of Calico. This change in musical direction stems from a happier, more joyful period in his life, moving away from themes of trauma and heartbreak. While acknowledging the initial trepidation of creating music from a place of joy rather than pain, Beatty asserts that the album's instrumentation articulates this positive shift without revealing too much explicitly. This liberated, joyous spirit is vividly portrayed in the "Secret Language" video, a collaborative effort with director Rhys Scarabosio and creative director Jacob Bixenman. Their journey across the country, embracing natural elements like a lightning storm in Nebraska, underscores a commitment to openness and authenticity in storytelling.
Listening to "Secret Language" alone reveals a more settled and optimistic Ryan Beatty. This transformation is not just artistic but personal, leading him to celebrate the single's release, a first for him. Grateful for his ability to create music and for the audience that connects with it, Beatty looks forward to a summer filled with the promise of Sweet Fortune, signaling a new chapter marked by happiness and a fearless embrace of his evolving artistry.