Corbyn Besson “HEAD FIRST” EP Review

"HEAD FIRST" Album Art

Sanne Boere | January 2026

For years, Corbyn Besson was best known as one of the voices behind boyband Why Don’t We, a band that helped define an era of glossy, harmony-driven pop.

Since stepping out on his own, he has been quietly shaping a sound that feels more intimate and emotionally unfiltered. His 2024 run of releases – think of tracks like “Love Me Better” and “Panic” – offered an early glimpse into this more vulnerable, mood-driven direction, leaning into late-night pop and subtle R&B influences. Evoking a far more personal feeling than anything he’d released before.

That evolution comes fully into focus on “HEAD FIRST” The six-track EP feels like Corbyn is leaning into the version of himself he’s been circling for a while now: more confident and more willing to take emotional risks. Blending modern pop with smooth, R&B-leaning production, the EP sits comfortably in its feeling, exploring desire, love, longing, and hesitation without overpolishing the edges. While traces of pop still linger, this project feels less like a transition and more like commitment, with Corbyn fully stepping into his solo era and inviting listeners along.

With each track revealing a slightly different shade of his growth, “HEAD FIRST” is analysed best when taken one song at a time. From flirty pop moments to moodier, late-night slow burns, the EP unfolds like a personal diary. So, let’s break it down, track by track. 

“Kiss” opens the EP on a slow burn, immediately setting the tone with its moody, club-scene energy. The production stays intentionally restrained, allowing Corbyn’s vocals to glide over the beat with ease. Rather than chasing a huge hook, the track leans into vibe and repetition, creating an intimate, almost hypnotic feel. The chorus subtly strips back the instrumental, giving his voice space to carry the mood. Adding onto this feel, lines like “I don’t wanna think, I just wanna feel it” capture the song’s emotional core: love is less about grand statements and more about being caught in the moment. 

If “Kiss” is the mood-setter, “Tied Up” is the moment everything clicks together. Easily one of the EP’s highlights, the track blends a tighter pop structure with emotional tension that runs throughout. Corbyn’s vocal delivery shines here, sounding confident and expressive as he navigates longing and emotional uncertainty. The song’s hook hits hard without feeling overproduced, proving that his voice alone can anchor a track. 

“Summer” (feat. Jeremih) injects warmth into the EP, pairing breezy pop melodies with smooth R&B influences. The pre-chorus stands out immediately: it’s melodic, catchy, and built to linger before opening into a hook that feels effortless rather than forced. Jeremih’s feature slides in naturally, adding familiarity and depth without overshadowing Corbyn’s presence. There’s a nostalgic glow to the track, reinforced by lines like “[f]eels like summer every time you’re close”, making it feel timeless rather than tied to a single season. 

“Blink” (feat. TZUYU) leans into a more polished, pop-forward sound with a subtle K-pop influence, and the collaboration with TWICE’s TZUYU feels genuinely intentional. Their voices complement each other beautifully; soft, controlled, and emotionally in sync. The production is lighter here, giving the track a dreamy, almost weightless quality. Rather than feeling like a crossover gimmick, “Blink” works because both artists meet in the middle. Lyrics like “[i]n a blink, I’m already falling” underline the song’s theme of sudden emotional shifts, and the harmonised sections elevate the impact. 

The emotional centrepiece of the EP, and my personal favourite, “Ruin Me”, leans fully into vulnerability. The song builds around a strong melodic foundation, with a chorus that hits immediately and lingers long after. There’s a sense of emotional risk throughout, especially as the post-chorus expands the track even further. Lines like “[i]f it’s gonna hurt, let it ruin me” capture the push-and-pull at the heart of the song; knowing something is bad for you, but wanting it anyway. 

Closing the EP, “Hypnotized” slows things down without losing momentum. The groove is subtle but persistent, allowing Corbyn to deliver one of his most relaxed vocal performances thus far. The track feels intimate and understated, echoing the EP’s late-night atmosphere while offering a sense of quiet closure. Lyrics like “[g]ot me hypnotized / I don’t even fight it” mirror the song’s soft, smooth, and gently immersive sound. 

Ultimately, “HEAD FIRST” doesn’t feel like Corbyn Besson trying to prove anything, but like him trusting his instincts. Building on the emotional groundwork laid by earlier releases, the EP finds its strength in mood, vulnerability, and restraint. Rather than chasing trends or over-polishing his sound, Corbyn leans into what feels natural: smooth pop melodies, R&B-leaning production, and lyrics that sit comfortably in emotional uncertainty.

Track by track, the EP reveals an artist growing more confident in his solo voice, unafraid to slow things down (“Kiss”, “Hypnotized”), let the melody lead (“Summer”), or fully embrace emotional chaos (“Ruin Me”). It’s a cohesive late-night listen – one that works best when taken all at once, preferably with headphones on full volume and your thoughts close to spiraling. 

Fitting for a project called “HEAD FIRST,” Corbyn doesn’t just dip a toe into this new era, but he commits. If this EP is any indication, jumping in without overthinking might be exactly what’s working for him. Worst-case scenario? We get six solid tracks to analyse. Best case? We’re happily tied up, hypnotized, and already pressing replay. 

Listen to "HEAD FIRST" here.

Follow Corbyn Besson on Instagram here.