Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder To The Sky is filled with ruthless self-interrogation and existential fear; rather than suggesting easy solutions, these songs offer space to try to figure it all out.
Roach's album was recently named to the National Recording Registry, a roster of works deemed culturally, historically or aesthetically significant; We Insist! scores in all three categories.
The pop star has spent a life on the go, so the pandemic offered him a rare chance for reflection, to separate the person from the pop star. Also, of course, to record a new album.