Set in modern day, the story focuses on Jeremy Heere, a below-average teen. Desperate to be cooler, he gets a SQUIP, a quantum computer programmed to complete any given goal, no matter the cost. As the musical progresses, the audience and the characters learn if being popular is worth the cost.
In order to create a continuous story, Joe Iconis--the artist behind the album-- wrote the lyrics in such a way that you don’t have to see the production yourself. Upon listening and reading the album, the listener can have a good grasp on the plotline. Granted, some parts
remain unclear until the end, and some of the lingo is dated, contradicting the setting. Nonetheless, in the end, you still get to enjoy a funny sci-fi story without having to search for a bootleg.
Additionally, the accompaniment reflects the story and the characters. The album has an electro-rock theme, maintaining the energy and the component of the overarching story. However, the music does change the feeling and the tunes to match the present character and the scene. For instance, in “Play Rehearsal,” the music rises with the character’s energy and pauses when the character goes on a tangent. Additionally, the accompaniment sometimes switches to Bob-Marley-themed music when a certain character comes on stage, signaling the change and showcasing his characteristics.
In the end, the Be More Chill cast album presents a quirky story in an equally quirky format. Though you may need to listen to it a few times, the lyrics and the music make the experience worthwhile.