Enjoy Youth

Enjoy Youth is the fifth studio album by Welsh independent singer-songwriter Bright Light Bright Light, released on 17 May 2024 through YSKWN! records. It features collaborations with Berri, Ultra Naté, Mykal Kilgore, and Beth Hirsch. It marks his first studio album in four years, since Fun City (2020).

Background
Speaking with Tyler Damara Kelly for The Line of Best Fit magazine about the process of the album, Thomas stated: "'Things are pretty shit at the moment and there are times where I really feel like magic has been taken out of the world. I wanted to remind myself that life is pretty special and just focus on the joy we do have.'"He also confirmed that the record will have collaborations with artists such as singers-songwriters Mykal Kilgore, Ultra Naté, Berri, and Beth Hirsch. The album is set to arrive in time for Pride Month, and also comes ahead of the singer first ever appearance at Mighty Hoopla Festival on, June 1. Thomas revelead some of the producers and co-writers that collaborated on the record includes Richard X, Babydaddy of Scissor Sisters, Ian Masterson and Jon Shave. As well, he confirmed on his social media that gay pornographic actor and social media personality, Jonah Wheeler plays the accordion on the album title track.

Release and promotion
Enjoy Youth was released through Thomas independent record label, YSKWN! on 17 May 2024. It was made available on streaming, digital download, CD, and various vinyl LP variants.

Singles
The album's first single "I Don't Know What I'm Gonna Do" was released on 18 November 2022.

The second single "Sweet Release", was released on 17 March 2023, with an accompanying music video being released at the same day. The song was both written and produced by Thomas with Jon Shave.

"Boys Etc." was released as the album's third single on 3 May 2023. "Down to One" was released as the album's fourth single on 15 September 2023. with a Halloween themed music video, starring Thomas, Ryan Miller, among others premiered on October 13.

The fifth single "You Want My ..." was officially released on 26 January 2024, alongside the album official pre-order with the date, title, tracklist, and album cover revealed. The title of the song is a reference to George Michael's "I Want Your Sex". A music video for the song, directed, edited, and animated by Tyler Milliron was released on January 19.

The sixth single "Every Emotion" with Ultra Naté was released on 15 March 2024. The music video for the song, directed by Ultra Naté was released on April 8 of the same year.

"Heartslap" with Grammy nominee singer-songwriter Mykal Kilgore was released as the album's seven single on 26 April 2024. A remix by Dave Audé was released on the same day.

Critical reception
Connor Gotto from Retropop Magazine praised the record, calling it one of the strongest body of works of Thomas career, as well a reminder that Bright Light Bright Light remains one of "British pop's best kept secrets". Sean Maunier from Metro Weekly called Enjoy Youth a "master class in buoyant, vibrant, glorious dance-pop", highlighting the record "captivating hooks" and "immensely satisfying dance beats", while stating that Thomas album "offers a gentle reminder that youth is a state of mind rather than a product of time".

Personnel
Credits:


 * Rod Thomas — songwriter (all tracks), producer (track 4–10,12-16)
 * Ian Masterson — songwriter, producer (track 1,2)
 * Berri — vocals (track 2)
 * Jon Shave — songwriter, producer (track 3,6,10,12)
 * Sam Harper — backing vocals (track 3)
 * Ultra Naté — vocals (track 4)
 * Mykal Kilgore — vocals, songwriter (track 6)
 * Scott Hoffman — songwriter, producer (track 10)
 * Richard X — songwriter, producer (track 11)
 * Beth Hirsch — vocals (track 12)
 * Jonah Wheeler — accordion (track 12)
 * Megan Vice — vocals, songwriter (track 15)