An artist’s sophomore album is often considered the most important in a career. A debut is usually populated with songs that have stewed for months or years. But once success lands with a wallop, as ...

The story of Benson Boone’s second album, American Heart, doesn’t start with the album’s June 20 release. It also didn’t start with the release of the viral lead single, “Mystical Magical,” in April.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts. The set opens highest on the Official Album Downloads chart. Boone ...