English singer-songwriter Declan McKenna, frequently recognized for his internet-breaking single “Brazil,” released his latest album “What Happened to the Beach?” February 9. With an alternative indie-pop taste, the vibrant soundtrack allows listeners to envision warm weather and relaxing auras. Highlighting themes such as space and atmosphere, even trifling into political topics, McKenna collects a specific audience.
“I find the song [Brazil] to be very calm, like I’m on a vacation at the beach. His voice was a nice compliment to a catchy beat, and after hearing it on the radio many times, I had to add it to my playlist,” magnet junior Maksymilian Bardwell said.
McKenna’s debut, self-released anthem “Brazil,” a song motivated by the corruption in FIFA, received online attention in 2014, leading to recognition and a full-on win at the 2015 Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition. Years later, in May 2022, the single blew up on TikTok, making its way to millions of people. Signing with Columbia Records in 2014, the 25-year-old star released three studio albums and became an essential to any energetic-vibe playlist and atmosphere.
“I think Brazil is a great song. When I first heard the song it immediately reminded me of summer and the beach. But after listening to it more I could depict the true message of the song. Declan highlights the struggles of political turmoil and economic instability faced by the Brazilian Citizens,” magnet freshman Amelia Hussong said.
Performing on tour throughout 2023, McKenna released the popular upbeat single “Sympathy” in summer 2023, a first look at his newest work. McKenna introduced the song as a sweet, summery, melodic tune focusing on his personal growth as an artist. Following “Sympathy,” McKenna teased his second single “Nothing Works,” which sprouted from frustration surrounding expectations and difficulties of feeling comfortable in one’s own personality. The fan-favorite encapsulates a similar quality as “Brazil.”
The album features distinct instrumentals with funky beats, guitar riffs and groovy sound effects, ranging from slower to quicker paces. With striking inspiration from popular artists such as David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys, Cat Stevens and The Strokes, the atmosphere McKenna creates in his music provides fans with a catchy album for any situation. Because the album portrays McKenna’s intense focus on a sense of self, audiences can feel a similar sense of comfort within themselves when listening.
Accurately portrayed through the cover art, the colorful and odd atmosphere shines through each song. The album welcomes its audience with “WOBBLE,” which particularly mentions the beach in its first lyric and the album title in the chorus. With various synth noises clouding the background and a catchy guitar tune, the intro perfectly encapsulates the rest of the album. Transitioning from an intense introduction, the third single “Elevator Hum” employs light, twinkling noises and incorporates ideas of friendship, nostalgia and playfulness.
Down to the beat-heavy and groovy heart of the album, songs such as “I Write The News” use snippets of talking and a lower active singing voice. Transitioning from talking to whispering, the song focuses on the idea of unreliable news and a lack of truth in the media. The album also includes calm songs such as “Honest Test” which comes across to listeners as a love song. The last track on the album, “4 More Years,” repeats the same lyric in a 48-second clip, in which McKenna claimed the lyrics “jumped out.”
Efficiently rounding out the album, “What Happened to the Beach?” accurately followed McKenna’s definite fashion. Although the unique style of music may not humor everyone’s taste, the newest album will surely find a home within various fans’ headphones. As McKenna works his way through his numerous 2024 tours, creative sounds and performances will echo through countless stadiums across the globe.
The Chant’s rating: B
