Alt-pop superstar, Holly Humberstone, recently released her sophomore album, Cruel World. The highly anticipated project is a flawless masterpiece that emphasizes the singer’s phenomenal voice, detailed songwriting, and compelling production. The album is already reeling in new fans, bringing more people to her incredible music. Throughout Cruel World, Humberstone transports the audience to an ethereal dimension – an escape from the terrors surrounding us
Track List
So It Starts…
Humberstone kicks off the album with the stunning interlude, “So It Starts…” The instrumental track emulates an orchestra tuning up while the audience settles at a play, ballet, or gig, signalling the show is about to begin. The singer explained that she was a junior associate at The Royal Ballet School as a child, and her first experience on stage was in the Royal Opera House. She wanted to take this feeling and bring it to her album, building anticipation for the remainder of the project. The end of the interlude seamlessly bleeds into the following track, tying together the entire album.
Make It All Better
“Make It All Better” is a dreamy track about the exciting beginning of a relationship. Humberstone sings to her muse, telling them she needs them like the air she breathes. She discusses the giddy honeymoon phase and wanting it to last until they are “old and gross.” She is in it for the long haul and wants to be there through thick and thin. In the chorus, she tells her partner: “If you have a bad dream // I wanna make it all better // If anybody hurts you, baby // I want to make it all better.” Alongside the candid lyrics, Humberstone utilizes a soft-synth pop soundscape that emphasizes the sweet, whimsical storyline.
To Love Somebody
“To Love Somebody” is the second single, released before the album. The song is a light, comforting track that describes what it means to be human. Humberstone wrote this for a friend who was going through a difficult breakup. She felt lost and like she wasted her time. “To Love Somebody” reminds the listener that losing someone is a beautiful thing because that means you had the opportunity to love someone. Humberstone emphasizes that it always works out, and this feeling won’t last forever. The upbeat 80’s pop synth-influenced track replays in the listener’s mind, becoming an instant fan-favorite.
Cruel World
The title track and third single is a wonderful ode to a lover. Despite its grim title, “Cruel World” is an energetic love song about surviving a long-distance relationship. The bouncy, beachy vibe of the track is a vast difference from the moody synth productions from her past releases. It spreads positivity and joy to the listener, destined to be the song of the summer. Throughout the track, Humberstone explores this feeling of being so hopelessly in love with her muse that it is a “cruel world” without them. Listeners cannot help but smile along to the sweet lyrics and soulful soundscape.
Die Happy
“Die Happy” is the first single from this new era of music, and one of Humberstone’s best tracks. The soothing track shares a grim story with a sweet overarching message. The singer tells her muse that she is with them until the end and will love them forever. In the chorus, she describes driving recklessly with abandon. But nothing else matters, just their love. She tells them: “And if we crash and kiss the dash, baby, tragically // To die with you is to, to die happy.” The song is beautifully produced with a haunting melody that creates this gothic imagery. “Die Happy” was the perfect introduction to Cruel World, as it combines the love and the death of a relationship described throughout the album.
White Noise
“White Noise” is about drowning out the noise and the pain after losing the love of your life. Humberstone describes this scene where she is exploring life without her lover, trying to move on. She is unsure how to distract herself, so she leans into it, telling the DJ to play a sad song while she sways along and cries. Despite the heartwrenching lyrics, the track contains an upbeat production that compels the listener to dance along like the girl in the song.
Lucy
“Lucy” is a sweet, indie-folk ode to Humberstone’s sisters. The singer has a long history of writing songs about her sisters, their relationship to each other, and their internal battles. “Lucy” serves as a reminder to her sisters, and to any young girl listening, that everything is going to be okay. Humberstone reminds her muse that the world is big and they are young. They have their whole life ahead of them, and she will be there for them along the way. She ends the chorus with the line: “Behind every rain cloud, there is a promise that flowers will grow.” This is an important reminder that we all have bad days, but something may bloom from the storm.
Red Chevy
Humberstone kicks back up the energy in “Red Chevy,” which kicks off with the sound of a truck’s engine turning over. The song has a sultry, soft-rock soundscape that soothes the listener and evokes nostalgia. Humberstone recalls the great times she has with her muse, even times as simple as riding in their red Chevy, eating fast food, and playing video games together. She doesn’t need anything fancy – just her lover to show her how much they care. Throughout the song, the passion behind her voice is evident and highlights the honesty in her words.
Drunk Dialling
“Drunk Dialling” is another infectious pop track that showcases Humberstone’s descriptive songwriting. The song details unrequited love, wanting someone desperately who won’t give you the time of day. Within the verses, she describes her desire to move on and forget about the subject. But in the end, she ends up drunk dialing them because “what’s left to lose?” The production contains the same synth-pop energy while allowing Humberstone to show off her incredible vocal range.
Peachy
“Peachy” is reminiscent of early Humberstone, with just her sweet voice and a stripped-down piano. With the somber soundscape, the singer provides the most devastating lyrics of the album. She tells her muse not to put their faith in her because she will inevitably let them down. She wants to be their endgame, but she’s still so young. She doesn’t want to be held responsible for their emotions and, in the end, be the reason for their heartbreak. She is very devoted to this person, but she doesn’t trust herself to shatter it in the end.
Blue Dream
“Blue Dream” is another sweet love song with a hidden meaning. Regarding the song’s background, Humberstone explained that her boyfriend was working on an album and smoking Blue Dream. This moment inspired her to write a song about how “love can feel psychedelic,” and blue is a very poetic color – evoking peace, love, and even sadness. The song maintains the soft-pop sound Humberstone is known for while containing a whimsical element that ties into the abstract inspiration. Throughout the song, she shares this simple and beautiful love that she never wants to let go of.
Beauty Pageant
The final track contains a moody piano soundscape that emulates the devastating ballad of a musical. This ties back to “So It Starts…”, completing the theater-inspired circle of the album. The song contains the most vulnerable lyrics, exploring Humberstone’s struggles with being a woman in today’s society, especially someone in the limelight. Her tragic lyrics drive a knife into the listener’s heart as they resonate with her honest lyrics. Humberstone will play her part as the pretty doll, hoping she will be loved. This can be related back to anything – fame, romance, or friendship. Her candor makes listeners feel less alone in their own internal battles, concluding the album beautifully.
Holly Humberstone is one of the most underrated artists of this generation. Her lyrics paint vivid pictures that send listeners into her mindspace. She ingeniously makes songs that are relatable yet personal. Her debut album, Paint My Bedroom Black, was one of my favorite releases of 2023. When she announced Cruel World, I wondered how she could possibly top her first project. After listening to the new album, I was left astonished by the singer’s innovation and creativity. She outdid herself and continues to prove to be pop music’s next big name.
Holly Humberstone is currently on tour to promote Cruel World, with her first dates at Coachella. The first leg will be in North America, and the second leg will be in Europe. Click here to purchase tickets and make sure to follow her on all social media to stay up to date with new releases!
Written By Karlee Skipper
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