English singer-songwriter Declan McKenna is back on the music scene with his groovy, psychedelic album “What Happened to the Beach?” 

I was so excited to hear this since I am a big fan of his first album, “What Do You Think About the Car?” I had many expectations for this album, but it was nothing like I had imagined. 

McKenna was dubbed the voice of a generation after his first album due to its political commentary. This album continues to bring social issues to McKenna’s music. 

“I Write the News” introduces the state of English politics, discussing crime and “London prices” but does not go into activism or solutions. 

In the very next track, “Sympathy,” McKenna expresses hope and pleads for understanding. In the second pre-chorus, he says, “Sympathy is gonna come around / So make peace and discover.”

“Wobble” introduces the album’s theme, with McKenna saying, “What happened to the beach? / It looks like it’s changing / We used to get the breathe the air / Now it’s ‘Thanks, pass the gas tanks.’” 

Here, McKenna explores the theme of change in both his life and the world by discussing climate change. McKenna effortlessly explores serious themes in this song while singing to a lighthearted beachy sound. 

However, the heart of this album lies in “Nothing Works.” 

In this song, McKenna seems to be complaining to someone, perhaps his record label, about the pressure to stay relevant and continue being the “voice of a generation” so many expect him to be. The chorus of the song begins with “Whеn I sing the song and you didn’t like the vеrse / I try to fix myself but nothing works.” 

While he spoke on several social issues in the album, this song makes it clear McKenna is ready to explore other aspects of his creativity. The album, produced by Gianluca Buccellati, explores sound more than themes. 

“Elevator Hum,” my favorite, is reminiscent of his previous indie pop albums. However, most of the other songs sound completely new and unique. 

“Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine” sounds like a Los Angeles dreamscape. “Breath of Light” sounds almost demonic, with distorted vocals and chanting in the background. “It’s an Act” brings a melancholy, stripped-down sound to the album. 

Each song brings something completely new to the table. While I do enjoy seeing McKenna explore new sounds, this makes it hard to have a cohesive album that is enjoyable from top to bottom. 

This album did not wow me as much as his first did. I enjoyed listening to many of the songs, but I do not think I will revisit this album as much as I relisten to “What Do You Think About the Car?” 

I cannot expect an artist to stay the same forever and artists deserve to grow and explore new ideas. That is exactly what McKenna did with this project, and for that, I applaud him. 

Official Score: 7/10 

Categories: Arts & Entertainment