Known for his introspective and sociopolitical lyrics, Loyle Carner has changed the UK rap scene. With beats that wouldn’t be out of place on a The Roots or MF Doom album allowing the listener to truly hear what he is saying. Carner is adored by critics and all of which is shown by numerous award nominations and his two previous albums reaching the top five in the Uk.
Hopefully! shows a lighter side to the South London born rapper as he states, “I needed to not take myself so seriously, I think I’m learning how to do that slowly.” So, how does Hopefully! slot into Loyle Carner’s immaculate discography?
Wind chimes and indistinctive talking open ‘Feel at Home’ before a leisurely piano takes over. Carner’s unmistakeable flow talks of home, a love song for whoever wants it. A drum n bass inspired beat overpowers the piano accelerating the tempo.
‘In My Mind’ touches on themes of self-deprecation which is summed up in the frequent lyric “Why it’s always me?” The basic guitar allows the nature of the song to come to the forefront and each lyric to be swallowed. Everyone feels this way at times but Carner contextualizes it.
The self-deprecation leaks into ‘All I Need’ as Carner states “I’m tired of feeling shit’ yet sentiment takes over spinning it into a positive. Delicate guitar allows the vulnerability to surface very similar to a King Krule riff.
Loyle Carner shows his ability to sing in ‘Lyin’ offering something different combining both of his skills. Fatherhood has changed Carner which he touches on throughout the song. A personal favourite as no emotions are hidden as he bares all.
An outtake kicks off ‘Time to Go’ before the beat transports us to early 90s east coast. Melancholy but aware good times are coming. MF Doom-esque break shows Carner is a student of the game.
Sault inspired drumming and a mellow piano kick off ‘Horcrux’. Carner transmits passive aggressiveness through his lyrics which paint a dream rather than a story.
‘Strangers’ shows the return of sentiment in songwriting as well as Carner’s singing ability. It comes across as a lullaby, with the acoustic and flow creating a nice dynamic. The idea of fatherhood returns.
Rawness is transmitted from ‘Hopefully!’ with child voices and voice break starting the song. The beat isn’t overpowering allowing the importance of the lyrics to be heard. Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem adds to the rawness.
The flow over the backing vocals in ‘Purpose’ makes it seem gospel like. The feeling of growing up is one many fear but, it must happen. Carner’s and Navy Blue’s verses bounce off each other and both complement the other.
‘Don’t fix it’ sounds straight off a Mac DeMarco album with the lo-fi guitars which sound like the wind swirling. Carner’s vocals sound distant but ever so powerful. Nick Hakim’s contrast to Carner’s, but they work so well.
Starting off as a poem ‘About Time’ has been around for a long time, the beat wouldn’t look out of place on a The Root’s album. An emotional song, but happiness radiates as Loyle’s son is heard throughout and the lyrics embody the change he has had turning into a dad. A perfect album ending.
‘Hopefully!’ shows Carner in all his glory as a musician, producer and father. Introspective lyrics touching on the social aspects of what he believes in and his change into a family man. Each album has offered something different, and this is more stripped back allowing his mind to be on display. Fatherhood has had a great impact which is even evident in the album art. A beautiful album.
Loyle Carner: hopefully! – Out 20 June 2025 (Island EMI)
