‘So it starts’, Holly Humberstone’s second album titled Cruel World begins with a short musical instrumentation which encapsulates the dreamy feel of the album which is like waking up in a dark forest fading in and out of consciousness as a jumpy violin eases you back into real-life.
To accompany these twinkling instruments in the next track ‘Make It All Better,’ the intro sounds like a more solemn version of ‘365’ by Charli XCX and in Cruel World it is a harmonious collaboration between electronic and organic instruments which creates a fuller, pop sound. Lyrically, the album is a rollercoaster of emotions within a relationship. In ‘Make It All Better’ the couple seem very dependent on each other for happiness.
Throughout the album, the songs will have a riff at the beginning which is reminiscent of something that could appear in a video game. Title track ‘Cruel World’ houses the vibe of your classic upbeat pop song and was released as a single for the album. A note to make is how dark the aesthetic of her album covers seems to be and this is opposed by having a happy sounding song.
Taking the reins from the title track, Die Happy’ takes the reins down a slower route. Officially, my personal favourite from the album; ‘Die Happy’ builds steadily up to this beautiful instrumental at the end and feature the lyrics “So hit the gas I want it fast, want it reckless” which once again reflect on the rollercoaster of a relationship theme. The instrumental explodes at the end like a glitter cannon being detonated.
Referencing my past statement of taking inspiration from what seems to be Charli XCX ‘White Noise’ could easily be a Chappell Roan song just from the blend of computerized and organic instruments. The setting for this song seems to be in a club and explores the idea of coming to terms with the end of a relationship. Basking in your feelings after the tumultuous break down of a relationship Humberstone asks the DJ in this song “So play a sad song, I just wanna sway tonight.”
As a complete blow to any happiness that this album has left in it, Holly Humberstone completes the album which entails her struggles as an artist and not stopping until the person who she is singing to loves her. It’s a sad story of desperation and just wanting to be liked or loved. Could it possibly be an autobiographical retelling of the story behind the album? ‘Beauty Pageant’ also explores the idea of not feeling worthy of being seen as this musician and how Humberstone is coming to terms with this life saying, “You’re not in the Midlands anymore.” So, there it ends, an album for every stage in a relationship through the highs and the lows and through a loop it is safe to say that this is Holly Humberstone’s best album yet and I will be actively hunting down the exclusive pressing on Record Store day as I need something to keep me going in this Cruel World.
Holly Humberstone: Cruel World – Out 10 April 2026 (Polydor)
