Declan McKenna - What Happened to the Beach? [album review]
25-year-old English singer-songwriter Declan McKenna released his third studio album, What Happened to the Beach?, on February 9. Released under his own label, Tomplicated Records, the album was inspired by McKenna’s experiences in California.
Gianluca Buccellati, known for working with artists like Lana Del Rey and Arlo Parks, produced the album. What Happened to the Beach? marks a stylistic departure from McKenna’s previous album, Zeros (2020).
It sounds a bit like late '60s Beatles meets MGMT. Its distinctive spirit has a springtime feel. If given only five words to describe the album, I would choose the following: experimental, atmospheric, strange, psychedelic, authentic
Below is a track by track commentary of the album’s 12 songs - I have also noted my favorite lyrics from each one. You can listen to it on Spotify here.
1. “WOBBLE”
The album’s first track is a delightfully peculiar song that embarks the album’s colorful journey. Drawing upon McKenna’s experience of leaving the UK for the beaches in California, it comments on both his change in geography and also the changing world around him.
Favorite lyrics: I used to cry at home all night / Now I might in the sunshine
2. “Elevator Hum”
Like much of McKenna’s music, the magic of this mellow song is in the subtleties. McKenna explained, “the song felt like it captured some nostalgic essence of friendship.”
Favorite lyrics: I want you to be free to be happy
3. “I Write The News”
McKenna is no stranger to social and political commentary in his music (e.g. “Brazil” and “British Bombs”). Behind the witty lyrics and intricate guitar work, “I Write The News” challenges media culture and social norms.
Favorite lyrics: You’ve been pickin’ his stems and getting rich for free
4. “Sympathy”
The album’s infectious lead single was released last summer. The upbeat tune explores themes of authenticity and self-expression, ultimately encouraging simplicity and directness.
Favorite lyrics: If you don’t speak your thoughts aloud / You just feel them forever
5. “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine”
The album’s fourth single was inspired by people driving around in golf carts in LA. Trippy and intrepid, it seems to comment on indulgence and material possession.
Favorite lyrics: Got cosmic paper cuts tearing me up
6. “Breath Of Light”
One of the more experimental tracks on the album, “Breath Of Light” takes a psychedelic journey and features some bizarre instrumental mixes.
Favorite lyrics: I’m a cheesecake junkie in a constant grief
7. “Nothing Works”
The album’s second single is a spirited track that pushes back against the expectations of music execs. Frustrated with people-pleasing, McKenna yearns to follow his creative intuition and be true to himself.
Favorite lyrics: They told me I was the fat cat kid for a minute
8. “The Phantom Buzz (Kick In)”
You can hear the British rock influence in this faced-paced track about self-indulgence. It’s a vibrant song that is sure to be a hit when performed live.
Favorite lyrics: Blood don’t half run thin through a poisoned brain
9. “Honest Test”
McKenna showcases his falsetto vocal abilities in the funky track “Honest Test”.
Favorite lyrics: My honest testimony / I live for you
10. “Mezzanine”
“Mezzanine” is a light and pleasant track that emphasizes one of the album’s key themes: individuality.
Favorite lyrics: You’re someone no one else can be
11. “It’s an Act”
Detailing the experience of watching someone you care about adopt a deceitful façade, “It’s an Act” is the album’s longest track at 5 minutes.
Favorite lyrics: The truth is, I miss you like hell
12. “4 More Years”
There are not a lot of lyrics to analyze in the album’s closing track that repeats “four more years”. A bit of a cliffhanger, it leaves us wondering if we will have to wait four more years for another album?
Favorite lyrics: Four more years
Since launching into stardom with the release of “Brazil” at only 16 years old, McKenna has proven himself as a prolific songwriter. In his latest work, he bravely ignores outside pressures to fit into a box and instead forges his own path.
What Happened to the Beach? is a musical journey that reveals an artist who is learning to trust his intuition. It might take a few, attentive listens to uncover the genius. But if you engage and ride its waves, it proves very rewarding.