Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Damon Albarn, Wet Leg, Fontaines D.C. and Pulp are among the beloved U.K. artists contributing new songs to HELP(2), a sequel of sorts to the original 1995 charity collection HELP that raised millions for War Child’s efforts to aid children living in areas of conflict.
Due March 6, the new project also boasts contributions from Olivia Rodrigo (covering the Magnetic Fields), Geese’s Cameron Winter, Arooj Aftab and Beck, Arlo Parks, beabadoobee, Portishead’s Beth Gibbons (covering the Velvet Underground), Big Thief, King Krule and Sampha. Arctic Monkeys’ “Opening Night,” their first new song since 2022, is out now.
HELP(2) was primarily recorded during one week last November at Abbey Road Studios in London with Arctic Monkeys/Gorillaz producer James Ford. “The original HELP meant a lot to me and to have the opportunity, given the current news cycle, to help galvanize our music community into doing something as unarguably positive as helping children in war zones seemed like a no-brainer,” he says. “The experience of making the album itself has been very powerful, and dare I say life affirming for me personally, against the backdrop of a very difficult year. I’m extremely proud of the results and of the efforts made by all involved. I can’t wait for people to hear this very special record.”
HELP(2) will be further supported by a Jonathan Glazer-directed film chronicling both the recording sessions and the lives of families living in war-torn countries such as Ukraine, Yemen and Sudan.
The original HELP was recorded in one day (Sept. 4, 1995) and brought together the leading lights of the U.K. music scene at the time, including Oasis, Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Massive Attack and Blur. Proceeds benefited War Child’s efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were mired in fighting at the time.
“HELP(2) is more than an album. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when the music industry comes together around a shared purpose,” says War Child U.K.’s head of music Rich Clarke. “It has united a diverse group of artists and creatives in support of War Child’s vital work with children affected by the devastating impacts of war. We are immensely grateful to all the artists and teams who have donated their voices, talent and time to support our mission to ensure that no child is caught up in conflict zones.”
Here is the track list for HELP(2):
Arctic Monkeys – “Opening Night”
Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest – “Flags”
Black Country, New Road – “Strangers”
The Last Dinner Party – “Let’s do it again!”
Beth Gibbons – “Sunday Morning”
Arooj Aftab & Beck – “Lilac Wine”
King Krule – “The 343 Loop”
Depeche Mode – “Universal Soldier”
Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng – “Helicopters”
Arlo Parks – “Nothing I Could Hide”
English Teacher & Graham Coxon – “Parasite”
beabadoobee – “Say Yes”
Big Thief – “Relive, Redie”
Fontaines D.C. – “Black Boys on Mopeds”
Cameron Winter – “Warning”
Young Fathers – “Don’t Fight the Young”
Pulp – “Begging for Change”
Sampha – “Naboo”
Wet Leg – “Obvious”
Foals – “When the War is Finally Done”
Bat For Lashes – “Carried my girl”
Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis – “Sunday Light”
Olivia Rodrigo – “The Book of Love”
