Album Of The Week: Not Waving, But Drowning — Loyle Carner
Sophia Bonner takes a look at Loyle Carner’s latest release, another to add to his talented discography.
Loyle Carner (born Benjamin Gerard Coyle-Larne) should be no stranger to the average person, appealing to both rap, indie-alternative fans alike, and everyone in between; his shows have been selling out for years. Therefore it is a treat to finally have a second album of work, that has a lot to live up to after the success of his debut ‘Yesterday’s Gone’. The album is just as loving and emotive as the first, with an appreciative element to it for his partner and mother. Looking past what I take as a cynical album-title, Loyle’s work is deeply warmth and meaningful, as well as a great listen.
It has been hard to pick my top five tracks, as us at the URY Music Team take a step back from album review intensity for the exam period, but all I can recommend is listening to the album as a whole as it works best, with the continuous story behind it.
1. Ice Water
The narrative aspect to Carner’s work is endearing, and makes his words so relatable, with ‘Ice Water’ presenting a diary-like perspective of a relationship. The skits he inserts throughout provide an intimate feel to the album, and present the closeness he feels to his girlfriend, which after further research I realise this song is about.
Carner has said in the media that his present partner is the love of his life, so it is nice to near through his impressive ability to write, his feelings for her through his music.
2. Ottolenghi
The album flows straight into this next song which is an older track, released a few months back and was his first release since his first album. It features the talent that is Jordan Rakei, who provides a soulful atmosphere. The chorus, such by Rakei, with lyrics “Born and raised// Made attempts to crawl away// Find a way to exist and hide your face some relate// Leave everything in yesterday
3. You Don’t Know
This, probably my favourite track on the album from first listen, is a fun-loving musical anecdote. It is one of the more energetic tracks on the album. Carner once again addresses his new approach to love and romantic relationships, something that was not as present on his debut album.
4. Loose Ends
Featuring the beautiful voice of Jorja Smith, this track is a chance for Loyle to reflect on his childhood and the missed opportunities he may have had. The lyrics, outlining a somewhat longing he has, is complemented perfectly by Smith in the choruses and backing vocals during verses “Lyrics I got a lot of love, a lot of loose ends// A lot of people that I wish I knew then” reflect the yearning he has in wishing he has more support when he was younger. The track is swiftly followed by the title track, which doesn’t hear Loyle’s voice at all, but instead, the late poet Stevie Smith explains the meaning of her poem “Not Waving, but Drowning”, which Loyle borrows the title from.
5. Carluccio
As always, Carner makes his album meaningful. This track outlines the loss of renowned chef Antonio Carluccio, Londons “godfather of Italian Gastronomy,” who died in 2017. Loyle found him an important role model and could possibly explain the importance he found in setting up a kitchen and cooking lessons for young people with ADHD.
The album creates a fresh image for Loyle, with his fame increasing with every show and his abilities soar, this album gives him a chance to reflect on his success and appreciate all that he has. It moves perfectly on from his debut, which set out his presence as an artist. The emotion is heightened for this album, perhaps making it a harder listen for avid fans as he deals with love, death and mental health. It is a perfect indicator of the high standard of work that Loyle Carner can produce and will hopefully sustain.
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