Loyle Carner Releases His Fourth Studio Album ‘hopefully !’

One of the most important voices of our generation, Loyle Carner has finally dropped the much anticipated hopefully ! with his Glastonbury appearance and world tour on the horizon.

A man who speaks about openness and equality, there is no surprise that hopefully! largely embodies these notions. Right down to the minute details, everything is intricately created to reflect a fresh start, including the suitably imperfect artwork, which was coloured in by his son (who features throughout the record) after Loyle left some photos within arm’s reach.

hopefully!  is Loyle in a new form. Reflecting the fresh steps within his life, he has found a pristine sound that reflects that of King Krule, a dystopian and experimental feel, twisted with dark, divine and exquisite fantasy. The evolution of Loyle is intriguing but exhilarating. We are quietly introduced to his rebirth with ‘feel at home’. Accompanied by fanatical drums and dreamy strings, you become instantly enlightened.

Loyle is shown to be more emotive, more vulnerable, more personal as he leaves himself to be examined, even if what he finds and delivers in the blending of multiple genres gives you the answer. Only he could make this work in a meaningful way.

The singles released in the run-up to the album ('time to go', 'lyin', 'about time', 'all i need' and 'in my mind') teased fans and slot perfectly into the makeup of the project. The blueprints of the new sound which will never grow old.

‘strangers’ identifies Loyle as a man pouring his heart out with no restraint. It's a real insight into his creative process, but also his inner thoughts, reflecting an intimate conversation with a friend.

The track named after the album, ‘hopefully’, shows Loyles' truthfulness. The voice crack at the very start signifies his mistakes, but he’s not afraid to show them, and that’s postulated through his lyrics. With the late, great Benjamin Zephaniah featuring, the spoken word element completes a significant and outspoken melody.

‘don’t fix’ it emits every emotion out of your body, some that you didn’t know even existed. It transcends reality and grounds you without warning. Nick Rakim delivers groundbreaking, persuasive vocals onto a purposeful and heartfelt creation of resolute art.

Loyle isn’t trying to be groundbreaking here, but instead letting go of things that have constrained him and spreading his gifted wings. He is allowing himself to grow, and us as listeners to grow with him. Every piece is masterful. Loyle spills his rawest thoughts into tactful minds, and it perpetually moves you.

Listen here