Declan McKenna, Beautiful Faces | Track Review 🎵

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British singer/songwriter Declan McKenna delivers an alternative bop with his ‘brave new anthem for doomed youth,’ “Beautiful Faces.”

Declan McKenna exemplifies the term wunderkind.  The British singer/songwriter wrote some amazing music, beyond his then teenage years, on his full-length debut album, What Do You Think About the Car?.  A couple of songs reprised on debut album appeared on his 2016 EP, Liar, including standouts “Brazil”, “Bethlehem”, and my personal favorite, “Paracetamol”, which I couldn’t resist using as a featured track on the Music to Atone to playlist I curate, not to mention multiple playlists on this site.  But enough about the past! McKenna is “on to the next one”, Zeros (May 15, 2020).  Leading the charge for the 21-year-old’s sophomore album is the single, “Beautiful Faces.”

“Beautiful Faces” is another well-written song by Declan McKenna, period.  He personally describes the anthem to NME as “a brave new anthem for doomed youth.” Producer Jay Joyce helps craft a compelling backdrop for McKenna.  That backdrop is comprised of energetic guitars, punchy drums, a robust bass line, and some bright, energetic synths (via keyboards).  Vocally, McKenna is potent, particularly on the catchy chorus:

“Beautiful faces smiling over us
Lift your hands up and lead us back home
Beautiful people won’t remember you, honey
I bet you can’t get enough.”

Of course, it’s not just the chorus that’s electrifying.  The verses feature the usual ‘woke’ lyrics from the British standout.  “Tonight, I must demand a raise so I can grab, let’s say,” he sings on the second verse, “Some part replacements and strawberry laces, no spaces.” Definitely not your typical lyrics, right? Then there’s also my personal favorite verse, verse three:

“Tonight, I’m good staying inside
But I’ll be dancing for sure
Going to the stores, pulling socks out of the drawers
Of the people who you don’t love anymore.”

Ah, so colorful Declan, so colorful!

Final Thoughts 

Does such a thing as an alternative bop exist? Of course, it does, and “Beautiful Faces” is a prime example.  Declan McKenna is a beast, and not enough folks are aware of his sheer excellence.  He’s a capable songwriter, a compelling singer, and honestly, awesome AF.

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Declan McKenna • Zeros • Tomplicated • Release: 1.29.20

Photo Credits: Tomplicated