Declan McKenna exhibits his knack for creative, meaningful songwriting on “Humongous,” a single from his debut LP, ‘What Do You Think About the Car?’

The moment has finally arrived.  After releasing his Liar EP in May 2016, Declan McKenna drops his debut album, What Do You Think About the Car? McKenna, who’s only 18, is a truly gifted, up-and-coming singer/songwriter.  Ahead of What Do You Think…, he released one final single, “Humongous.”  

Throughout the course of “Humongous,” it’s clear that McKenna isn’t in a happy mood.  He begins the record antagonistically:

“Don’t tag me along to your show, to your broadcast / I know, I’m good at letting go / And then tag me along with your rules, with your promise / I swear you spend too much time on your phone and on your hair.”

What exactly is the British wunderkind getting at? Take your pick of things.  McKenna has a knack for writing lyrics that possess depth, often socially and politically.  The aforementioned lyrics seem to follow the trends, even if specifically pinpointing the source of the artist’s frustration’s is unclear.  Is this young vs. old to some extent? Seems that way.

On the chorus, he continues in his angst:

“Do you care? / I’m big, humongous, enormous, and small / And it’s not fair that I am nothing and nobody’s there / Do you care?”

Yep, the kiddo is seriously frustrated.  But he’s not just some 18-year old who’s had a bad day – he speaks for his generation as well as other members of society.  To quote Arcade Fire, he’s “Everything Now.”

McKenna continues on his rant with strong vocals and solid production.  Speaking of the production, one of the biggest highlights of “Humongous” is the production shift.  This happens before the third and final verse.  Both tempo and energy increase, while McKenna seems to be coming from the perspective he criticizes:

“Don’t speak, don’t be so broken and weak / I’m gonna throw up / Well baby, when will you grow up? /You’ve been such a joke this week / You think you’re funny / When you’re talking all loud and your nose is all runny.”

Final Thoughts 

Always intriguing, Declan McKenna remains that way on “Humongous.” He’s clever and quite creative, managing to make a fun song with meaningful messaging.  Expect What Do You Think About the Car? as a whole to be a treat.

Declan McKenna • What Do You Think About the Car? • Columbia • Release: 7.21.17

Photo Credit: Columbia