By Danica Ward
Staff Writer
Independent recording label “War Child” released its second collaborative benefit album on March 6, after the first single was released on Jan. 22.
The goal of the label is to produce compilation albums and music to fundraise for children affected by war and other types of global conflict. The label’s website states, “[a]cross one special week in November 2025 musicians…came together to create a new record in support of War Child’s work to protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of children living through conflict around the world.”
Titled “HELP(2),” the album comes 31 years after a similar project produced by Brian Eno, which included acts like Radiohead, Sinéad O’Connor and The Stone Roses.
The lead single off the 2026 release, “Opening Night,” by Arctic Monkeys was the band’s first release in four years. The album was previewed to the masses with its wide cast list of indie collaborators. In addition to the Monkeys, the tracklist includes artists like Black Country, New Road, Depeche Mode, Pulp and Oasis.
The compilation album is split into four sides, A-D, with 5-7 tracks on each. Side A not only includes the new Arctic Monkeys release, but a new song, “Flags,” by Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn. Albarn recently made his debut on “Saturday Night Live” with the latter group, after nearly 30 years of their existence.
Side B boasts a cover of “Lilac Wine” by Arooj Aftab and, notably, Beck. The song was famously covered previously by both the late Nina Simone and Jeff Buckley. Also included is a cover of Elliott Smith’s “Say Yes,” done by singer/songwriter Beabadoobee.
On Side C, tracks 13-14 are star-studded with indie-folk group Big Thief, and Irish indie rockers Fontaines D.C. “Relive, Redie” showcases Thief’s Adrianne Lenker as a poet and intricate guitar player, while Fontaine's cover “Black Boys On Mopeds,” originally done by Sinéad O’Connor.
Rounding out the release, Side D showcases new work from Wet Leg. “Obvious,” a lo-fi lullaby, has been an unreleased track since the band’s first album, but has now finally been released, if only in a compilation album. Three-time Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo also graces the album with her presence, covering “The Book of Love,” originally by Peter Gabriel and famously covered by legendary indie band The Magnetic Fields.
With a hybrid mix of originals and covers, old artists and new, “Help(2)” brings attention to an important cause while also showcasing international talent.
Fans can both buy or stream the album, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting “War Child UK” and their efforts to aid children affected by global conflict.
