March 10, 2024
By Marez Melad
Staff Writer
Alternative indie-pop artist Declan McKenna is dedicated to spreading summer vibes in his third studio album, “What Happened to the Beach?”
McKenna, who has 7.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, is best known for his sprightly song “Brazil,” which he originally released in December 2014 on his YouTube channel. Almost a decade later, the song went viral on TikTok in May 2022.
McKenna’s latest album, which was released on Feb. 9, consists of 12 songs that showcase a range of emotions and a cool, retro style.
Likewise, the album cover, which features McKenna carrying a metal detector on a grassy plain with a cloudless, blue sky in the background, reflects the singer-songwriter’s optimism. McKenna’s Beatles-inspired outfit pays homage to older sounds, and his solitary position reveals that he can be out of place while still being self-assured and comfortable.
The metal McKenna is searching for on the album cover reminds listeners to pay attention to the messages he conveys in his songs.
Among the excellent tracks on this album are three treasures: “Elevator Hum,” “Sympathy” and “Nothing Works.”
“Elevator Hum” is a bright, upbeat and catchy song in which McKenna sings about breaking his old routine and changing his life for the better. He recognizes the hardships of life but faces adversity with confidence.
McKenna communicates his central idea in the first verse with the lyrics, “Some things have to change / Some things are to blame / For almost everything.”
“Sympathy” is reminiscent of “Brazil” because both songs are energetic with an unforgettable lyrics and melodies. The song is full of idealism and lacks any type of cynicism. Instead, it communicates compassion, empathy and the desire to support and uplift others.
McKenna’s wisdom shines in the lyrics, “I can see what you’re all about / You don’t need to be clever / If you don’t speak your thoughts aloud / You just feel them forever.”
With over 3.3 million streams on Spotify, “Nothing Works” is the second most streamed song on the album.
This track reflects a more serious side of McKenna’s personality, as he addresses feelings of frustration and hopelessness.
Among the excellent tracks on this album are three treasures: “Elevator Hum,” “Sympathy” and “Nothing Works.”
In the chorus, McKenna sings, “When I sing the song, and you didn’t like the verse / I try to fix myself but nothing works / I sing the song, and you didn’t like the words / I try to fix myself but nothing, nothing.”
“Nothing Works” has a strong, consistent beat and raw emotion that listeners cannot help but love.
Like a day at the beach, there is something for everyone in McKenna’s latest album. Whether you are looking for a song to celebrate good times, an engaging rhythm to get you moving or a chill tempo to help you relax, “What Happened to the Beach?” has a song for you.
With a range of emotions and a lot of heart, it doesn’t take a metal detector to recognize McKenna’s talent.
While the album gives off summer vibes, it is definitely not too early to give this outstanding album a listen.
