Album Review: Holly Humberstone, Cruel World

Holly Humberstone’s past works (such as her 2022 EP Can You Afford To Lose Me and her debut album Paint My Bedroom Black) were like leaked diary entries, wherein Humberstone appeared unafraid to bare every ounce of self-deprecation and loathing. But what happens when things get better? When shame and sadness turn to the healthy habit of not caring, and the introspective critic opts to reframe perspective? 

Cruel World is the outcome of this healing, and a solidification of her confidence as an artist.

The album opens with an instrumental introduction, before heading into Humberstone's usual array of upbeat melodies through optimistic pop mantras and reassuring love ballads. 

Across the 12 tracks, Humberstone relives the stages of her relationship, as if trying to hold onto what is already lost. Her breathlessness adds to the dreamy state in which she writes, with a variety of genres, from pop to alternative to electronic, brining listeners in and out of reality.

Tracks like ‘To Love Somebody’ and ‘White Noise’ have the same pick-me-up effect as Robyn’s ‘Dancing On Your Own’, acknowledging the beauty of having loved and lost, while expediting the healing process by letting it all roll off your shoulder. Humberstone has the unique ability to write like a friend, offering a perpetual shoulder to cry on while simultaneously taking her own advice. 

Loving and losing continues is a theme throughout, with ‘Die Happy’ capturing the recklessness of the early stages of an all-consuming love. She can spot the red flags, but would rather crash and burn with a smile on her face.  "And if we crash and kiss the dash, baby, tragically / To die with you is to, to die happy,” she sings, processing her relationship like a melodramatic teenager.

On Cruel World, Humberstone doesn’t doubt herself.  Instead she gives herself a platform from which to affirm her decisions, not only for her own comfort, but also as guidance to fans struggling with the same trials and tribulations.

Selfishly, we look forward to the next time Humberstone faces these ups-and-downs.