Get ready to mark your calendars, music lovers, because Arctic Monkeys are back with a brand-new track after a four-year hiatus, and it’s for a cause that’s close to many hearts. Their latest song, “Opening Night,” marks their first release since 2022’s The Car, and it’s part of something much bigger—a benefit compilation album for War Child, a UK-based charity supporting children in conflict zones. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just any compilation. It’s HELP(2), a sequel to the iconic 1995 album HELP, which was recorded in a single day to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Bosnia. And this is the part most people miss—the original HELP featured legends like Radiohead, Oasis, and Sinead O’Connor, and now HELP(2) is carrying that torch with an equally stellar lineup.
Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, HELP(2) is set to drop on March 6 via War Child Records. Alongside Arctic Monkeys, the album boasts contributions from an impressive roster of artists, including Big Thief, Beck, Olivia Rodrigo, Sampha, and even Depeche Mode. Directed creatively by The Zone of Interest filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, this compilation isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a statement. Each track, from Arctic Monkeys’ “Opening Night” to Olivia Rodrigo’s “The Book of Love,” serves as a reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire change.
But here’s the controversial part: in an era where charity albums often feel like afterthoughts, does HELP(2) truly live up to its predecessor’s legacy? The original HELP was a product of its time, born out of urgency and raw emotion. Can a modern compilation, no matter how well-intentioned, recapture that spirit? Or is it destined to be just another playlist in a sea of streaming content? We’ll let you be the judge.
Below is the full tracklist for HELP(2), and trust us, it’s worth your attention. Whether you’re a die-hard Arctic Monkeys fan or just someone who believes in the power of music to make a difference, this album is a must-listen. And while you’re at it, let’s spark a conversation: Do charity albums still hold the same impact in today’s music landscape? Or have they become more about the artists’ image than the cause itself? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears.
- Arctic Monkeys - “Opening Night”
- Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest - “Flags”
- Black Country, New Road - “Strangers”
- The Last Dinner Party - “Let’s do it again!”
- Beth Gibbons - “Sunday Morning”
- Arooj Aftab & Beck - “Lilac Wine”
- King Krule - “The 343 Loop”
- Depeche Mode - “Universal Soldier”
- Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng - “Helicopters”
- Arlo Parks - “Nothing I Could Hide”
- English Teacher & Graham Coxon - “Parasite”
- Beabadoobee - “Say Yes”
- Big Thief - “Relive, Redie”
- Fontaines D.C. - “Black Boys on Mopeds”
- Cameron Winter - “Warning”
- Young Fathers - “Don’t Fight the Young”
- Pulp - “Begging for Change”
- Sampha - “Naboo”
- Wet Leg - “Obvious”
- Foals - “When the War is Finally Done”
- Bat For Lashes - “Carried my girl”
- Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis - “Sunday Light”
- Olivia Rodrigo - “The Book of Love”
Photo by Phoebe Fox. Article by Hattie Lindert, an associate staff writer at Pitchfork, whose work has also appeared in Rolling Stone, The FACE, and The A.V. Club. Based in New York, she brings a fresh perspective to the ever-evolving world of music.
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