NOT WAVING, BUT DROWNING
Track Listing
Dear Jean
Angel [Feat. Tom Misch]
Ice Water
Ottolenghi [Feat. Jordan Rakei]
You Don’t Know [Feat. Rebel Kleff & Kiko Bun]
Still
It’s Coming Home?
Desoleil (Brilliant Corners) [Feat. Sampha]
Loose Ends [Feat. Jorja Smith]
Not Waving, But Drowning
Krispy
Sail Away Freestyle
Looking Back
Carluccio
Dear Ben [Feat. Jean Coyle-Larner]
My Rating
7.5/10
Average Critic Rating
7/10
Overview
Loyle Carner’s second album is a deeply personal and introspective piece of work that explores the complexities of identity, family, and love. Carner completely impresses with his lyrical content, each verse offering an intimate glimpse into his life and emotions. You’ll find Soul elements throughout, with Jazzy undertones that create a warm and mellow soundscape, perfectly matching the depth of Carner’s reflective lyrics. It’s completely vulnerable throughout, making for an unapologetically emotional record. ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’ invites listeners to sit in self-reflection and offers a sense of comfort and understanding - this is a piece of work that resonates on both a personal and artistic level.
Recommended for listeners looking for a moment of self-reflection and calming jazzy tunes.
Featured Song
Loose Ends
Most Streamed
Ottolenghi
Least Streamed
It’s Coming Home?
Underrated
Carluccio
TVV Top 3 Songs
Ice Water | Ottolenghi | Loose Ends
Singles
Ottolenghi | You Don’t Know | Loose Ends
TVV Top 3 Non-Singles
Ice Water | Still | Carluccio
Listen to Again?
Yes
No-Skip Album?
No
Album Artwork Rating
8/10
It says it on the tin - Loyle Carner is here ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’. It’s an obvious cover, but one that perfectly matches the title and the theme of the music, reflecting the constant struggle with life’s day-to-day battles and one’s own emotional turmoil. This subtle plea for help, without blatantly asking for it, is a deep and emotionally hard-hitting reality. The album cover is exactly what was needed for this record.
Genre
Hip Hop
RL
AMF Records / Virgin EMI Records
Recording Studio
Camberwell Business Centre (London, England) | The Dairy Studios (London, England) | Flesh & Bone Studios (London, England) | Grand Cru Studios (London, England) | Metropolis Studios (London, England) | Sarm Music Village (London, England) | Unwound Studios (London, England)
