ALBUM REVIEW: Loyle Carner - hopefully !

This relaxed branch of the UK Rap diaspora is one its most enjoyable subgenres, and who does it better than Loyle Carner? His latest release ‘hopefully !’ is his first studio album since 2022’s critically acclaimed ‘Hugo’, which solidified his status amongst UK rappers. Standing at 37 minutes, it is the perfect size to digest. Its slow, Jazzy instrumentals, often combined with faster (almost Jungle speed) acoustic drums create the perfect atmosphere for Loyle to float over. Marrying this predominantly acoustic instrumentation with modern production techniques and samples throughout the album, he manages to construct a cohesive and consistent sound, chilled out and undeniably cool. 

Loyle doesn’t cover merely one topic on this album. His poetry discusses self-belief, change, and, as the cover art suggests, fatherhood. His introspective lyrics define his artistry, never appearing to try too hard, which only makes it all the more impressive. This album also sees Loyle singing far more than in previous albums, often backed by a sonically beautiful Gospel-style choir. This successfully adds more diverse sections to his songs, dividing his poetically spoken rap verses with more melodic sections. 

Collaboration is also an establishing theme of this album. The title track ‘hopefully’ features spoken words by legendary British poet Benjamin Zephaniah. The following track ‘purpose’ features a verse by skate legend and Odd Future associate navy blue, who has collaborated before with the likes of Earl Sweatshirt, both of who’s musical style shares Loyle's laid-back, contemplative style. 

Stand out tracks on the album include the opening track ‘feel at home’, which does well to establish the level-headed and tranquil genre of the album, a Jazzy instrumental later decorated with faster drums. Similarly, one of the first singles and the closing track on the album ‘about time’ successfully concludes the album’s themes of self-belief and positive affirmation, as well as fatherhood, his son’s voice able to be heard just as the track finishes. 

All in all, ‘hopefully !’ successfully continues Loyle's legacy as the UK Rap epitome of cool. We look forward to seeing where he stylistically takes his music next.