Young and thriving musician Beabadoobee is back with the release of their second studio album BEATOPIA (Bea-A-Toe-Pee-Uh) which brings us back to the artist’s childhood world of make-believe.
Here in Beatopia, at 7 years old, Bea Kristi was free to express herself in her purest and most real form. That was until one day, others got a glimpse of her world and brought unsought judgment. This forced Bea to bury it down as a means of survival – something many of us can relate to from our growing years. Now, at 21, Bea is overcoming past trauma, and through her music, allowing herself to heal and express herself exactly as she intended, and it shines through every track.
The progression from simple and sweet acoustic ballads to deeper lyrical interpretation, backed with a more complex use of instruments and catchy rhythm, is something to be praised in Beatopia from start to finish. This is a place where the artist really comes into her own, achieving exactly what she set out to do and holding nothing back.
Reminiscent of the clashing of feelings brought about by classic ballads like Silversun Pickups’ ‘Lazy Eye’, each track on Beatopia holds the perfect combination of both upbeat melody and emotional expression, brought together with a softness that represents the realistic highs and lows of life. Boasting a 14-track listing, it is clear that this time Bea is neither attempting to escape nor to hide her own whimsical take on reality, but release it out into the open with no stone left unturned.
The album greatly addresses shifts in mental health and relationships with others, all while trying to first and foremost understand yourself. The latest single from the album, 10:36, is a great example of this, with feelings laid on the table no matter the cost. Honesty and realness play a great part in Bea’s lyrical journey, whilst simultaneously bringing about a sense of innocence and pure heartfelt expression in songs such as ‘Lovesong’ and ‘Pictures of Us’.
There’s a playfulness to the overall sound of each track, all of which are raw and relatable but at the same time convey a conscious hope for the future. Whether you’re on the beach, in the garden, alone in a quiet room or travelling somewhere new, this is the number one chill-out record for the summer of 2022. The album is a joy from start to finish, and an evident milestone of an artist that has so much to give. Welcome to Beatopia.
Beabadoobee is touring the UK in October.
