Holly Humberstone - Cruel World
The second studio album by the British pop star invites listeners into a whimsical, dreamlike world of lush melodies.
Three years have passed since Holly Humberstone captivated the music scene with her debut Paint My Bedroom Black. Its dark alt-pop aesthetic resonated with a wide audience, while performances on global stages — including appearances as a guest on Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour“ — steadily raised her profile. In 2026, Humberstone finally returned in full force with her sophomore record, Cruel World. Despite its weighty title, the album feels noticeably brighter and more radiant than its predecessor, though she never loses her distinctive charm.
Instead, Cruel World further refines Humberstone’s gift for crafting emotionally piercing and sincere songs that invite repeated listens. Take the single “To Love Somebody”: it’s catchy enough for heavy radio rotation, yet introspective enough to spark reflection on love itself—what matters more: to love and lose, or to never fall in love at all?
This question echoes throughout the album. The euphoric, hazy title track places the listener in the middle of a dance floor, as shards of light shimmer across the walls. Here, Humberstone explores long-distance relationships and how one’s perception of the world shifts in the absence of a loved one. On “Die Happy”, she takes on an almost ethereal quality, while the song’s soundscape evokes the atmosphere of medieval romance. She appears both heroic and fragile, reckless yet faintly dangerous.
One of the album’s defining strengths is Humberstone’s ability to balance vibrant pop anthems with tender ballads. The pairing of “White Noise” and “Lucy”, for instance, feels like an emotional rollercoaster: the former leans into playful reflections on unrequited love, while the latter may stand as one of the most significant songs of her career. “Lucy” unfolds as a touching lullaby for her sister, offering something deeply relatable for anyone who feels lost and uncertain about their path. Themes surrounding the role of women—both in the music industry and beyond—continue into the stunning closing track, “Beauty Pageant”, a slow-burning ballad where Humberstone reflects on female experience, social media pressure, and beauty standards.
Enchanting and occasionally uneasy, captivating yet strikingly honest, Cruel World emerges as a worthy follow-up for Holly Humberstone. The three-year wait proves justified: she isn’t standing still, but clearly evolving as a songwriter. Even though it’s only April, it already feels safe to say that Humberstone has delivered one of the most compelling pop releases of the year. Even in its darkest moments, Cruel World consistently finds a sense of light and beauty.
7.6/10
