Loyle Carner, a Black British musician based in London, is no stranger to our generation and is quickly making himself a household name. Carner’s two previous albums, ‘Not Waving but Drowning’ (2019) and ‘Yesterday’s Gone’ (2017), touched on themes deeply important, not only to him but to an entire age and racial demographic. From issues of racial discrimination in the UK to feelings of not belonging to either a white or Black community, Carner’s music connects with a vast population of misunderstood and perhaps frustrated young people. Therefore, it is no surprise that ‘Hugo’, his third studio album launched in October 2022, runs along similar lines of political rap, as well as UK chill hip-hop.
‘Hugo’ holds ten new songs with a plethora of features, from Neo-Soul singer-songwriter Olivia Dean to esteemed poet John Agard. Thematically, the album remains similar to previous works, touching on issues such as self-loathing and familial relationships, as well as race issues within the UK. These themes run both explicitly and as undercurrents throughout the entire album.
‘Hugo’ starts with ‘Hate’, a blatantly raw song that likely resonates with many people of colour in the UK and sheds light on the lack of a sense of belonging in life. Whilst from first glance this is a bitter and angry song, there is a shadow of beauty and acceptance throughout, a perfect way to begin this formative album. The next song, ‘Nobody Knows’, has quickly become a favourite of fans, and for very good reason. Carner often employs full gospel choirs in his songs, such as in ‘The Isle of Arran’, and here uses this uplifting and joyful sound to speak on an issue relevant to many mixed-race people. As the album goes on, he introduces the Afro-Guyanese poet, John Agard, utilising his famous poem ‘Half Caste’ to begin the song ‘Georgetown’. Agard is a significant poetic inspiration for Carner and many of their writings touch on similar topics, both being mixed-race men living in the UK. Thus, the importance of Agard on the record is clear to see, exemplifying the levels at which Carner advances his musical mastery.
The album goes on powerfully, creating a relationship with the listener that leaves a lasting impression. The last song, ‘HGU’, works as a perfect ending and almost the end of the journey of self-love and discovery that Carner has undergone. A line from the song – ‘The first twenty-seven years, a bad dream/Finally, found my feet’ – beautifully sums up the poignancy of this album for so many people.
Coined the ‘Father of UK Chill rap’, and deservedly so, Loyle Carner has not failed to impress me and many others with a raw insight into a complicated man and his struggles in life.
Written by: Maya Bhogal
Edited by: Joanne Spence-Thomas