HELP(2) Lyrics & Tracklist – Various Artists
Album Overview
HELP(2) is a charity compilation album presented by War Child Records, created to raise funds and awareness for War Child UK’s humanitarian work supporting children affected by conflict around the world. The project is inspired by the original 1995 HELP release, which brought together major artists to benefit aid efforts. HELP(2) continues this legacy with a diverse lineup of contributors from across contemporary music. The album was primarily recorded during an intensive week-long session at Abbey Road Studios in November 2025 under the executive production of James Ford, and features a combination of original material, reinterpretations, covers, and collaborative performances by prominent artists spanning multiple genres.
The first single from the album, “Opening Night” by Arctic Monkeys, was released on January 22, 2026, marking the band’s first music release since 2022’s The Car. Proceeds from HELP(2) support War Child’s global efforts, including emergency aid, education, psychological support, and protection services for children in conflict zones such as Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria. The project also includes a companion film component guided by creative director Jonathan Glazer, using footage filmed by children documenting the recording process and life in conflict-affected regions.
Musical Style and Themes
HELP(2) combines elements of indie rock, alternative, electronic, folk, and experimental music, reflecting the eclectic nature of the contributing artists. The compilation balances introspective songwriting, reinterpretations of classic material, and collaborative ensemble pieces. This variety of styles underscores a unifying humanitarian purpose, with emotional, reflective, and dynamic performances connecting artistic expression with social impact.
Release Information
The album is set for public release on March 6, 2026, through War Child Records. Recording sessions took place at Abbey Road Studios in London in November 2025, with James Ford overseeing production. Pre-orders for physical formats, including a gatefold double vinyl edition, are available with all proceeds directed to War Child UK’s programs supporting children affected by conflict globally.
Full Tracklist
HELP(2) Tracklist:
01. Arctic Monkeys – Opening Night
02. Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest – Flags
03. Black Country, New Road – Strangers
04. The Last Dinner Party – Let’s do it again!
05. Beth Gibbons – Sunday Morning
06. Arooj Aftab & Beck – Lilac Wine
07. King Krule – The 343 Loop
08. Depeche Mode – Universal Soldier
09. Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng – Helicopters
10. Arlo Parks – Nothing I Could Hide
11. English Teacher & Graham Coxon – Parasite
12. Beabadoobee – Say Yes
13. Big Thief – Relive, Redie
14. Fontaines D.C. – Black Boys on Mopeds
15. Cameron Winter – Warning
16. Young Fathers – Don’t Fight the Young
17. Pulp – Begging for Change
18. Sampha – Naboo
19. Wet Leg – Obvious
20. Foals – When the War is Finally Done
21. Bat For Lashes – Carried my girl
22. Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis – Sunday Light
23. Olivia Rodrigo – The Book of Love
Credits
Executive Producer: James Ford
Creative Director: Jonathan Glazer
Recording Location: Abbey Road Studios, London (November 2025)
Contributing Artists and Performers:
Arctic Monkeys (Alex Turner, Matt Helders, etc.)
Damon Albarn
Grian Chatten
Kae Tempest
Black Country, New Road
The Last Dinner Party
Beth Gibbons
Arooj Aftab
Beck
King Krule
Depeche Mode
Ezra Collective
Greentea Peng
Arlo Parks
English Teacher
Graham Coxon
Beabadoobee
Big Thief
Fontaines D.C.
Cameron Winter
Young Fathers
Pulp
Sampha
Wet Leg
Foals
Bat For Lashes
Anna Calvi
Ellie Rowsell
Nilüfer Yanya
Dove Ellis
Olivia Rodrigo
Supporting Musicians and Contributors: Additional session musicians, arrangers, engineers, mixers, and behind-the-scenes collaborators who participated in the recording process at Abbey Road Studios.














