Three years ago, someone very close to my heart introduced me to the rising singer-songwriter Rex Orange County, playing the quintessential indie anthem Loving Is Easy. Based on my first impressions that day, I never would have imagined that the release of his fourth studio album, WHO CARES?, would have brought me more excitement than Christmas morning or the first day of summer break. If you’re personally unfamiliar with Rex Orange County’s music, then this album will serve as the perfect introduction and undoubtedly have you hooked by the end of the first song… Trust me.
The eleven-song album divides up nicely into two thematic categories: love/relationships and self-acceptance. My love for this artist stems from his candidness about the realities of relationships, specifically the difficulties of loving someone when you are struggling to love yourself. The tenth track “SHOOT ME DOWN” explores the complicated experience of asking a lover not to leave while you work through a rough patch in life. Whether from depression, anxiety or trauma, we sometimes feel that we have become unlovable, but desire to be loved in spite of this — a beautiful concept for a beautiful (and relatable) song. On a more uplifting note, songs “ONE IN A MILLION” and “AMAZING” recount the incandescent feeling of finding a significant other that is simply…perfect. The album recreates the pure bliss resulting from real love, and honestly, these songs just make the hopeless romantic in me jump for joy.
On the other end of the spectrum, tracks like “KEEP IT UP” and “WHO CARES?” divulge to listeners about the liberation of forfeiting expectations. Rex Orange County’s main message is to stop focusing so ardently on the opinions of other people, and instead begin focusing on what you think of yourself. Your potential is infinite, and as long as you are trying your best then you should always be accepting of yourself. Continuing the theme of mental health but pivoting towards another subsequent topic, the song “OPEN A WINDOW” featuring Tyler, The Creator discusses the feeling of being overwhelmingly trapped and needing to find relief. While the song seems to suggest a relationship context, this message could be applied to any aspect of life.
While I could very easily go on for hours about the eleven individual masterpieces that comprise WHO CARES?, I will leave the listening and final judgment up to you. Should you find a new favorite artist in Rex Orange County, you might even consider seeing him live on The WHO CARES? World Tour beginning this summer in the United States, UK and Ireland. The opening acts have yet to be announced but tickets are live now if you want to secure yours today!
As aforementioned, Rex Orange County has held a special place in my heart for years because of the memories I associate with his music, but this album has surpassed all of my expectations and gone above and beyond in truthfully exploring the ins and outs of love, relationships, mental health and self-acceptance. Even if indie is not your usual sound, give WHO CARES? a quick listen anyways, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that you love the album just as much as I do. Happy listening!