After his acclaimed 2022 album, hugo, Loyle Carner has returned with a compelling new double single, ‘all i need / in my mind.’ Carner is renowned for his poetic lyricism, which offers a poignant gateway into the minds of today’s youth. His previous album, Hugo, was an emotionally charged project that delved into complex subject matter such as knife crime, identity and the intricate relationship with his father. While the album was characterised by fierce authenticity and vulnerability, Carner masterfully made the project feel widely relatable. This relatability stemmed, perhaps, from its exploration of fundamental human nature and emotions that, despite varying contexts, resonate universally. These two new tracks are no different, centering on a core theme: the fundamental human desire for peace.
‘all i need’ evokes a sense of searching and yearning, powerfully enhanced by its production. The crescendo of the drums as the song progresses creates a vivid mental image of running relentlessly without a clear destination or direction. Though initially understated, the guitar work accelerates with notable intensity during the chorus, mirroring a sense of urgency in Carner’s delivery. This interplay between the driving drums and increasingly prominent guitar creates a palpable feeling of momentum. One of the most potent lyrics, “all these people having dreams, ‘bout them people that they’ve seen without no interaction / head still hurtin’ nurofen ain’t working,” suggests Carner is grappling with his own turbulent thoughts, constantly racing, judging, and perceiving, while his underlying desire is for a moment of tranquility. The lyrics explore the complexities of parasocial relationships with individuals we may idolize in our daily lives and online. Despite placing these figures on a pedestal, the inherent irony lies in the fact that we have never had a genuine interaction with them; we don’t truly know them. This is a poignant truth in today’s world, and the track effectively captures the multifaceted nature of this feeling.
The subsequent line, “‘head still hurtin’ nurofen aint working,’” implies that by idealizing such figures in society, we often find ourselves in conflict with our own identities, yearning to emulate them without knowing if our perception aligns with their reality. Carner delivers these lyrics with a faster flow, coinciding with the dynamic build-up of the music, creating an atmosphere of racing thoughts. The track embodies a stream of consciousness, with the pacing of his delivery fluctuating to mirror moments of panic and subsequent calm. This, coupled with the repetitive chorus, “all i need / this is all i need,” underscores Carner’s pursuit of connection and his longing for quiet amidst the surrounding chaos.
The second track, ‘in my mind,’ feels almost like a direct continuation of ‘all i need.’ It carries a more melancholic tone, established by the somber opening guitar arrangement. The lyric, “I’m running from the belly of the beast / admiring the guy I wanna be then all I saw was me,” suggests Carner’s striving for an idealised version of himself, a pursuit that consistently leaves him feeling inadequate. This could again be a subtle reference to the figures he seemingly reveres in the first song. ‘in my mind’ feels like acceptance he couldn’t quite find in ‘all i need,’ as though he is accepting that peace is not always easy. It is as though Carner has succumbed to his own mind, allowing insecurity to take hold. The pronounced echo and reverb on his repetition of “me, me, me” interestingly suggest that he has become his own enemy, yielding to negative self-perception as a consequence of his complex thoughts.
Both songs were expertly produced by Nick Mills and Aviram Barath, frequent collaborators who also contributed to Carner’s previous project, hugo. However, these two new tracks exhibit a slightly different genre feel compared to Carner’s typical hip-hop style, leaning towards a more slowed-down tempo with each word carrying deliberate weight. The profound connection listeners forge with Carner’s music, and consequently with these two latest tracks, lies in his ability to be so direct and personal in his lyricism. Listeners can find themselves deeply rooted in these songs, yet each individual will likely relate the themes to something distinct and deeply personal in their own lives. The most impactful art often allows for this individual interpretation and application. Carner has mastered this delicate balance, offering specificity only when necessary, thereby providing an outlet for introspection. These two recent glimpses into his artistic landscape only heighten anticipation for his upcoming headline performance on the Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival in June. With these two compelling tracks laying a strong foundation, it seems a significant new era of music is on the horizon for him.
Words by Jessica Sansoa
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