Album Review: beabadoobee - 'Beatopia'
Welcome to Beatopia! A place of wonder, endless possibilities, and all of beabadoobee's inner thoughts in her epic new album.
At seven years old, Beatrice Laus invented a magical world called Beatopia. With an incredible imagination that Bea's peers and teachers didn't appreciate in her youth, she closed the door on Beatopia, leaving it ajar for its return. Now at twenty-two, Bea – known to us as beabadoobee, has invited us through the gates and into her world, as represented by her second album, Beatopia.
Ahead of the release of her debut album Fake It Flowers, the Filipino-British musician had already begun taking over the British music scene, winning the 2020 NME Radar Award and being on the shortlist for the BRITs Rising Star Award. When speaking about her second album, there's an excitement ready to burst out of Bea like a child tasting cotton candy for the first time. "I think maybe it's called Beatopia, and it reminds me of my childhood, and it feels like I'm actually fucking growing up? It feels like this is really me. I just want it to make people feel the same way it makes me feel," she says. Now I must say, this album is an absolute treat.
Bringing us in nice and slow with a sweet, folk acoustic guitar is 'Beatopia Cultsong'. Layers of harmonies swirl around your shoulders as a comfort whilst friends chatter, and bottles clink. In a state of relaxation, Bea's haunting voice repeats, "is it me or recently, time is moving slowly" over shimmying bongos and shakers, making you lose the sense of reality.
'10:36' is a complete shift in pace, a blast from the past with its fuzzy 2000s sound and a repetitive guitar line that digs into you like your morning alarm, the perfect song to jam out to in your parents' garage. As twangy guitars battle it out, beabadoobee candidly sings, "you're just a warm body, to hold at night when I'm feeling all alone".
Warm and hazy, a hip-hop beat bounces underneath soothing acoustic guitar as Bea apologises for her lack of communication in 'Sunny day'. Glitchy, mechanical noises then whine as Bea's sweet voice glides through, dreamy guitar supporting her every breath in 'See you soon'. Written right after a trip on shrooms, a therapeutic process began as Bea released negative energy through reflecting on her past self.
Swarming strings echo through the halls with slow finger-style guitar, giving a sad romantic touch to 'Ripples', as Bea dedicates this track to an unfortunate loss of a relationship. Shuffling drums transition us into the moody bossa nova track 'the perfect pair'. Swelling violins provide an uneasy warmth to the track, an unexpected perfect pairing for your low-lit restaurant date. 'broken cd' is intimate and magical. Subtle acoustic guitar and whispers of wind chimes echo before glittering synth and drums make a surprise appearance. As one of the shortest songs lyrically, it still holds power in its lyrics as Bea's vulnerability shines through. Bringing us back to earth is 'Talk', with its distorted, swallowing guitar - you're sure to have a good time. With the essence of a whirlwind romance, Bea calls it "a bad decision" but enjoys it while its lasts, a sense of freedom for Bea.
The album's love ballad comes in the form of 'Lovesong'. Written about Bea's long-term boyfriend, she plays it off as just another love song; however, its blissful and sweet melody wraps around you like a hug. Twinkling guitar and Bea's angelic voice captured my heart within seconds, and hasn't let it go since first hearing the track a few weeks ago. 'Pictures of Us' follows up, and its warmth is like a summer campfire reunion with your childhood friends. Co-written with and featuring vocals from Matt Healy of indie band The 1975, the song has a wholeheartedness, sure to bring a crowd together.
'fairy song' is bouncy and happy. A track filled with little reminders Bea makes before the instruments are let loose on the effects pedal, shredding away into the next head-bopping track, 'don't get the deal'. Mellow guitar loops repeatedly as Bea's airy vocals soar over the intensifying drums and electric guitar as they continue to battle it out. The catchy hook "take time; I'll wait a little bit, I don't mind, we've done this all before", Twanging guitar making a return, with Bea's childlike vocals and hyper, electronic beat in 'tinkerbell is overrated', leave a vibrant and youthful mark on the album, relating to Beatopia's creation years ago.
Bringing the trip at Beatopia to an end is 'You're here, that's the thing'. With steady shuffling drums and comforting acoustic guitar, Bea enters a dreamlike state as she sings, "I know that you said that we're not a thing, but you're here that's the thing", dazzled by her desire for her romantic companion. With one last flourishing strum from the guitar, the door to Beatopia is closed.
Beatopia is an incredibly intimate album that I wish I could experience for the first time again. This album’s unpredictability made me enjoy it even more. beabadoobee’s timeless sound and smart lyricism, will freeze you in place, in complete awe of her talent. Beatopia is a safe space for beabadoobee, so let it be one for you too.
Words by Amy Mealing
