Help (2): A Soundtrack for Solidarity

I’m often asked “why do you love music so much,” and I don’t really know how to answer that in a simple way, but after listening to Help (2) from War Child Records, I might have a better answer.

Before I answer that question, it’s worth talking about Help (2) and the people behind it. War Child is a charity dedicated to supporting children affected by conflict, and their Help series exists to spark action from music. The first Help album, released in 1995, was a major star-studded success, bringing bands like Oasis and Radiohead together to raise money for the war-stricken Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fast forward to March 2026, and Help (2) carries the same importance with a similarly star-studded roster, but this time for the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Ukraine. While I admit the original lineup might have been a little crazier, I much prefer the 2026 lineup, and if you know me, or have read some of my previous articles, there will be a pretty clear reason why. 

Now to get to the aforementioned question, “why do you love music so much?” and after sitting with this record for a while, the answer is more clear. I love music because music has given me a way to love. It has given me a voice to express all of the deeply confusing feels that run through me every day. But not just me, music gives a voice to anyone and everyone without any bias or prejudice, allowing those who couldn’t speak up to do so. While some music lovers might just see this as a fundraiser that gets some of their favorite artists to do fun stuff on an album together, it’s so much more than that. Help (2) is the embodiment of music, taking people with preestablished voices to speak up for those who are suffering with no voice. People in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Ukraine, but also those suffering from the countless acts of violence that happen every day.

Well after that do you even want to hear about the album? I hope so because I’m still gonna talk about a few of my favorite tracks:

“Strangers” – Black Country, New Road:

Earlier in the article I left a breadcrumb about music I love, and while I do have two articles out about BCNR and am a huge fan of them, that’s not what I was leading to. But, this song is incredible. An interesting mix of the chamber pop we know and love with a more interesting folk-like twist, similar to what we saw on Forever Howlong, that makes me feel like I’m skipping, yes skipping, through a lustrous field during a perfect 70 degree spring day.

“Parasite” – English Teacher and Graham Coxon:

As an early fan of English Teacher, yes I listened to their 2022 EP before they kind of blew up, I was a bit shocked when I heard their contribution . I went into this song expecting an indie rock base with some post-punk brashness and got something a little lighter and more whimsical, which was unexpected, but not bad. My first listen was obviously a little underwhelming, but after I looped around I really enjoyed the more emotional spoken word-ish vocals with the shoegaze-y, Brit-pop like guitar from Graham Coxon.

“Say Yes” – beabadoobee:

If you asked me to pair Elliot Smith with a contemporary indie-ish pop artist, I might’ve said beabadoobee, but it definitely would’ve taken me a second to get there. Keeping the quieter guitar and soft vocals, she brings a different bedroom pop-like vibe to such an iconic track. Although I did enjoy this cover, it’s an incredibly straight forward cover with very little changes. Does beabadoobee do a good job honoring Elliot by sticking incredibly closely to the script, or was it a bit lazy? Either way, it’s still “Say Yes” and one of the most iconic songs from an amazing artist gone too soon.

“Warning” – Cameron Winter:

As a long time Geese fan and enjoyer of Cameron Winter’s solo work, this really isn’t what I wanted to hear, but that’s not the purpose of this song. “Warning” is not meant to entertain the listener, or even please the ears, but to send a message. A message wrapped in sharp, dramatic cello accompanied by Winter’s unorthodox baritone, almost spoken word, vocals that make this a genuinely uncomfortable listen. However that makes this an even stronger track, especially given the origins of this album. It really makes you listen, listen to the “Warning.”

“The Book of Love” – Olivia Rodrigo:

See this is where I was breadcrumbing you too, the The Magnetic Fields cover. When I saw this on the tracklist I felt rather split. I was nervous that the cover might not be up to my sky-high standards, but I was really excited to see one of my all time favorite songs get covered by such a large artist. And I have to admit, Olivia Rodrigo did a superb job. Her vocals, very different from those of its original singer, meshed very well with the intimate string instrumental, making this an easy favorite for me.

While you don’t need to have a crazy epiphany from this album, go give it a listen. It’s great music for a great cause.