Arctic Monkeys return with “Opening Night,” their first new song since 2022. The track appears on the charity album ‘HELP(2),’ an ambitious collaborative project supporting War Child UK. The record gathers an extraordinary lineup of artists contributing original recordings for a shared cause.
The song arrives with the quiet intensity and sharp songwriting that define Arctic Monkeys. The music carries a moody pulse and cinematic weight, adding another memorable entry to the group’s catalog while anchoring one of the album’s most anticipated moments.
‘HELP(2)’ expands the spirit of the original 1995 charity album ‘HELP.’ The new collection brings together an expansive lineup that includes Depeche Mode, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, Sampha, Wet Leg, Foals, Arlo Parks, Big Thief, and many more. Each artist contributes a track to support War Child UK’s work helping children affected by conflict.
The collaborative energy stretches beyond the music. Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, and Kae Tempest recorded together with a studio lineup featuring Johnny Marr, Dave Okumu, Adrian Utley, Seye Adelekan, and Ezra Collective drummer Femi Koleoso. An all-star choir also appears on the project, with contributions from Jarvis Cocker, Carl Barat, Declan McKenna, Marika Hackman, and others.
The album’s visual component carries its own emotional weight. Filmmaker Jonathan Glazer led the creative direction, placing cameras in the hands of children to capture moments from the recording sessions and from conflict zones around the world. The result ties the music directly to War Child’s mission to support and protect children affected by war.
Track Listing:
Arctic Monkeys – “Opening Night”
Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest – “Flags”
Black Country, New Road – “Strangers”
The Last Dinner Party – “Let’s do it again!”
Beth Gibbons – “Sunday Morning”
Arooj Aftab & Beck – “Lilac Wine”
King Krule – “The 343 Loop”
Depeche Mode – “Universal Soldier”
Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng – “Helicopters”
Arlo Parks – “Nothing I Could Hide”
English Teacher & Graham Coxon – “Parasite”
Beabadoobee – “Say Yes”
Big Thief – “Relive, Redie”
Fontaines D.C. – “Black Boys on Mopeds”
Cameron Winter – “Warning”
Young Fathers – “Don’t Fight the Young”
Pulp – “Begging for Change”
Sampha – “Naboo”
Wet Leg – “Obvious”
Foals – “When the War is Finally Done”
Bat For Lashes – “Carried my girl”
Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis – “Sunday Light”
Olivia Rodrigo – “The Book of Love”