Rex Orange County album combines heartfelt lyrics, upbeat vibes

Rex Orange County releases a surprisingly different album after a three-year hiatus. PHOTO CREDIT: Northern Transmissions

Although fans expected another tear-jerking album full of breakup songs, Alex O’Connor, better known as Rex Orange County,  released “Who Cares?” an album filled with a mix of upbeat vibes and slower songs about love.

The English singer/songwriter’s fourth album, “Who Cares?,” dropped on March 11 and it did not disappoint. While it is still in the indie-alternative genre there are some pop undertones, more so than he has displayed in the past. The tunes are more upbeat, but the lyrics are still full of heartfelt and relatable emotions.

The album opener, “Keep it Up,” was released prior to the full album on Jan. 26, which was the first song he released since 2019. The song was long-awaited and was certainly worth the wait. “Keep it Up” is an upbeat pop song that sends the message to keep your head up and keep moving forward even in rough times. 

The song opens with a subtle orchestration that is reminiscent of wedding music, but after a few seconds the drums roll in to boost the beat. I feel this song is relatable in the sense that it deals with stress, depression and uncomfortable feelings.

The second track, also released before the full album, is a dynamic song titled “Open a Window” which features Tyler, The Creator. Both artists’ voices compliment each other well and create a nice balance. For me, the song is about being trapped in some of the more unpleasant emotions and trying to catch a break and finding space to breathe.

“Worth It” is the next song on the album and it slows the beat down, contracting the two preceding tracks. There is a lengthy instrumental introduction, but as the lyrics begin a subtle triumphant tune is introduced.

The next song, titled “Amazing” is the last song that was released prior to the full album. It brings the album back up with a catchy beat. This is a sweet song that captures the very early stages of falling in love where you catch yourself smiling just thinking about them. It is definitely one I find myself singing in the car.

My personal favorite song is “One in a Million” . It is a beautiful song about finding that one perfect person. It is the epitome of having butterflies in a song. 

If I’m being honest, “Making Time” caused a few tears. The song is about finding time to just spend a few moments with the person who means everything and in that time all of the stress just falls away. It is one of the slower songs on the album but it is beautiful.

“Shoot Me Down” is the most similar to Rex’s previous albums and definitely has an indie feel. This song loops back to the themes present at the beginning of the album with moving on and having confidence in yourself. The minor key gives the song an authentic Rex feel that contrasts with the lyrics, creating a very interesting listening experience.

The title song “Who Cares?” is the final song on the album and brings the upbeat vibe back to close the album out. This one to me is just about blocking out other opinions and doing your own thing to make you happy.   

Other songs on the album not previously mentioned include “If You Want It”, “7 AM” and “The Shade”.

I have been bopping the album in the shower, the car and even on walks to class and it is certainly worth a listen if you haven’t already.