Album Review: Frank Turner - Be More Kind

Be More Kind strays away from Frank Turner's previous self-proclaimed 'selfish' themes and delves right into what's obviously put a fire in his belly: the current state of humanity.

Blackout is an infectious and fierce take on the political darkness that's looming. 1933 is another song that is full of attitude and spunk. Given the song's title, there was hope that Make America Great Again was going to be just as salient, but it's more of a poppy ballad than folk-punk; while there are some great verses, the song somewhat lacks the gutsy fire it deserves. Romanticism and politics mesh in Brave Face, 21st Century Survival Blues and Little Changes, while There She Is is one for the lovers, surely a shoo-in for wedding playlists for the rest of time. The Lifeboat is poignantly striking; while the entire album showcases Turner's exceptional skills, this one might just top them all.

Sonically, Be More Kind displays a different sound for Turner; dare we say it verges on pop throughout? While in part we wanted to beg for a more grief-stricken, harmonica-backed Turner, that'd be foolish - we've had plenty of that on his previous six records. It's a beautiful, thought-provoking album that's fuelled by contemporary issues and heart-warming desire.