Beabadoobee marks her return to the indie music scene with a memory-ridden, personal sentiment: This is How Tomorrow Moves. It’s an authentic and unfiltered body of material, with all fourteen tracks proving there is no ceiling for her songwriting ability.
The British-Filipino indie sensation has skyrocketed to new heights over recent years, and her third studio album looks set to only propel her further. Following the release of several highly acclaimed singles in 2023, such as Glue Song and The Way Things Go, as well as a successful opening stint for Taylor Swift on the North American leg of ‘The Eras Tour’, the London-based singer-songwriter, known formally as Bea Laus, has continued to attract a following that shows no signs of slowing down. Bea is no stranger to articulating all the different emotions throughout her meticulously crafted lyricism, and this record is no exception, marking the maturing of a beloved Gen-Z artist.
The first offering of the record is the lead single, Take a Bite, which was gifted to fans in May and showcases her shiny vocals almost immediately. The track parts away from her typical acoustic, calming sound, with tidy guitar-backing throughout, blended with her sugar-sweet voice. The backing soundscape appears to twirl gracefully whilst Bea voices the confusions of modern society. Artistically, it’s a perfectly crafted opener.
Her artistic prowess continues to shine in the classical pop-rock number California, featuring brittle guitar riffs that work to affirm Bea’s journey to where she is today. Beginning with an unharmonious sequence, the track then dives right into her soft vocals set against a pulsing bass line. The mid-chorus repetition of “I swear I tried” supports the rich meaning behind the track, interpreted as a longing for change amid difficult decisions. This line parallels “They’ll never know” later in the song, adding a certain jubilant edge to the versatile melody.
California precedes a string of tracks all with their unique qualities that deserve recognition. One Time changes the pace with a simplistic charm and catchy melody, occasionally appearing off-key at the tracks’ height; here, the electric guitar earns its spotlight once again. The song then builds through layered instrumentation as it plays out, topped off with more youthful, passionate vocals. The subsequent tracks complement each other with great contrast. Real Man features a catchy, flirtatious soundscape which exploresthe artists past romantic encounters, whilst apparent groovy jazz influences develop behind to amplify such a vibe. In contrast, Tie My Shoes presents a seemingly thoughtful and delicate piece that encapsulates Bea’s growth as a whole; it’s reflective of the album and reveals a more fragile side of her thoughts. Bea’s ability to blend sounds during tracks is a standout feature of her material, and this number is excellent proof of just that; not overbearing or complex, just simple and smooth.
The longest track of the record is Girl Song, which voices the difficulties girls face in a modern society and resonates deeply with listeners. It’s a personal, raw expression of emotion and undoubtably stands out on the record. The intricate piano melody accompanying Bea’s voice highlights her ability to craft a consoling, relatable tale. Coming Home follows, with those all-too signature hushed vocals paired alongside a catchy guitar backdrop. It’s an interesting track, weaving stints of violin through a sense of dreaminess that’s elevated by the instrumentals. Further, the piece sounds much like most of her older material but delivered in a way which still feels new; this appears to be a key strength of Beabadoobee’s songwriting.
Everseen, the album’s third single released back in July, was written at a time of elation for the singer, as she toured with Taylor Swift in North America and performed at Glastonbury Festival. It’s a playful indie-pop number driven by seamless plucky percussions and dynamic guitar melodies, all at a faster tempo than other tracks. Written during a period of fantastic achievements, Bea allows the lyrics to take the spotlight much like she herself has when performing onstage at this time. Likewise, A Cruel Affair allows the instrumentation to shine instead, blending various genres through a bossa nova percussion and echo-laden electric guitar. This combination makes the song memorable, drawing listeners in with Bea’s light, airy vocals too. The album reaches its tenth track with Post, which places emphasis on the drums to convey a heightened sense of excitement or strong emotion. It’s a bass-heavy song that offers a clear expression of who Beabadoobee is as an artist.
The latest single released ahead of the albums debut is Beaches, a summery tune written about the artist’s first encounter with the sandy seafront. The song features a variety of guitar sounds, from crisp electric pulses to an impressive, grungy solo midway through; a twinkling chime is woven in too, adding to the song’s breezy, sunny vibe. The track captures the tranquility one feels when on “the right beaches”, or the right path; it’s a call for listeners to seek happiness in the present day.
Following heartfelt tune Everything I Want, about true, healthy love, the album reaches its penultimate track,The Man Who Left Too Soon. The piece reintroduces a sound reminiscent of the 2023 single ‘The Way Things Go’, whilst continuing to sit well on the ear. Although it’s the shortest song on the record, it’s still infused with the signature dreamy softness which seems to define the record altogether; It feels as though ballet dancers are moving gracefully in sync, bringing a sense of unity and understanding to listeners. Those ballet dancers soon transition into the ballroom with the closing track This Is How It Went. It’s a culmination of all the emotions and sonics woven through the album and is perfectly suited for a ballroom dance. Its sweet and sincere in form, with masterful layering of the acoustic guitar and tasteful piano making for a divine conclusion to a charming record.
As a whole, This is How Tomorrow Moves is an honest and creative burst of authentically crafted material which brings you almost face to face with Beabadoobee herself. The record demonstrates her ability to effortlessly blend a rich sound palette with vivid, personal themes, all executed with simplicity and professionalism. If you didn’t know how tomorrow moves, hopefully you now do.
