A lot can happen in two years. In 2023, Barry Can’t Swim’s highly acclaimed debut album When Will We Land? took the dance music world by storm. Surpassing 100 million streams and earning a nomination for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, the artist also secured major festival slots at iconic events like Coachella and Glastonbury. Today, Barry Can’t Swim releases his sophomore album Loner via Ninja Tune Records. Regarding the project’s evolution, Barry shared, “If my first album was a collage of all the music I loved and was inspired by growing up, then this album is the most authentic expression I could offer of myself and my life over the past year.”
Where When Will We Land? was defined by its euphoric and uplifting energy, Loner leans into a far more melancholic space. As the title suggests, the album is deeply introspective and reflective. Beyond the rhythmic foundations, the overall tone and atmosphere of the project are cerebral and profound. Tracks like “All My Friends” offer a captivating experience with soulful vocals and drifting melodies, while “Kimpton,” featuring the eclectic O’Flynn, maintains a sense of continuity with his previous work while pushing into new emotional territory.
“Like It’s Part Of The Dance” stands out as a definitive track for Barry’s current sound. It functions as a dancefloor-ready cut while simultaneously carrying a poignant, tear-jerking quality. The production showcases an impressive use of sampling, including a nod to Brandy’s 1994 classic “I Wanna Be Down.” Other highlights include the breathtaking “Still Riding,” which samples Kali Uchis’ “Ridin Round,” and the nostalgic “Childhood,” which utilizes Willie Hutch’s “I Choose You”—a sample famously immortalized by UGK and Outkast’s “Int’l Players Anthem.”
Loner sees Barry go deeper, taking parts of his uplifting global sound and incorporating a sense of echoing introspection. It is a project that rewards multiple listens, revealing the meticulous care Barry took in crafting a cohesive world. Following a completely sold-out North American tour, Barry Can’t Swim is currently hitting the festival circuit, with upcoming appearances at Lollapalooza, Osheago, and Hard Summer.
Stream Loner below and enjoy!