Music Corner
Following his majorly successful record “Pony,” fans eagerly anticipated Rex Orange County (Alex O’Connor’s one man band) to release more heart wrenching music. However, when O’Connor released his chipper single “KEEP IT UP,” it was clear he would not be supplying the traditional break-up ballads he has become known for. His fourth album “WHO CARES?” is a comeback project filled with O’Connor’s iconic, raspy vocals. Following “KEEP IT UP” on the 11 song tracklist is the single “OPEN A WINDOW (feat. Tyler, the Creator).” Though Tyler’s appearance felt brief, it was not lacking in quality; followers of both artists were delighted to hear the two collaborate again. A true standout within the album is “IF YOU WANT IT,” which breaks the boundaries of O’Conner’s typical sound due to his collaboration with producer Benny Sings. While the artist normally saves his strongest songs for the end, O’Connor’s closers, “SHOOT ME DOWN” and titular track, “WHO CARES?,” feel absent of the soul touching variable that listeners have become accustomed to at the end of a Rex Orange County album. Whereas O’Connor went the unexpected route, he has provided listeners with enjoyable tracks to last the whole summer.
