Weeks of teasing led up to this moment: War Child Records finally unveiled the massive lineup for HELP(2), a compilation record that brings together artists to raise money for the UK nonprofit dedicated to supporting children living through conflict.
This time around, both rising stars and rock legends have written new, original music, all set for release March 6. The record was produced by James Ford, with artistic direction led by The Zone Of Interest director Jonathan Glazer.
Arctic Monkeys, who haven't released anything since 2022's The Car, return for the first track, "Opening Night". You can listen to their song below:
"When James Ford called and asked if we’d contribute to the HELP(2) album we set to work on a song idea and assembled in Abbey Road to record it," said Arctic Monkeys. "We are proud to support the invaluable work War Child do and hope the record will make a positive difference to the lives of children affected by war."
Some exciting collaborations are present on the record. Grian Chatten of Fontaines DC — who also appear on the tracklist — has collaborated with Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and Kae Tempest for the second track, "Flags". The Mercury Prize-winning indie rock group English Teacher got to work with other Blur member Graham Coxon for "Parasite". The track "Sunday Light" pairs Anna Calvi and Ellie Roswell with recent breakout artists Nilüfer Yanya and Dove Ellis.
Other artists of note on this record include Cameron Winter, Depeche Mode, Pulp, Big Thief, King Krule, Wet Leg, Bat for Lashes, Beth Gibbons, and Black Country, New Road.
Olivia Rodrigo claims the final spot on the tracklist with "The Book of Love", her first piece of new music since 2023.
War Child released their first collaborative record, HELP, in 1995. When it was released, "10% of the world's children were affected by conflict," the nonprofit shared over social media. "That figure has almost doubled to 19%, affecting 520 million children. Right now, 1 in 5 children worldwide are at risk of losing their childhoods to conflict." The proceeds of their record will provide vital aid to these people.
Rich Clarke, Head of Music at War Child UK, provided the additional following statement:
"HELP(2) is more than an album. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when the music industry comes together around a shared purpose. It has united a diverse group of artists and creatives in support of War Child’s vital work with children affected by the devastating impacts of war. We are immensely grateful to all the artists and teams who have donated their voices, talent and time to support our mission to ensure that no child is caught up in conflict zones. We hope this record not only raises vital funds, but also awareness of the urgent need to turn compassion into action and do more to protect children living through war."

HELP(2) is out March 6. Pre-order here. Official tracklist:
- Arctic Monkeys - "Opening Night"
- Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest - "Flags"
- Black Country, New Road - "Strangers"
- The Last Dinner Party - "Let’s do it again!"
- Beth Gibbons - "Sunday Morning"
- Arooj Aftab & Beck - "Lilac Wine"
- King Krule - "The 343 Loop"
- Depeche Mode - "Universal Soldier"
- Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng - "Helicopters"
- Arlo Parks - "Nothing I Could Hide"
- English Teacher & Graham Coxon - "Parasite"
- Beabadoobee - "Say Yes"
- Big Thief - "Relive, Redie"
- Fontaines D.C. - "Black Boys on Mopeds"
- Cameron Winter - "Warning"
- Young Fathers - "Don’t Fight the Young"
- Pulp - "Begging for Change"
- Sampha - "Naboo"
- Wet Leg - "Obvious"
- Foals - "When the War is Finally Done"
- Bat For Lashes - "Carried my girl"
- Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis - "Sunday Light"
- Olivia Rodrigo - "The Book of Love"
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