Released on January 28th, Collapsed In Sunbeams, is the premiere album for British singer Arlo Parks. Leading with its title track “Collapsed In Sunbeams”, a poem is told that allows us to understand the story that is about to unfold. As Parks manifests, “Collapsed In Sunbeams- stretched out open to beauty no matter how brief or violent.” It is here that Parks sets up the tone of the album, and allows for us to be carried on the journey of love, and how each of us can travel through time and space alongside Arlo Parks.
After the release of Collapsed In Sunbeams, Arlo Parks took her smooth talents to TV and made her US debut on Jimmy Fallon, performing the song “Hurt.”
Last summer, the singer released the hit as a single with Los Angles based producer Luca Buccellati, who Parks co-wrote most of the album with. Throughout Collapsed In Sunbeams, a special story is told. A story about love, vulnerability, and youth is portrayed. But “Hurt” stands out from the rest.
“Hurt” focuses on the pain that is behind a generation. Parks sings on the cognitive dissonance between desires and reality and how these have the inability to intertwine. Throughout the song, you can hear Parks hurt, concern, and admiration. She sings on the troubling actions of others, and how they refuse to see the world around them, yet as Parks in the chorus sings “won’t hurt so much forever.” An anthem is created to pull those who are facing difficult times, and Parks is put into place to soothe the pain of others.
The message of “Hurt” is clearly shown throughout her Jimmy Kimmel performance. Performing alongside her band in a room that’s beautifully adorned with suspended books and lamps, Parks gives a smooth groove that makes you feel at ease with each view and draws a further curiosity into the other sounds that Parks has to offer.
Prior to the album’s debut, Parks released the singles Black Dog” and “Eugene”. Parks additionally created a pair of EPs named Sophie and Super Sad Generation. Parks has also collaborated with artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo, and Glass animals.
Love Arlo Parks? Check her out on Instagram, Twitter and Spotify.
Subscribe to Beyond the Stage to stay up-to-date on all of your favorite artists.
