British singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone has unveiled her highly anticipated second album, Cruel World, set for release on April 10, 2026. The project marks a new era for the 26-year-old artist, who has quickly become one of the most distinctive voices of her generation.
A Dark Fairy-Tale Universe
Humberstone describes Cruel World as a “dark fairy-tale world” inspired by childhood memories, gothic imagery, and emotional storytelling. The record explores the tension between pain and pleasure, chaos and acceptance, weaving together themes of healing, rediscovery, and belonging. The album’s visual identity was crafted with her sister Eleri and creative director Silken Weinberg. Drawing inspiration from ballet shoes, Alice in Wonderland books, and films like Edward Scissorhands and James and the Giant Peach, Humberstone has created a cinematic, gothic aesthetic that reflects her personal journey.
Lead Single “To Love Somebody”
Alongside the announcement, Humberstone released the lead single “To Love Somebody,” accompanied by a striking music video directed by Weinberg. Influenced by Victorian theatre, the Brothers Grimm, and the silent horror classic Nosferatu, the video sets the tone for the album’s haunting visual world. Humberstone explained that the song was inspired by a close friend’s painful breakup. “It’s better to have loved and lost, even when it hurts, because feeling everything is part of being human,” she said. The track highlights her ability to capture vulnerability and resilience in equal measure.
Themes of Love and Connection
Written with longtime collaborator Rob Milton, Cruel World examines different forms of love—romantic, platonic, and self-love. Humberstone has said the record reflects her experiences growing up around strong women and challenges the idea of female competition, instead celebrating solidarity and connection. Songs like “Die Happy,” released earlier, showcase her gothic approach to love and desire, drawing on fairy tales, Dracula, and the melancholy of changing seasons.
Rising Career and Global Stage
Since her 2021 EP Falling Asleep at the Wheel, Humberstone has grown from recording in her family home in Grantham, England, to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages. She has played Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Wembley Stadium, where she opened for Taylor Swift.
Her accolades include winning the BRIT Rising Star award in 2022 and earning an Ivor Novello nomination for “Haunted House.” With Cruel World, Humberstone continues to cement her reputation as one of the UK’s most compelling young artists. Fans can catch her on tour this spring across the UK and Europe, followed by appearances at major festivals including Coachella, Governors Ball, and Bonnaroo.
