Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, and Depeche Mode Contribute to War Child’s Assist(2) Compilation
Next month, War Child Records will unveil HELP(2), a star-studded charity compilation record featuring a diverse lineup of artists. The album, a sequel to the original 1995 HELP compilation, will support War Child UK’s efforts to aid children affected by conflict globally.
New Music from Pulp and Arctic Monkeys
Listeners have already been given a preview of the album with the release of two tracks: Arctic Monkeys’ “Opening Night,” marking their first new song since 2022, and “Flags,” a collaboration led by Damon Albarn.
Pulp has now contributed “Begging For Change” to the compilation. The song features a children’s choir, also present on “Flags,” with Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker requesting the choir add “boisterous screams” to the track, described as a “primal anthem.” The song also includes vocal contributions from Damon Albarn, Kae Tempest, Carl Barat of The Libertines, and Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C.
Jarvis Cocker reflected on the project, noting that Pulp previously donated the £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to War Child UK in 1996 after winning for Different Class. He stated, “This year we have given more. How much more? You’ll have to wait and see.” [Source: mxdwn]
A Star-Studded Tracklist
HELP(2) boasts an impressive tracklist featuring a wide range of established and rising artists, including:
- Arctic Monkeys
- Damon Albarn
- Depeche Mode
- Olivia Rodrigo (covering The Magnetic Fields’ “The Book of Love”)
- Fontaines D.C. (covering Sinéad O’Connor’s “Black Boys on Mopeds”)
- Wet Leg
- Foals
- Beth Gibbons
- Arooj Aftab & Beck
- Arlo Parks
- Beabadoobee
- Big Thief
- King Krule
- Sampha
- Young Fathers
- and many more.
The full tracklist is as follows:
- 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”
Recording and Film Production
HELP(2) was primarily recorded during a week in November 2025 at Abbey Road Studios in London, under the guidance of producer James Ford. [Source: Spin]
The album is accompanied by a film directed by Jonathan Glazer, utilizing footage captured by children during the recording sessions, offering a unique perspective on the project. The film will also showcase the lives of families in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Yemen, and Sudan.
Release Date and Availability
HELP(2) is scheduled for release on March 6th. Pre-orders are currently available. [Source: War Child] The compilation aims to raise funds for War Child UK, supporting their work to deliver aid, mental health services, and education to children impacted by conflict.