HONNE, the duo already known for their breakout 2016 LP Warm on a Cold Night, has recently released LET’S JUST SAY THE WORLD ENDED A WEEK FROM NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? which was written throughout the unpredictable months of 2020. The album has been highly sought after for quite some time, as HONNE’s previous titles have amassed over 2 billion streams worldwide. Brought to life by James Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck, the album features a multitude of special guests, and the duo’s originality have captured the hearts of a variety of audiences.
“THREE STRIKERS” features the ever-popular Khalid, and is an excellent introduction to LET’S JUST SAY THE WORLD ENDED A WEEK FROM NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? The song is ethereal in presentation, flowing smoothly between each lyric with blissful yet solemn undertones. The blending of instrumentals and vocals are coated with the pain of loneliness that was experienced during the peak of the pandemic; “THREE STRIKERS” is a masterpiece produced from a harrowing time.
“IDGAF ABOUT PAIN” opens up to listeners about relationships, and the blindness one can gain towards abusive tendencies. The upbeat whistling and one off comments the song features can trick audiences into believing the track holds a happy message, but in truth presents the complete opposite. Lines such as “I gave you sunshine, and you gave me rain, I gave you a massage, and you gave me a sprain” spares no details in speaking of unnoticed abuse, and how one can become numb to it over time.
“COMING HOME” features a gorgeously filmed music video. Directed & Edited by Jay Green, the way that it was composed and brought to life makes it seem like its entirety was shot in one take. Scenes flow by effortlessly with the smoothest transitional work imaginable, fitting perfectly with the easy-going vibe of the song as a whole. As the title suggests, “COMING HOME” featuring NIKI speaks of missing another, and dreaming of the day you will return to the arms of your beloved.
“WHAT WOULD YOU DO?” also tells a story through video. Beginning with Pink Sweat$ in a puddle saying the world might end in a week, he encourages a boy (Daniel Ooko) to tell the girl he loves how he feels before it’s too late. The song and video is fun and heartwarming as we watch the boy and girl (played by Rebecca Louise) fall in a confident and unbreakable love. The overall message of this track in presented in the lyrics, saying “just tell somebody you love them, before it’s too late, cause you’re out running of time, don’t wait another day.”
“DANCING ON A CLOUD” is the definition of a serotonin boost. The groovy sound and genuine happy vibe this track gives off practically forces audiences to smile ear to ear. “Love is a game you should try,” as the track says and relays the unspeakable joy of being in the arms of the one that is truly for you.
“NOW I’M ALONE” featuring Sofía Valdés does a complete 180 in mood, and speaks of the the horror that comes with being cheated on. The track holds the perfect sound to be listened to on a rainy day. Valdés and HONNE sound fantastic alone, but when mixed together they effortlessly mesmerizing. The struggle of emotions presents itself in the juxtaposing lines of “I’m so not over it” and “I’m over it” being right after the other, showcasing the conflicting feelings during the heartbreak of being betrayed.
“TALK TO ME” is soft in its sound and message, and hits close to home for all of us. Not wanting to fight anymore, HONNE relays the feelings of wanting to talk through it, saying “we both know we don’t need to be like this, I promise you I’m listening, so talk to me.” Communication is such a staple in meaningful relationships. “TALK TO ME” portrays healing in the desire to talk through it, and figure out what went wrong together.
“BACK ON TOP” is another installment of pure joy and nice beats. Featuring Griff, the track covers the positive thoughts that swirl your brain when thinking of love, and how light and blissful it feels to be infatuated with the perfect person. If good vibes required an anthem, “BACK ON TOP” would be the perfect choice.
“EASY ON ME” holds a gentle guitar and the vulnerability of asking for help. Showing off your weak side isn’t always the easiest thing to do, and this track conveys this experience and the struggles that it comes with. “EASY ON ME” is groovy in presentation and sure to fill any holes that may be present in listener’s hearts.
“I’M THE LUCKY ONE” relishes in being grateful for what you have and those that cherish you as much as you cherish them. The track is sweet like chocolate and warm like a blanket on a cold winter evening. Just one example of how tender the lyrics can be includes “There must be someone out there, who’s looking out for me, it’s like you were tailor made, and we were meant to be.”
“HEARTSONG” holds the thrilling fear of placing all of your trust in someone, and seeing how they will treat or mistreat what you have given to them. The song has layers in being hopeful that your trust will be handled with utmost care, that “only you can bring me back, ’til I’m all of me.”
LET’S JUST SAY THE WORLD ENDED A WEEK FROM NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? can be defined as a take on the human experience. Just as we all do, the albums has mood shifts of ups and downs, asks questions and is vulnerable in conveying desires whether they be selfish or not. This album is special that it has the ability to make you laugh and cry in the same listening period; it’s truly a treasure that should be cherished for the many years to come.