War Child Records announce HELP(2) coming this March

War Child Records have announced they will be releasing a new charity record, HELP(2). 

Inspired by the landmark 1995 release HELP, the fresh collaborative album like the original, speaks to the urgency of the humanitarian situation globally today.

HELP(2) was brought to life through a close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, recorded predominantly across one extraordinary week in November 2025 under the stewardship of acclaimed producer James Ford. 

Speaking on the production, Ford stated: "I felt incredibly honoured when War Child asked me to work on HELP(2). The original HELP meant a lot to me and to have the opportunity, given the current news cycle, to help galvanize our music community into doing something as unarguably positive as helping children in war zones seemed like a no brainer. 

"The experience of making the album itself has been very powerful, and dare I say life affirming for me personally, against the backdrop of a very difficult year. I'm extremely proud of the results and of the efforts made by all involved. I can't wait for people to hear this very special record."

The spirit of the original record was reflected in the collaborative nature of the recording process with numerous impromptu moments unfolding in the studio. Damon Albarn's session for Flags saw him joined by Johnny Marr on guitar and Kae Tempest and Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C. on vocals; and Olivia Rodrigo was connected with Graham Coxon resulting in the guitarist performing on her cover of The Book of Love.

Other collaborators also include Dove Ellis, Sampha, Big Thief and many, many more. 

It was also announced earlier this week that Arctic Monkeys would be releasing the project's first single Opening Night, which is out now. You can listen to the track below: . 

The band also commented on their involvement, saying: "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. 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.

In addition to the stellar cast of musicians, Academy Award Winner Jonathan Glazer acted as Creative Director for HELP(2), working with Academy Films to assemble a team of brilliant creatives to oversee the filming of the trailer. 

Titled By Children, For Children, the concept focuses on children operating their own camera, in order to see the world through their eyes and serve as a constant reminder of the reason for the endeavour to the audience and all involved. 

You can watch the trailer below: 

When is HELP(2) being released? 

HELP (2) is out on Friday 6 March via War Child Records and can be pre-ordered here. 

What artists are involved in the new War Child album HELP(2) and what is the tracklist? 

The full list of collaborators and tracklist can be found below: 
 
1.    Arctic Monkeys - Opening Night
2.    Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest - Flags 
3.    Black Country, New Road - Strangers
4.    The Last Dinner Party - Let's do it again!
5.    Beth Gibbons - Sunday Morning
6.    Arooj Aftab & Beck - Lilac Wine
7.    King Krule - The 343 Loop
8.    Depeche Mode - Universal Soldier
9.    Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng - Helicopters
10.    Arlo Parks - Nothing I Could Hide
11.    English Teacher & Graham Coxon - Parasite
12.    Beabadoobee - Say Yes
13.    Big Thief - Relive, Redie
14.    Fontaines D.C. - Black Boys on Mopeds
15.    Cameron Winter - Warning 
16.    Young Fathers - Don't Fight the Young
17.    Pulp - Begging for Change
18.    Sampha - Naboo 
19.    Wet Leg - Obvious
20.    Foals - When the War is Finally Done 
21.    Bat For Lashes - Carried my girl 
22.    Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis - Sunday Light
23.    Olivia Rodrigo - The Book of Love