Name: WHO CARES? by Rex Orange County
Brand: Rex Orange County
SKU: 886449644285
Price: 9.9 USD
Availability: OnlineOnly
Rating: 4 (77 reviews)

ALBUM Explicit

English singer/songwriter Alexander O'Connor, aka Rex Orange County, has garnered acclaim for his low-key brand of '70s-style AM pop, a vibe he continues to perfect on his artful and heartfelt fourth album, 2022's Who Cares? On past albums O'Connor has showcased his knack for making hummable piano-driven songs that smartly evoke the classic work of artists like Elton John and Randy Newman, but with nods to contemporary indie rock and hip-hop influences. Recorded in the Netherlands with the similarly AM pop-influenced Benny Sings (Tim Van Berkestijn), Who Cares? is a perfect amalgam of O'Connor's throwback instincts, marked by sun-dappled melodies, orchestral sections, woody bass grooves, and a cloudy-day sadness that feels decidedly post-millennial. What's particularly compelling this time out is just how good the songwriting is. It feels like O'Connor is reaching out to his audience, crafting songs that manage to frame his own emotions in bigger, more broadly relatable ways. It also doesn't hurt that these are hooky, thoughtfully constructed anthems that have the vibe of modern standards. "One in a Million" is an earthy R&B cut that brings to mind Al Green, at the same time "7AM" soars with an ebullient Paul Williams-esque melodicism. Similarly, "Open a Window" (featuring Tyler, the Creator) conjures '70s Stevie Wonder, while "The Shade'' wouldn't sound out of place on a Fleetwood Mac album. Thankfully, all of Who Cares? sounds exactly like Rex Orange County coming into his own. ~ Matt Collar

1. KEEP IT UP

by Rex Orange County

Composer: Benny Sings
Alex O'connor; Composer
Background Vocals: Benny Sings; Performer
Bass: Joe Maclaren; Performer
Keyboard: Rex Orange County
Benny Sings; Performer
Performer: Rex Orange County; Performer
Piano: Rex Orange County; Performer
Vocals: Rex Orange County; Performer
Lyricist: Alex O'connor
Benny Sings; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Tom Archer; Production
Mastering Engineer: Joe Laporta; Production
Mixing Engineer: Ben Baptie; Production
Programmer: Benny Sings; Production
Recording: Benny Sings; Production
Primary Artist: Rex Orange County; Main Performer
Producer: Benny Sings
Rex Orange County; Production

2. OPEN A WINDOW (feat. Tyler, The Creator)

by Rex Orange County, Tyler, The Creator

Bass: Joe Maclaren; Performer
Lyricist: Tyler Okonma
Benny Sings
Alex O'connor; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Tom Archer; Production
Mixing Engineer: Ben Baptie; Production
Percussion: Rex Orange County; Performer
Performer: Rex Orange County
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler
Rex Orange County Feat. Tyler; Performer
Mastering Engineer: Joe Laporta; Production
Featured Artist: Tyler; Main Performer
Piano: Rex Orange County; Performer
Vocals: Rex Orange County
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler; Performer
Composer: Benny Sings
Alex O'connor
Tyler Okonma; Composer
Programmer: Benny Sings; Production
Recording: Vic Wainstein
Benny Sings; Production
The Creator: Tyler
Rex Orange County Feat. Tyler; Other
Primary Artist: Rex Orange County
Tyler, The Creator; Main Performer
Producer: Benny Sings
Rex Orange County; Production