Declan McKenna has been hailed as a rising star in the music industry, with many comparing him to one of the greatest songwriters of all time — Bob Dylan. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter has certainly earned the nickname of the ‘New Bob Dylan’ with his socially conscious lyrics and knack for storytelling.
When it comes to songwriting, Bob Dylan is a challenging name to follow. However, McKenna has managed to capture the essence of Dylan’s storytelling and channel it into his own unique sound. Like Dylan, McKenna is unafraid to tackle controversial subjects, and his lyrics often contain powerful messages.
With two critically acclaimed albums under his belt, McKenna is proving to be one of the most promising songwriters of his generation. In this article, we’ll explore five of his most memorable songs that have earned him the ‘New Bob Dylan’ nickname.
5. Brazil (2015)
In the world of music, it’s rare to come across a song that is both catchy and politically charged. However, Declan McKenna’s breakout hit ‘Brazil’ manages to do just that. With its upbeat melody and catchy chorus, it’s easy to overlook the underlying message of the song – the corruption surrounding the Swiss sports administrator Sepp Blatter and the social inequality that plagued Brazil in the lead-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Yet, it’s precisely this contrast that makes ‘Brazil’ such a powerful piece of music. By juxtaposing the festive atmosphere of the World Cup with the harsh realities faced by many Brazilians, then-16-year-old McKenna highlights the hypocrisy of the event and calls for a more just and equitable world.
4. Paracetamol (2016)
‘Paracetamol’ is a powerful song that tackles the sensitive topic of gender and sexuality with grace and honesty. The track features a driving beat and a powerful chorus, but it’s the lyrics that really come forward. Declan McKenna’s verses explore the experiences of a transgender person who is struggling to be accepted by society. According to the musician, using ‘Paracetamol’ as the title was his way of comparing the belief that someone can be cured of homosexuality with therapy to an everyday painkiller. By highlighting the discrimination and bigotry faced by the LGBTQ+ community, McKenna reminds us that there is still much work to be done to create a more accepting and equitable society.
3. Bethlehem (2016)
‘Bethlehem’ is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Declan McKenna’s talent as a songwriter. The track’s sparse instrumentation and melancholy melody create a somber atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics. McKenna’s verses reflect on the complexities of religion and faith, touching on themes such as doubt, disillusionment, and spiritual longing. With ‘Bethlehem,’ he offers a thoughtful and nuanced perspective on these weighty subjects while bringing religion’s negative side forward, especially on war and hate. Just like Dylan, McKenna doesn’t hesitate to mingle with sensitive subjects in his songs.
2. Isombard (2016)
‘Isombard’ is an electrifying track with a high-energy delivery and driving beat. Declan McKenna wrote the song after seeing right-wing media coverage on television, thinking that this was a divisive approach. Lyrically, ‘Isombard’ is a scathing critique of the political establishment and its failures to address the issues of our time. Written from the perspective of a politician who tries to get people on his side, the song also uses the famous quote from Martin Luther King: ‘If we can’t run, then we will walk.’
1. Beautiful Faces (2020)
Up until this point, we have seen Declan McKenna tackling serious topics with four high-energy songs. With ‘Beautiful Faces,’ he stays more on the optimistic side and tries to give hope to the young generation. Speaking to NME, McKenna described the song as ‘a brave new anthem for doomed youth’ and said he tried to voice how intimidating and scary the modern world is for them. Looking through the lyrics and the tone of the song, ‘Beautiful Faces’ is a catchy track with an upbeat atmosphere, but the musician aims to point out the forced and fake elements of pop culture and social media. Overall, Declan McKenna is an aspiring young musician who follows Bob Dylan’s steps with a brand new approach.
