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Blue Weekend
View on Wikipedia
| Blue Weekend | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 4 June 2021 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 40:08 | |||
| Label | Dirty Hit | |||
| Producer | Markus Dravs | |||
| Wolf Alice chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Blue Weekend | ||||
| ||||
Blue Weekend is the third studio album by English rock band Wolf Alice, released on 4 June 2021 through Dirty Hit. Their first studio album in four years, Blue Weekend was preceded by four singles—"The Last Man on Earth", "Smile", "No Hard Feelings" and "How Can I Make It OK?". The album received acclaim from music critics, with many naming it the band's best work, and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2021. It was their final album with Dirty Hit before signing with Columbia Records.
Release
[edit]On 24 February 2021, Wolf Alice announced the album's title and initial release date of 11 June, alongside the release of lead single "The Last Man on Earth".[6] On 3 May 2021, the band announced that they would be bringing the album's release earlier by one week, to 4 June.[7]
Promotion
[edit]Singles
[edit]Blue Weekend was preceded by four singles. "The Last Man on Earth" was released on 24 February 2021 as the album's lead single.[8] It was premiered by Annie Mac on her eponymous BBC Radio 1 Radio program, where Ellie Rowsell and Theo Ellis from the band co-hosted with her. The music video was released on YouTube an hour after Mac's radio show started.[8]
"Smile" was released on 20 April 2021 as the album's second single. It was premiered the same way as its predecessor.[9]
"No Hard Feelings" was released on 11 May 2021, an hour earlier than the previous two on Zane Lowe's Apple Music show, with the music video again released on YouTube an hour afterwards.[10] "How Can I Make It OK?" was released on 3 June 2021 as the fourth and last single of the album along with a music video on YouTube.[11]
Critical reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AnyDecentMusic? | 8.3/10[12] |
| Metacritic | 91/100[13] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Classic Rock | 9/10[15] |
| The Daily Telegraph | |
| DIY | |
| The Guardian | |
| The Independent | |
| Mojo | |
| NME | |
| Pitchfork | 7.2/10[20] |
| The Scotsman | |
Blue Weekend received acclaim from music critics, many of whom described it as their best album.[22] On Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating of 100, the album received an average score of 91, based on 19 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[13] It was ranked as the third highest-rated album of 2021 on the website at the time of release.[23]
Blue Weekend was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2021, and multiple NME Awards in 2022.[24][25]
Accolades
[edit]| Publication | List | Rank | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albumism | The 100 Best Albums of 2021 | 3
|
|
| The AU Review | The 40 Best Albums of 2021 | 3
|
|
| DIY | DIY’S Best Albums Of 2021 | 1
|
|
| Far Out Magazine | The 50 Best Albums of 2021 | 6
|
|
| Gaffa | Her er årets 20 bedste internationale album | 4
|
|
| The Guardian | The 50 Best Albums of 2021 | 2
|
|
| NME | The 50 best albums of 2021 | 3
|
|
| Nothing but Hope and Passion | NBHAP’s 50 Best Albums Of 2021 | 2
|
|
| OOR | Dit Zijn De 20 Beste Albums Van 2021 | 7
|
|
| The Skinny | The Skinny's Top Ten Albums of 2021 | 7
|
Commercial performance
[edit]Blue Weekend debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart with 36,182 copies sold in its first week, becoming Wolf Alice's first number-one album.[36] It was the biggest-selling album of 2021 in UK independent record shops.[37]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Theo Ellis and Joel Amey.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Beach" | 2:35 |
| 2. | "Delicious Things" | 5:04 |
| 3. | "Lipstick on the Glass" | 4:07 |
| 4. | "Smile" | 3:16 |
| 5. | "Safe from Heartbreak (If You Never Fall in Love)" | 2:32 |
| 6. | "How Can I Make It OK?" | 4:47 |
| 7. | "Play the Greatest Hits" | 2:27 |
| 8. | "Feeling Myself" | 4:43 |
| 9. | "The Last Man on Earth" | 4:21 |
| 10. | "No Hard Feelings" | 2:35 |
| 11. | "The Beach II" | 3:39 |
| Total length: | 40:08 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 12. | "Smile" (Demo) | 3:10 |
| Total length: | 43:21 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 12. | "Time Is Not A Straight Line" (Demo) | 2:35 |
| Total length: | 42:43 | |
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the liner notes of Blue Weekend.[41]
Wolf Alice
[edit]- Ellie Rowsell – vocals, guitar, piano, bass, programming, Mellotron, synth, Wurlitzer, string arrangement
- Joff Oddie – guitar, piano, backing vocals, glock, programming, synth, claps, electric upright bass, bass, tenor resonator, 12-string, classical guitar, acoustic guitar
- Theo Ellis – bass, programming
- Joel Amey – drums, percussion, synth, backing vocals, guitar, Stylophone, programming, claps
Additional musicians
[edit]- Owen Pallett – string arrangement, violin, viola
- Iain Berryman – glasses, programming, keys, trumpet
- Joel Workman – electric upright bass
- Michael Peter Olsen – cello
- Markus Dravs – programming, synth
Technical
[edit]- Markus Dravs – production
- Iain Berryman – engineering, additional production
- Joel Workman – engineering assistance (all tracks); additional engineering (track 9)
- Charlie Andrew – vocal production (track 3); additional vocal production (tracks 1, 6, 9, 10); additional vocal recording (tracks 2, 4)
- Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing
- Matt Wolach – mixing assistance
- Ted Jensen – mastering
Artwork
[edit]- Jordan Hemingway – creative direction, photography
- Jamie Reid – art direction
- Aiden Miller – design
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[57] | Gold | 100,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label | Catalogue | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 4 June 2021 | Dirty Hit | Not applicable | [58] | |
| Australia | CD |
|
LIB226CD | [59] | |
| LP | DH1058 | [60] | |||
| LP (JB Hi-Fi exclusive editions) |
|
[61] | |||
| New Zealand | CD | Universal Music New Zealand | LIB226CD | [62] | |
| LP | DH1058 | [63] | |||
| LP (JB Hi-Fi exclusive editions) |
|
|
[64] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Wolf Alice: Blue Weekend". Pitchfork.
- ^ a b Hall, James (4 June 2021). "If you thought guitar bands were dead, brace for Wolf Alice's Blue Weekend". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice: Blue Weekend review – marvellous sequel to their Mercury winner". The Observer. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
- ^ Hayden Merrick, Evan Sawdey (24 November 2021). "THE 15 BEST INDIE POP ALBUMS OF 2021". Popmatters. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Wolf Alice review, Blue Weekend: Band are still intensely emotional, but more assured on their third album". The Independent. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice announce new album 'Blue Weekend'". DIY. 24 February 2021. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
- ^ Richards, Will (3 May 2021). "Wolf Alice bring forward the release of new album 'Blue Weekend'". NME Asia. Archived from the original on 4 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
- ^ a b Hussey, Allison (24 February 2021). "Wolf Alice announce new album Blue Weekend, share video for new song: Listen". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- ^ Lavin, Will (20 April 2021). "Wolf Alice share heavy and hypnotic new single 'Smile'". NME. Archived from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ Skinner, Tom (11 May 2021). "Listen to Wolf Alice's delicate new single 'No Hard Feelings'". NME. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice share enchanting new single 'How Can I Make It OK?'". NME. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
- ^ "Blue Weekend by Wolf Alice reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
- ^ a b "Reviews and Tracks for Blue Weekend by Wolf Alice". Metacritic. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
- ^ "Blue Weekend - Wolf Alice | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. 11 June 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
- ^ Classic Rock UK (July 2021). "Classic Rock UK". p. 84.
{{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^ "Wolf Alice - Blue Weekend : A history book-cementing document of a band at the peak of their powers". DIY. 2 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice: Blue Weekend review – massive ambitions exceptionally fulfilled". The Guardian. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
- ^ Collins, Andrew (July 2021). "Filter Albums". Mojo. No. 332. p. 80. ISSN 1351-0193.
- ^ "Wolf Alice – 'Blue Weekend' review: a stone-cold masterpiece full of confidence and magic". NME. 2 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice – 'Blue Weekend' review". Pitchfork. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
- ^ "Album reviews: Texas | James | Wolf Alice | Adam Holmes". The Scotsman. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice: Critics laud band's 'third and best' album". BBC News. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 4 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
- ^ "Best Music and Albums for 2021". Metacritic. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
- ^ "Mercury prize 2021: first-time nominees dominate shortlist". the Guardian. 2 March 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Bandlabs NME Awards 2022". NME. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
- ^ "The 100 Best Albums of 2021". Albumism. 27 November 2021. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ Marshall, Dylan (17 December 2021). "The 40 Best Albums of 2021". The AU Review. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "DIY'S Best Albums Of 2021". DIY. 17 December 2021. Archived from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ Whatley, Jack; Taysom, Joe; Golsen, Tyler; Taylor, Tom; McStarkey, Mick; Kemp, Sam (12 December 2021). "The 50 Best Albums of 2021". Far Out Magazine. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "Her er årets 20 bedste internationale album". Gaffa. 9 December 2021. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben; Snapes, Laura (17 December 2021). "The 50 Best Albums of 2021". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "The 50 best albums of 2021". NME. 10 December 2021. Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "NBHAP's 50 Best Albums Of 2021". Nothing but Hope and Passion. 2 December 2021. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "Dit Zijn De 20 Beste Albums Van 2021". OOR. 16 December 2021. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "The Skinny's Top Ten Albums of 2021". The Skinny. 1 December 2021. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ Masterton, James (11 June 2021). "Charts analysis: Wolf Alice land first No.1 album with Blue Weekend". Music Week. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
- ^ Smith, Carl (23 April 2022). "Record Store Day: The Official biggest albums in record shops each year 2012-2021". Official Charts. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
- ^ Legaspi, Althea (25 February 2021). "Wolf Alice preview new album 'Blue Weekend' with 'The Last Man on Earth'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- ^ "【Wolf Alice】4年振りの新作『Blue Weekend』の日本盤化が決定!新曲も解禁!" (in Japanese). Caroline Records. 22 April 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
- ^ https://www.roughtrade.com/gb/wolf-alice/blue-weekend-rsd-2021[permanent dead link]. Dirty Hit. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
- ^ Blue Weekend (liner notes). Wolf Alice. Dirty Hit. 2021. DH01139.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Australiancharts.com – Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend". Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
- ^ "Top Albums - SNEP". SNEP. 11 June 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Portuguesecharts.com – Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend". Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend". Hung Medien. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice Chart History (Top Current Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ "Wolf Alice Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
- ^ "British album certifications – Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
- ^ "Blue Weekend by Wolf Alice on Apple Music". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Blue Weekend". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Blue Weekend (Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ Blue Weekend received several transparent and colour variant releases in Australia:
- Green Vinyl: "Blue Weekend (Limited Green Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- Transparent Red Vinyl: "Blue Weekend (Limited Transparent Red Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- Transparent Yellow Vinyl: "Blue Weekend (Limited Transparent Yellow Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Blue Weekend". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Blue Weekend (Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ Blue Weekend received several transparent and colour variant releases in New Zealand:
- Green Vinyl: "Blue Weekend (Limited Green Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- Transparent Red Vinyl: "Blue Weekend (Limited Transparent Red Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- Transparent Yellow Vinyl: "Blue Weekend (Limited Transparent Yellow Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 4 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
External links
[edit]- Blue Weekend at Discogs (list of releases)
Blue Weekend
View on GrokipediaBackground and recording
Development
Blue Weekend is the third studio album by the English rock band Wolf Alice, following their Mercury Prize-winning second album Visions of a Life (2017) by a four-year gap. The band—comprising vocalist and guitarist Ellie Rowsell, guitarist Joff Oddie, bassist Theo Ellis, and drummer Joel Amey—began conceptualizing the project in the aftermath of their extensive touring for Visions of a Life, which wrapped in late 2018. Initial ideas emerged organically during these tours, where the members discussed evolving their sound from their indie rock origins toward a more expansive and genre-blending style, incorporating elements of orchestral arrangements and pop structures. They reconvened in Somerset, England, shortly after the tour to share demos and refine these concepts, emphasizing a desire to push beyond the youthful energy of their earlier work.[2][8] A key aspect of the pre-production planning was the decision to collaborate with producer Markus Dravs, known for his work with Arcade Fire and Björk, to help achieve a bolder, more cinematic scope.[9] The band sought Dravs' expertise to streamline their creative process and highlight their strengths, allowing for greater experimentation while maintaining cohesion. As Amey noted, working with Dravs helped restore faith in their intuitive songwriting approach.[2] This choice reflected their intent to mature artistically, focusing on themes of vulnerability and introspection rather than the raw, adolescent perspectives of prior releases. Rowsell explained that the album served as a reminder to practice self-kindness, marking a shift toward more personal and emotionally nuanced lyrics.[8] The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the recording phase, with sessions planned for early 2020 proceeding amid global lockdowns. The band had intended to begin in January 2020 but navigated restrictions, which ultimately influenced the album's reflective tone without derailing the core vision.[8] Despite these challenges, the pre-production phase solidified their commitment to a sound that captured personal growth, setting the stage for sessions in Belgium later that year.[2]Recording
The principal recording sessions for Blue Weekend took place at ICP Studios in Brussels, Belgium, selected by Wolf Alice for its secluded environment that minimized distractions from their London base and encouraged focused creativity, a choice informed by their earlier experience tracking the Creature Songs EP there.[10] The band, joined by producer Markus Dravs—known for his work with Arcade Fire and Coldplay—began core tracking in January 2020, emphasizing live band performances to capture an organic, immediate feel across the album's arrangements.[2][8] Additional overdubs and refinements occurred at Iguana Studio in London, allowing the group to layer elements such as strings arranged and performed by Owen Pallett and synthesizers programmed by Dravs, enhancing the record's textural depth without overcomplicating the foundational live takes.[11] Engineers Iain Berryman handled primary tracking and additional production, while Joel Workman provided engineering assistance throughout, ensuring a cohesive sound that balanced the band's raw energy with polished instrumentation.[11] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the timeline, with the band choosing to remain in Brussels during the initial 2020 lockdowns to complete much of the work on-site, extending production from writing phases in 2019 through early 2021 as travel restrictions limited relocation options.[10][12] This isolation inadvertently fostered deeper immersion, though it necessitated some remote contributions for final elements amid delays. Post-production mixing was overseen by Mark "Spike" Stent at The Mixsuite in Los Angeles, with assistance from Matt Wolach, followed by mastering by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in New York.[5][11]Composition
Musical style
Blue Weekend is primarily classified as alternative rock, incorporating elements of shoegaze, dream pop, and indie pop, spanning a runtime of 40:08 across 11 tracks.[4][13][6] The album's sonic palette features a polished, widescreen production that emphasizes atmospheric textures and emotional expansiveness, blending fuzzy guitar layers with melodic introspection.[13][6] Compared to the band's previous album Visions of a Life (2017), Blue Weekend represents a more cinematic and extravagant evolution, with grander arrangements and broader genre explorations that shift dynamically from intimate ballads to explosive choruses.[6][13] This refinement enhances the album's cohesion while maintaining Wolf Alice's unpredictable spirit, allowing for seamless transitions between restraint and intensity.[14] The core instrumentation centers on Joff Oddie's prominent guitars, Theo Ellis's rumbling basslines, and Joel Amey's driving drums, underpinning Ellie Rowsell's versatile vocals that range from whispered vulnerability to soaring screams.[13][14] Synths and piano also play key roles, adding buzzing undercurrents and gentle surges to tracks like "The Beach II" and "The Last Man on Earth."[14][13] Produced by Markus Dravs, the album employs layered reverb and overdubs to create immersive depth, evident in the shoegaze-infused haze of "The Last Man on Earth," where piano swells into epic orchestration.[13][6] Tracks like "Smile" feature crunching riffs and funk-metal grooves with orchestral swells, while "Feeling Myself" incorporates experimental noise through effects-laden guitars for a heaving, echoing texture.[14][13] The album draws influences from 1990s shoegaze and grunge, echoing the textural density of acts like My Bloody Valentine, alongside punky edges reminiscent of Elastica and broader art rock expanses akin to Radiohead's structural ambitions.[13][15][6]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Blue Weekend center on themes of isolation, relationships, existential anxiety, and personal growth, deeply influenced by the introspective atmosphere of the COVID-19 pandemic during which the album was written and recorded. Lead vocalist Ellie Rowsell has described the process as drawing from personal experiences amalgamated into broader narratives, reflecting a period of lockdown-induced solitude in Brussels that amplified feelings of disconnection and self-reflection. For instance, tracks explore the emotional turbulence of romantic entanglements and the search for resolution amid uncertainty, capturing a pandemic-era sense of longing and resilience.[16] Rowsell's songwriting style is poetic and abstract, blending raw vulnerability with moments of defiance to convey emotional depth without direct exposition. In "Smile," she addresses being underestimated and responds with empowering lines that highlight themes of self-assertion against sexism and external judgment. Similarly, "Feeling Myself" embodies a defiant embrace of self-love and personal empowerment, contrasting the vulnerability found in breakup reflections elsewhere on the album. Rowsell often starts with notes jotted on her phone from daily observations, films, or conversations, refining them into lyrics that prioritize emotional authenticity over literal storytelling.[17][18][19] Recurring motifs include nature imagery, such as beaches symbolizing escape and fleeting moments of connection, alongside explorations of femininity and the transience of youth. The album's title evokes a "blue weekend"—initially a metaphor for a beautiful, hopeful escape under blue skies, but tinged with melancholy to represent life's dualities of joy and sorrow. Tracks like "The Beach" incorporate female camaraderie and natural settings as motifs for unity amid isolation, with collaborative input from bandmates Joff Oddie, Theo Ellis, and Joel Amey in crafting the lyrics. This shared writing process, as seen in the credits for "The Beach," allows for a layered perspective on friendship and renewal.[19][16][20] The album follows an overall narrative arc from yearning and tension to tentative resolution, mirroring the emotional span of a reflective weekend. It begins with the instrumental opener "The Beach" and includes anxious introspection in "How Can I Make It OK?," grappling with relational doubts, progressing toward closure in "The Beach II," where a hopeful, freeing outlook underscores themes of progression through adversity.[17][18]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from ''Blue Weekend'', "The Last Man on Earth", was released on 24 February 2021 via Dirty Hit.[21] The track, an ethereal alternative rock piece, was accompanied by a black-and-white music video directed by Jordan Hemingway, featuring frontwoman Ellie Rowsell wandering through desolate landscapes.[22] It peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Sales Chart and UK Singles Downloads Chart, and number 32 on the UK Independent Singles Chart, reflecting strong physical and digital sales support.[23] "Smile" followed as the second single on 20 April 2021, also through Dirty Hit, showcasing the band's pop-rock energy with its driving guitars and anthemic chorus.[24] Critics praised its empowering vibe and polished production, drawing comparisons to soaring indie rock staples.[25] The single reached number 88 on the UK Singles Chart and number 14 on the UK Independent Singles Chart, bolstered by radio airplay on stations like BBC Radio 1.[26] On 11 May 2021, Wolf Alice released "No Hard Feelings" via Dirty Hit as the third pre-album single, a raw guitar-driven track that gained traction through festival performances and streaming playlists.[27] It did not chart on the main UK Singles Chart but contributed to the album's promotional momentum via targeted digital campaigns. The final pre-release single, "How Can I Make It OK?", arrived on 3 June 2021 through Dirty Hit, serving as an emotional ballad with swelling orchestration and introspective lyrics about reconciliation.[28] It debuted at number 93 on the UK Singles Chart, supported by radio premieres and streaming pushes in the lead-up to the album's launch.[26] These singles collectively built anticipation for ''Blue Weekend'' through coordinated radio and streaming efforts.Marketing
Wolf Alice announced their third studio album, Blue Weekend, on 24 February 2021, alongside the release of the lead single "The Last Man on Earth". The album was originally set for release on 11 June 2021 via Dirty Hit. On 3 May 2021, however, the band advanced the date to 4 June, citing their eagerness after receiving the finished vinyl pressing and overall excitement for the project. Blue Weekend was distributed in multiple physical and digital formats through Dirty Hit, including CD, standard black vinyl, cassette, and digital download. The cover art showcases ethereal blue-toned imagery of the band, with photography credited to Jordan Hemingway and art direction by Jamie Reid. Promotional campaigns emphasized digital engagement, featuring social media teasers in the lead-up to the announcement and virtual listening parties that previewed tracks like "How Can I Make It OK?". Merchandise tie-ins included limited-edition vinyl releases in variants such as transparent red and forest green, available through independent retailers and the label's store. A deluxe tour edition of Blue Weekend followed on 29 October 2021, incorporating bonus tracks such as the demo version of "Smile", "Time Is Not a Straight Line", and a cover of Roxy Music's "More Than This".[29]Touring
To promote Blue Weekend, Wolf Alice began with festival appearances in 2021. The band was originally scheduled to perform at Glastonbury Festival in June 2021, but the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and replaced with a virtual edition titled "Glastonbury 2021: Live at Worthy Farm." Wolf Alice delivered a prerecorded set streamed across multiple time zones, marking an early live showcase of material from the album.[30] Later that summer, they made their return to in-person stages at Reading and Leeds Festivals on August 27–29, 2021, where they played on the Main Stage East, debuting several Blue Weekend tracks to enthusiastic crowds.[31] The band's first dedicated tour supporting the album was a fall 2021 North American run, comprising 18 dates from October 25 to November 20.[32] Kicking off at the sold-out Showbox Market in Seattle, the itinerary included stops in cities like Portland, Chicago, and Boston.[33] Many shows quickly sold out, reflecting strong demand following the album's release.[34] In early 2022, Wolf Alice returned to the UK and Ireland for a headline tour from January 7 to 30, emphasizing new material from Blue Weekend.[35] The eight-date outing featured performances at Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow on January 7, O2 Apollo in Manchester on January 12, O2 Academy Brixton in London on January 18, and additional stops in Bristol's SWX on January 30 and 3Arena in Dublin on January 25.[36] Building on the momentum, the band announced a larger spring 2022 North American headlining tour, expanding to 20 dates across March, April, and June in upgraded venues.[37] Starting March 21 at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, the trek routed through cities including Nashville, Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal, concluding with added June shows in Los Angeles and San Diego to accommodate demand.[38] These performances upgraded from the smaller clubs of the previous fall tour, signaling the album's growing impact.[39] Setlists across these tours frequently featured tracks from Blue Weekend, such as "Smile," "How Can I Make It OK?," "Lipstick on the Glass," and "The Last Man on Earth," interspersed with earlier hits like "Don't Delete the Kisses" and "Yuk Foo."[40] No major opening acts were consistently noted, allowing the band to focus on their full catalog. Promotional merchandise tied to the tour, including vinyl variants and apparel, was available at venues to enhance fan engagement.[34]Critical reception
Reviews
Blue Weekend received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. On the review aggregator Metacritic, the album holds an average score of 91 out of 100, based on 19 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim."[41] Critics frequently praised the album's maturity and versatility, highlighting its evolution from Wolf Alice's earlier work into a more polished and expansive sound. NME awarded it a perfect 5/5, describing it as a "stone-cold masterpiece full of confidence and magic" that represents the band's peak cohesion while retaining their unpredictable energy.[14] The Guardian also gave it 5/5 stars, lauding its emotional depth in exploring late-20s anxieties through sharp lyrics and Ellie Rowsell's versatile vocals, which shift seamlessly between intimacy and intensity.[13] Publications such as Uncut (4/5) echoed this, commending the diverse sonic palette that dazzles with immediate impact.[42] While overwhelmingly positive, some reviews noted minor issues with pacing, particularly in the quieter tracks. Pitchfork scored it 7.2/10, appreciating its pristine production and emotional extravagance but critiquing moments where the album feels "micromanaged" and overly polished, potentially diluting its raw edge in subdued sections like "No Hard Feelings."[6] The critical consensus positioned Blue Weekend as Wolf Alice's career high point, masterfully blending accessible rock anthems with experimental elements across genres like shoegaze and indie pop. Reviewers often drew comparisons to PJ Harvey's Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea for its widescreen ambition and storytelling flair.[43] Most reviews appeared between late May and June 2021, coinciding with the album's June 4 release, though retrospective pieces in year-end lists and 2022 analyses reaffirmed its enduring impact as a modern rock benchmark.[25]Accolades
Blue Weekend earned widespread recognition following its release, including a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2021, where it was shortlisted alongside artists such as Arlo Parks and Sault but ultimately lost to Parks' album Collapsed in Sunbeams.[44] At the 2022 Brit Awards, the album was nominated for British Album of the Year, competing against works by Adele, Dave, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, and Sam Fender, with Adele's 30 taking the award.[45] Wolf Alice also received a nomination for British Group, which they won, marking their first Brit Award.[46] The album was nominated for Best Album in the World and Best Album by a UK Artist at the 2022 NME Awards, categories ultimately won by Sam Fender's Seventeen Going Under.[47] Wolf Alice also won Best Festival Headliner at the same ceremony.[48] Blue Weekend ranked third on NME's list of the 50 best albums of 2021.[49] In a May 2025 Guardian profile, Wolf Alice were described as "colossally successful," with the publication highlighting Blue Weekend as a key factor in their Brit and Mercury Prize achievements alongside prior Grammy nominations for the band.[50]Commercial performance
Charts
Blue Weekend debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart for the week ending 11 June 2021, marking Wolf Alice's first chart-topping album and selling 36,182 units in its opening week.[51] The album also reached number one on the Scottish Albums Chart and peaked at number three on the Irish Albums Chart.[52] It sustained a position in the UK top 40 for six weeks.[52] Internationally, the album achieved a peak of number nine on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart.[53] In the United States, it reached number 34 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart. On year-end tallies, Blue Weekend ranked number 71 on the UK Albums Chart for 2021.[54] The album's commercial success was bolstered by strong streaming performance, particularly on Spotify and Apple Music playlists, which contributed to its sustained chart presence.[55][56]| Chart (2021) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| UK Albums (OCC) | 1 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC) | 1 |
| Irish Albums (IRMA) | 3 |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 9 |
| US Top Album Sales (Billboard) | 34 |
Certifications
Blue Weekend was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom on 22 July 2022, denoting 100,000 units in sales and streaming equivalents. As of November 2025, the album has not received certifications in other major markets, including the United States from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) or Australia from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).[57] As of May 2025, the album had accumulated 149,532 units in UK sales and streaming equivalents.[58] As Wolf Alice's first number one album on the UK charts, Blue Weekend also enhanced the visibility of their independent label, Dirty Hit.[51]Track listing and credits
Standard edition
All tracks are written by Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Theo Ellis, and Joel Amey.[59] Note that the singles "No Hard Feelings" and "Play the Greatest Hits" were released prior to the album but are not included on the standard or deluxe physical editions.[59]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Beach" | 2:35 |
| 2. | "Delicious Things" | 5:04 |
| 3. | "Lipstick on the Glass" | 4:07 |
| 4. | "Smile" | 3:16 |
| 5. | "Safe from Heartbreak (If You Never Fall in Love)" | 3:59 |
| 6. | "How Can I Make It OK?" | 4:41 |
| 7. | "The Last Man on Earth" | 4:19 |
| 8. | "Don't Delete the Kisses" | 2:55 |
| 9. | "Feeling Myself" | 3:18 |
| 10. | "The Beach II" | 2:27 |
| 11. | "Open My Eyes" | 3:25 |
