There’s no doubt Benedict Cork has a long, exciting career ahead of him. The British singer-songwriter released his debut album Notes On A Hopeless Romance on Friday, May 10 to much acclaim.
Cork’s album serves as an ode to queer love. As a self-proclaimed “hopeless romantic,” Cork unveils the struggles of dating in adulthood as a gay man in London through heartfelt, insightful and lyrical songs. Notes On A Hopeless Romance mixes 80s synth-pop with piano ballads, bringing melodic bliss to listeners.
The album opens with the song “Sanctuary” that tells the story of a safe place found in another person. Cork’s falsetto is undeniably beautiful as it compliments the gospel-like backing vocals and piano. The track feels hopeful and comforting — the quintessential aspects of a true hopeless romantic.
Cork seamlessly shifts more towards the synth-pop sound with “Nice Guy,” and continues it for the first half of the album. He cleverly combines lyrics about falling in love too quickly, giving yourself to a relationship or loving someone’s red flags with dance beats that make you smile as you sing along to such heartbreaking words.
The sixth track on the album, “Beauty Queen,” shifts back into the piano ballad sound found in the first song. Cork sings of loneliness and anxieties. He truly encapsulates his deepest worries and desires in the chorus: “The curtain falls and I’m still fuckin’ lonely/It’s like I’m tryna make the world love me.”
The tenth and final track “I Know He’ll Be Gone In A Little While” is a harmonious bliss about accepting that someone might not be right for you. Cork begins by talking about a man he is currently with, but shifts the perspective to be talking to him by the end of the song. Complete with jazz undertones and a breath-like whisper, Cork perfectly closes out the album.
Notes On A Hopeless Romance is truly a brilliant work that celebrates love while being able to admit its faults. Benedict Cork has carved a significant and important space for himself in the pop zeitgeist; I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Featured Photo Credit: Moja