By Abigail Connolly

 After a three year hiatus, Alexander James O’Connor, the singer-songwriter known as Rex Orange County (“Face to Face”) has dropped a new single and release date for his fourth studio album, “Who Cares?”

O’Connor was first recognized through his work on Tyler, The Creator’s (“LUMBERJACK”) 2017 album “Flower Boy,” where he appears on the tracks “Foreword” and “Boredom.”  Prior to this collaboration, O’Connor had released an extended playlist, turned into an album titled “Bcos U Will Never B Free” featuring the song “Corduroy Dreams” and a number of non-album singles like “UNO,” “Best Friend” and “Untitled.” The successes of the 2017 album “Apricot Princess” and the singles “Loving Is Easy” and “Sunflower,” catapulted O’Connor into international fame. 

Fans have been anxiously awaiting the return of Rex Orange County since the release of his last album, “Pony,” in 2019. The unexpected single, “KEEP IT UP,” was released on Jan. 26 with the announcement of an album to follow in mid-March. While the song presents a similar production and vocal style as previous releases, “KEEP IT UP” has captured fans in a different manner with its message of perseverance and motivation.

Opening with the lyrics, “Every time I open my mouth/I have regrets in my mind,” O’Connor immediately plays with an interesting personal tactic of divulging that his work, in singing, causes him deep regret and anxiety. When considering the rate at which O’Connor flew to stardom, really only a manner of two years, it is understandable that there is a certain level of fear, anxiety and regret that comes with it.

The chorus includes a similar personal statement with the lyrics, “You’re only holding out for what you want/You no longer owe the strangers.” Flipping into a different perspective, O’Connor appears to be letting himself know that it is okay to prioritize his own wants and needs over those of “strangers” or a fanbase. 

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the song comes at the bridge where listeners hear O’Connor in a more sullen tone free from the uplifting strings and steady backbeat sing, “Yeah, it’s enough/I’ve really had enough/I paid the price, I’m done, no,” transitioning directly into the chorus and strong instrumentals that begin with, “Keep it up and go on.” Here O’Connor has cleverly laid out a story of resistance turned acceptance with the motivational lyrics and swinging strings following quiet words of defeat. 

“KEEP IT UP” presents a strong return to the studio by O’Connor. Its message of resilience and perseverance seems especially fitting in the pandemic world and lays out a bit of mystery for the rest of his upcoming music. Based on the lyrics, particularly “you no longer owe the stranger,” it should not be surprising to see O’Connor throw caution to the wind with his upcoming album. O’Connor does not owe listeners the same love ballads and sad songs that they may be used to. 

The album, “Who Cares?,” is set to be released from Sony Music Entertainment Mar 11, 2022. The album will feature 11 tracks, including the single “KEEP IT UP,”  as well as, “Open A Window (feat. Tyler, The Creator),” “Worth It,” “Amazing,” “One In A Million,” “If You Want It,” “7AM,” “The Shade,” “Making Time,” “Shoot Me Down” and “Who Cares?.”

Image from Rex Orange County