Review: Rex Orange County releases catchy new single, album date

Alyssa Clark, Executive Opinion Editor|January 27, 2022

Alyssa Clark

In a graphic made with Canva by senior and writer Alyssa Clark, the cover art for “KEEP IT UP” is shown. The newest single by British singer Rex Orange County also announced a future album release date, “WHO CARES?,” on March 11. “I’d give this song a solid 10/10 for its catchy beat, lovely melodies and heartfelt meaning that anyone will be able to understand and relate to,” Clark said. “I cannot wait to see what else Rex has in store for fans, so be on the lookout for more reviews covering this album that I will be highly anticipating.”

Overview

Rex Orange County, or Alex James O’Connor, is known primarily for his features on Tyler, the Creator’s award-winning album “Flower Boy,” or from his own sound from personal albums like “Pony.” Now, he’s back again with a new single. Late Jan. 26, he announced through Instagram that his new album “WHO CARES?” will be released March 11. Fans can pre-save the album on www.rexorangecounty.com

Rex released “KEEP IT UP” Wednesday, Jan. 26, for fans after a two-year break from releasing music. His last album, “Live at Radio City Music Hall,” showcased live performances of songs from “Pony,” “Apricot Princess” and covers of other famous songs.

This song follows his split on Nov. 24, 2020,  from girlfriend Thea Morgan-Murrell, who is also an artist widely known as “Thea.” The two were together for two years. After the break up, fans speculated that Rex would begin his new era about break-up and loss.

Review

Based on the album cover, I thought “KEEP IT UP” was going to be about motivation and pushing through, especially after heartbreak – and I was right. This song is all about staying true to you and what you want, and features lyrics like, “Keep it up and go on / You’re only holding out for what you want / You no longer owe the strangers / It’s enough, it’s enough.” This repeated phrase really drives the whole meaning behind the song throughout the catchy melody, and it really shows the depth of this song without making it sound sad. I feel like really anyone can relate to this song and feeling.

The string intro reminded me of his hit “Pluto Projector,” but the quick beat that slowly followed made me absolutely fall into the song without even hearing the lyrics. I really loved the continuous strings quietly in the back of the song, especially heard during the chorus, as they make the song sound regal and lovely. The beat isn’t overwhelming, and definitely keeps the pop-like charm of hits we hear on the radio daily. It’s super-repetitive and catchy.

“KEEP IT UP” ends way too quickly, and listeners will be left wanting more. I’d give this song a solid 10/10 for its catchy beat, lovely melodies and heartfelt meaning that anyone will be able to understand and relate to. I cannot wait to see what else Rex has in store for fans, so be on the lookout for more reviews covering this album that I will be highly anticipating.