It may be time to arm yourself with some bayonets, The Decemberists are back. Today (Nov. 3), the folk rock outlet came out with the full studio version of a new song, "Make You Better," and has fleshed out the details its forthcoming album What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World.
After busking on the street and teasing a new release for today (Nov. 3), The Decemberists have finally unveiled the tracklist for its seventh studio album. According to Stereogum, What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World will contain 14 tracks.
Inspired at least in part by the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, What A Terrible World... features song titles that recall to the tragedy and ensuing speeches from President Barack Obama, including "12/17/12."
"I was hit by a sense of helplessness, but also the message of 'Hold your family close,'" The Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy said in a statement.
The album's title was also influenced by the Newtown tragedy.
Check out the full tracklist for What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World below:
01. The Singer Addresses His Audience
02. Calvary Captain
03. Philomena
04. Make You Better
05. Lake Song
06. Till the Water is All Long Gone
07. The Wrong Year
08. Carolina Low
09. Better Not Wake the Baby
10. Anti-Summersong
11. Easy Come, Easy Go
12. Mistral
13. 12/17/12
14. A Beginning Song
As previously reported, What A Terrible World... is being led by the single "Make You Better," which is now released in full.
All at once, "Make You Better" recalls the earliest days of The Decemberists while showing a newfound maturity in Meloy's songwriting and vocals. The stripping away of some country-associated instruments (like those found on The Decemberists' last album, The King is Dead) harkens back to the band's debut album Castaways and Cutouts, and even the smooth mid-tempo nature of the track recalls of "Grace Cathedral Hill."
All the while, it's clear that The Decemberists have grown, had families and become older, with markedly introspective and mature lyrics (not like that has previously been lacking in the band's music). It's easy to imagine this song finding a comfortable home on adult alternative and contemporary radio.
What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World will be released on Jan. 20, 2015.
