After her sophomore album, Beatopia, brought in a well-deserved influx of popularity, it’s no surprise that Philippines-born English singer-songwriter Beabadoobee would continue to deliver pop sensibilities and mature introspection with her follow-up, This Is How Tomorrow Moves. Given her fast ascension to acclaim and recognition, it’s easy to forget the stark differences between her early material from when she was 19 and the softer recent releases, reflecting her growth as an artist. Indeed, she has moved well beyond her alt-rock anthems reminiscent of bands who saw their peak in the 90s, allowing her to employ new sonic palettes while boasting an impressive behind-the-scenes team that includes Rick Rubin in the producer chair. However, Beabadoobee is undoubtedly the focal point amid styles ranging from bossa nova to Beatles-esque pop, making for a full-length project as freeing as it is fulfilling.

“I love this album,” said Bea. “I feel like it’s helped me so much more than anything else has in navigating this new era, this new understanding of where I’m at. I guess it’s about becoming a woman.”

Bea will also be going on tour for This Is How Tomorrow Moves, with UK dates already right around the corner. The US leg of her tour, which will be supported by pop duo Hovvdy, starts on Sept. 8 in Philadelphia and concludes with two dates in LA at the Greek Theatre on Sept. 28 and 29.

Respecting the 90s

She might be distancing from the raging rock songs of her youth, but that doesn’t mean Beabadoobee isn’t looking back to the 90s for inspiration. Instead of using artists like The Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth as a framework, The Cardigans and Pavement are more comparable to the still catchy brand of indie-pop she’s pioneered. For example, if it weren’t for the unmistakably modern production, which elevates the track away from homage and into a distinct identity, opener “Take A Bite” could have easily slid into a best-of compilation from 30 years ago.

Among the album’s first quarter or so, which includes most of the 90s inflections, “California” stands as the epitome of Beabadoobee’s impassionately inspired alt-rock and doubles as a highlight in her career. The “I swear I tried” refrain is one of those moments that will single-handedly get stuck in your head, an impressive feat considering that all of the songs on the album offer similar moments. Coupled with an angsty outro where Bea admits, “They’ll never know,” in reference to the tiring effect touring had on her, against a piercing guitar riff, the song’s infectious melody is nothing short of undeniable.

Saying It as It Is

Already gifted in capturing the complicated emotions surrounding ultra-specific moments most likely drawn from real-life experiences, Beabadoobee finds a way to improve upon her songwriting by introducing the sort of clarity that sometimes doesn’t come until decades later. “Real Man” directly addresses a boy who isn’t quite ready to grow up, much to the disappointment of Bea but to the luck of listeners, considering the track is among her most playful and impressive. In a more introspective and love-stricken track, “Coming Home” romanticizes the mundane when away from loved ones, with support from shimmering background vocals and a surprise horn section. Both songs, written from two completely different spaces, help shape who Beabadoobee is as a person, giving a glimpse at every side of her personality. On top of an already brutal honesty that’s always been apparent since she began making music at 17 years old, the lyrics on This Is How Tomorrow Moves remain one of the many draws for Beabadoobee amid other talented artists maturing at a similar rate.

A Little Bit of Everything for Everyone

The fact that Bea made a bossa nova track in “A Cruel Affair” should be enough evidence that she can provide a broad spectrum of music tastes, pleasing longtime loyalists and drawing in new listeners simultaneously. “A Cruel Affair” itself is a unique take on how social media causes doubt in one’s appearance, which is the kind of message you don’t immediately associate with bossa nova but, much to Beabadoobee’s credit, works on so many levels. As for those who came to know Beabadoobee from the Loveworm EP and other songs released around the same time, “California” carries over the cathartic bursts of intensity that first served as her rise to prominence in the late 2010s.

Regardless of your favorite genre, album highlights such as “Beaches” will appeal to the masses purely on the back of their expertly crafted pop structure and quality songwriting. Without the knowledge that This Is How Tomorrow Moves was recorded at Rubin’s Shangri-La studio, the sunny atmosphere still would have come across from the pleasant melodies and mastery of indie rock that Beabadoobee makes look easy—and a pretty killer guitar solo to boot.

While the journey from debut single “Coffee” to This Is How Tomorrow Moves exemplifies how an artist grows organically, the two points in time don’t contradict one another or go against who Beabadoobee is as an artist. The anthemic rock energy is still there, albeit mostly repurposed in the album’s approach to songwriting. Aside from the relatively short runtimes, there’s a sense of urgency, which shows Beabadoobee isn’t making any stops on any front, whether it be in her artistic development or holding back from going for the jugular. Although time is the ultimate decider, when you hold onto that mentality, few things can get in the way of continued success.

“I was just going to put my feet in,” said Bea on her first time swimming in Malibu. “But then everyone was like, ‘Why wouldn’t you just put your whole body in? Jump in!’ And that became such an encapsulation of this whole recording opportunity – don’t do it half-arsed, just go fucking full-force!”

Words: David Sosa

Visit Beabadoobee on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tickets to her upcoming tour with Hovvdy, which includes an LA show at the Greek Theatre on Sept. 28 and 29.

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Beabadoobee North American Tour Dates:

September 8 – The Met Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
September 9 – The Anthem – Washington, DC
September 11 – SummerStage in Central Park – New York, NY
September 12 – SummerStage in Central Park – New York, NY
September 13 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA
September 15 – Coca-Cola Coliseum – Toronto, ON
September 17 – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom – Chicago, IL
September 18 – Saint Louis Music Park – Maryland Heights, MO
September 20 – Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
September 21 – The Union – Salt Lake City, UT
September 24 – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery – Woodinville, WA
September 26 – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA
September 28 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
September 29 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA