One of the defining voices of contemporary music, Holly Humberstone, has officially announced the release date for her highly anticipated second album, Cruel World, which is set to arrive worldwide on 10 April 2026. To mark the announcement, she unveiled a new single, To Love Somebody, which has already sent ripples of excitement through her global fanbase.
Humberstone’s songwriting prowess and creative vision have long been celebrated. Her debut EP earned an Ivor Novello nomination, and in 2022, she was crowned BRIT Rising Star. Known for her transparent and poignant storytelling, she has quickly become recognised as a global talent, weaving emotional narratives that resonate across generations.
Cruel World promises to immerse listeners in a darkly imaginative realm, where childhood memories, past hauntings, and psychological tension intersect. The new single, To Love Somebody, reflects Humberstone’s exploration of the multifaceted nature of love. Drawing inspiration from Victorian theatre, the Brothers Grimm, and Nosferatu, the track channels her deeply personal and sensitive perspective. As Humberstone herself explains:
“Love is beautiful but inherently painful. Falling in love means sometimes hurting someone, and sometimes losing them.”
The past two years have been a period of reflection and self-discovery for Humberstone. While her debut album, Paint My Bedroom Black, captured urgency and desire, Cruel World focuses on stability, memory, and introspection, offering a more mature and contemplative sound.
Key Milestones in Holly Humberstone’s Music Career
| Year | Event | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Wins BRIT Rising Star | Following two EPs |
| 2022 | Ivor Novello Nomination | “Haunted House” |
| 2023 | Debut Album Release | Paint My Bedroom Black (#3 UK charts) |
| 2023 | International Tour | North America supporting Olivia Rodrigo & Girl in Red |
| 2026 | Second Album Release | Cruel World with single To Love Somebody |
In Cruel World, Humberstone delves into every aspect of love—romantic, platonic, and feminist. Tracks such as Die Happy exemplify her gothic approach to romance, a song recently selected as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record in November.
Humberstone draws much of her creative inspiration from childhood experiences—growing up in a haunted family home, playing with her three sisters, and engaging with toys and books that sparked her imagination. She will headline multiple tours across Europe and the UK in February and March 2026, culminating in a final performance at Shepherds Bush on 2 April.
With Cruel World and To Love Somebody, Holly Humberstone promises a profound and emotionally resonant journey for modern music lovers—a sonic landscape that is as heartfelt as it is haunting.