As reported in 2025, one in five children live in areas of war or conflict worldwide, and this number is steadily increasing. War Child, a UK based organization, has been utilizing the entertainment and music industries to provide humanitarian aid to children in need since 1993. On March 6, War Child Records released the charity compilation album “HELP (2)” to contribute to the funding of children’s resources, education and psychological support in fourteen countries, including Gaza, Syria and Ukraine.
The 23 track record includes contributions from today’s biggest talents, such as Olivia Rodrigo, Cameron Winter, Big Thief and beabadoobee. “HELP (2)” was recorded in Nov 2025 at Abbey Road Studios and produced by James Ford, best known for his work with Gorillaz and Florence and the Machine. The album rollout began on Jan. 22 with Arctic Monkeys’ single “Opening Night,” their first release in nearly four years.
As the opening track to the album, Arctic Monkeys’ single boasts a similar sound to their previous work. With classic vocals from Alex Turner and minimalist guitar riffs supported by a driving synth pulse and drums, the song has gained over 20M streams on Spotify alone. The popularity of Arctic Monkeys and the anticipation of their return has brought traffic and attention to War Child’s efforts.
In addition to new and original songs, “HELP (2)” features multiple prominent covers that unite musical tradition with popular artists. The album closes out, for example, with Olivia Rodrigo’s cover of The Magnetic Fields’ 1999 track “The Book of Love.” Depeche Mode covers “Universal Soldier,” a moody electronic alternative song that represents the injustice of war. First sung by The Highwaymen in 1964 as a folk song protesting the Vietnam War, “Universal Soldier” condemns the world order that turns to warfare and killing to solve regional grievances.
With lyrics like, “He’s the Universal Soldier and he rarely is to blame/ his orders come from far away no more/They come from here and there and you and me,” Depeche Mode represents the themes of injustice that motivate all of War Child’s work.
Track 14, “Black Boys on Mopeds,” is a Fontaines D.C. cover of a 1990 protest song by Sinéad O’Connor. While not only re-representing the song’s themes of exposing the systematic racism and poverty in the UK, the Irish band is also paying homage to O’Connor, who was featured on the original HELP album in 1995.
With a similar goal to the 2026 sequel, “HELP” featured many popular artists of the decade who came together to support children displaced by the Bosnian conflict. The album is stated to be one of the most successful charity albums ever made, and it raised over $1.25M for the cause.
While it’s unclear at this time how much profit HELP (2) will generate, the project is a testament to the power of individuals who gather their talents to support a collective global cause.
