Not Waving, But Drowning – Loyle Carner (Vinyl 12" LP)
Released in April 2019, Not Waving, But Drowning is the introspective and poetically rich second album from South London rapper Loyle Carner. Building on the heartfelt storytelling of his debut, this record blends jazz-inflected hip-hop with deeply personal narratives about love, family, masculinity, and growth. The album takes its title from the poem by Stevie Smith, capturing the emotional undercurrents beneath Carner’s warm, conversational delivery. Produced by a range of collaborators including Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei, and Kwes.
Key Highlights
- Features moving tracks like “Ottolenghi” (feat. Jordan Rakei), “Loose Ends” (feat. Jorja Smith), and “Dear Jean”
- A blend of UK hip-hop, jazz, soul, and lo-fi beats with introspective lyricism
- Rich with references to family life, creative identity, and emotional vulnerability
- Vinyl editions often come on heavyweight black vinyl with printed inner sleeves and full lyrics
- Acclaimed for its honesty, smooth production, and poetic depth
Tracklisting
Side A
1. Dear Jean
2. Angel
3. Ice Water
4. Ottolenghi
5. You Don't Know
6. Still
7. It's Coming Home
Side B
8. Desoleil
10. Loose Ends
11. Not Waving, But Drowning
12. Krispy
13. Sail Away Freestyle
14. Looking Back
15. Carluccio
16. Dear Ben
Fun Fact
The album opens and closes with spoken-word letters: the first from Carner’s mother to him, and the last from Carner to his late stepfather—creating a deeply personal and cyclical narrative arc.
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- A standout in UK hip-hop for its emotional resonance and jazz-inflected style
- Vinyl format enhances the warmth of the live instrumentation and lo-fi textures
- Perfect for fans of introspective, lyrical rap and soulful production
- A personal, cohesive album that rewards full-album listening on analogue
Not Waving, But Drowning is a tender, articulate portrait of a young artist navigating love and legacy. On vinyl, its delicate textures and heartfelt verses come to life with poignant clarity.