Alex Warren – You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Atlantic) (13th Floor Album Review)
Heartfelt singer-songwriter Alex Warren has finally dropped his first full-length album, titled You’ll be Alright, Kid. Composed of 21 tracks, many of these songs will no doubt tug at the heartstrings of listeners and provoke reactions that are ripe for reflection.
Alex became famous for his soulful vocals and narrative ability, and many of those songs have taken off on platforms like Tik-tok. Disc 1 of the album opens with Eternity, a powerful track about navigating the world alone without the people you’re closest to. From the first note, the message draws you in effortlessly. It’s followed by The Outside, a rhythmic track about finding meaning and getting a lifeline in difficult times.
Alex’s superpowers first truly come out in First Time on Earth. He’s been previously very open about his personal struggles and those of his family, and this album is no exception to that. First Time on Earth is full of references to alcoholism and generational pain, and Alex‘s regret about holding people in his life to a perfect standard. The most powerful part of the song is definitely the bridge, in which Warren says ‘when you pass through the waters, I’ll be with you’ and ‘you traded your dreams for us, nobody ever gets anything right.’ The theme of generational pain and the breaking of trauma continues with the album’s first feature, Bloodlines featuring Jelly Roll. Delivered through a blend of pop and country influences, the voices of the two artists are each full of raw emotion. In this stomp-and-clap song, they transmit an important message – that where you came from doesn’t define the life you make for yourself.
He continues the trend of universal themes with Never Be Far, a track about growing up and memories of the past. Using references such as ‘the ghost of his teenage silhouette’ and ‘feeling his heart break’ when he was declined by a high school crush, it’s another track that audiences will be able to relate to through their own coming-of-age memories.
Ordinary is perhaps Warren’s biggest hit to date. The song is the lead single from You’ll be Alright Kid, and with its absolutely and undeniably romantic lyrics, seems to have become a common wedding song since its release. A track about finding a love that transcends anything you could have previously imagined, it’s beautiful, slow, absolutely mesmerising (and on repeat.)
Everything and Getaway Car are both very upbeat, serving as anthems for youth and freedom. Across the first half of the album, these are definitely the most prominent two narratives that Alex leans on, but this well-tested formula is what makes his audience love him. Across both sides of the album, the production isn’t necessarily groundbreaking – but it’s Alex’s ability to connect with audiences through his lyricism that makes You’ll be Alright, Kid impressive.
Who I Am moves the tone back to more difficult themes, similar to those prominent on Bloodlines and Never Be Far. Focusing on self-discovery and questioning identity, the song has haunting backing vocals and a range of self-decrepating lyrics, such as ‘keep coming in last, putting everyone first.’ It’s a powerful plea, almost a begging to not be abandoned through the trials that self-transformation can bring.
You Can’t Stop This, however, brings back the upbeat energy, but in comparison to the other songs on You’ll Be Alright, Kid, doesn’t sound like Alex‘s usual style. It’s definitely the song that Alex has chosen to step outside the box for – but it doesn’t necessarily work here. Instrumentally, it doesn’t sound like the concept of cohesion was really considered here, but it’s not a bad song – just weaker than most of the album in that sense.
Disc 1 closes with On My Mind, featuring South Korean singer ROSE. ROSE in past work has predominantly been a lead, but in On My Mind, the pair harmonise in a fashion that means her voice doesn’t overshadow that of Alex.
Disc 2’s opener, Burning Down, is another single that originally made big waves on social media, having originally been released in late 2024. While it’s not the one on the album, the song got even more traction when a version was released featuring Joe Jonas. It’s not the strongest track on either Disc 2 or the whole album, but it’s made distinct from the others with its slightly eerie sound.
Disc 2, overall has more of a focus on his deeply romantic music, including Catch My Breath and Carry You Home. One of many Alex has written about his relationship with wife Kouvr and their life story (it’s well documented), these songs are sweet and sentimental, and bound to bring emotion to listeners. Both songs have become popular choices for weddings since their releases – Alex’s music seems to inspire a few of those. In a time when there’s many romantic tracks on the market, Alex has a unique talent of making his words seem like personal love letters set to music. There’s no doubt that these tracks are some of the album’s best.
Troubled Waters is an apt reflection on personal struggles, in which Alex documents his desire to navigate difficult times. With its thumping, rhythmic instrumentals, the song feels intense and almost panicky in its production, reflecting the song’s themes. It’s especially noticeable in comparison to the production of earlier songs like Ordinary, where the production features slow guitars in the opening before an eventual build-up.
Before You Leave Me and Save You A Seat both touch on the themes of grief, albeit through tender lenses. Touching on the topics of loved ones who leave too soon, Save You A Seat is particularly moving, especially in the line ‘you’re always at the table / hope you’re proud of what you see, watching with the angels.’ Anyone who has experienced loss will be enamoured with these slow songs.
The final few tracks of You’ll Be Alright, Kid are more of a reflection of moving on and reassurances that everything will turn out better as time passes. Yard Sale, with memories from a relationship being discarded, serves as a powerful metaphor for letting go, and the titular track You’ll Be Alright, Kid serves as Alex directly speaking to his younger self that faced significant hardship. In the closing chorus of the album, Alex sings ‘hate to be the one to tell you this / but you’ll be alright, kid.’ This title track is definitely the ideal closing to an album which for many, will bring up a plethora of emotion – be it nostalgia, introspection and bittersweet memories – for Warren’s audience, this is a good reminder to carry.
Chantal Janice
You’ll Be Alright, Kid is out now on Atlantic Records
