Album Review // Beabadoobee // This Is How Tomorrow Moves

3/5 stars

ON This is how the future movesBeabadoobee loses some of its charm in favor of musical clarity.

After four pre-release singles, the Filipino-English singer and songwriter (real name Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus) released her third studio album on August 9, 2024. Touted by many as their first “adult” album, the anticipation surrounding the record is high from the new personnel that have been added to the group. In particular, legendary producer Rick Rubin was the driving force behind the board. Rubin's influence in the industry and the singer's relative popularity allowed Laus and her team to record in some of the world's most famous studios, from Abbey Road to Shangri-La.

In theory, these additions seem to set the stage for an improvement over their previous efforts (Beatopia), but the same cannot be said in practice. By creating a more sophisticated version of their formula, Beabadoobee has lost some of their stylistic charm. Laus' earlier music was supported by the bedroom pop aesthetic. Even on a major label, the records sounded rustic and lo-fi. Even the covers felt handmade. This level of sentimentality is missing.

This is how the future moves has plenty of great tracks – but the added polish means the music lacks elements that made Beabadoobee stand out.