Be More Kind is Frank Turner’s seventh studio album. Released in 2018, it marks an important evolution in his music career. Known primarily for his blend of folk and punk rock, Turner has often been praised for his introspective lyrics and energetic performances. With this record, he moves toward a gentler sound and a more reflective mood.

While earlier albums like England Keep My Bones and Tape Deck Heart featured raw, confessional storytelling, Be More Kind carries a broader message. It shifts away from deeply personal stories toward universal themes. Turner uses this album to address the world’s growing social tensions. He encourages compassion and empathy through thoughtful lyrics and melodies.

Sonic Exploration

Be More Kind features polished production values, stepping away from the gritty, lo-fi energy common in Frank Turner’s earlier albums. The sound is clean, layered, and bright, enhancing its lyrical optimism. Producers Austin Jenkins and Joshua Block contribute significantly to this refined aesthetic. Each song feels carefully crafted, supporting Turner’s emotional and thematic aims effectively. This clarity ensures listeners easily connect with the hopeful message that runs throughout the record.

Instrumentally, Turner expands beyond his familiar acoustic-driven style. Tracks like “Blackout” and “Make America Great Again” integrate electronic textures and subtle synthesizers. This shift is both unexpected and memorable. The arrangements balance traditional instruments—guitars, drums, bass—with newer elements such as keyboards and gentle electronic percussion. Turner’s vocals remain at the forefront, conveying warmth and sincerity. Vocal harmonies, more prominent here than on past works, reinforce the sense of unity and kindness he advocates.

Musically, the album blends genres gracefully. Folk-punk roots remain audible, especially in spirited tracks like “1933.” However, Turner ventures further into indie rock and pop-infused melodies, marking an innovative exploration for him. The album skillfully merges acoustic elements, pop accessibility, and rock drive into a cohesive experience. This genre-blending highlights Turner’s versatility while still respecting his musical identity, delivering an engaging sonic journey that’s both fresh and familiar.

Lyrical Analysis

At the heart of Be More Kind is an unwavering commitment to empathy, unity, and hope in the face of division. Frank Turner addresses themes like social unrest, political anxiety, and personal accountability with earnest clarity. Tracks such as “Be More Kind” and “Don’t Worry” directly encourage listeners to embrace kindness and compassion as antidotes to negativity. Recurring motifs of unity and resilience underscore the album’s central message: kindness can heal even deep divides.

Turner’s lyrical style on this album is predominantly straightforward and narrative. Rather than relying heavily on abstract metaphors, he opts for clarity and directness. Songs like “1933” and “Make America Great Again” explicitly reference contemporary social and political issues. His writing is poetic in its simplicity, using accessible language to create vivid imagery and relatable messages. Although he occasionally ventures into metaphorical territory, the album largely communicates in plain yet powerful terms.

Emotionally, the lyrics significantly amplify the album’s resonance. Turner’s sincerity and optimism are palpable, creating an emotional landscape filled with contemplation, hope, and gentle encouragement. Tracks like “Little Changes” provoke joyful reflection, urging small actions for larger change, while “The Lifeboat” evokes deeper contemplation about humanity’s shared fate. This emotional authenticity allows listeners to connect deeply, reinforcing the album’s overall impact: kindness is not only needed but powerful enough to inspire change.

Cohesion and Flow

Be More Kind offers a carefully considered sequence of tracks that creates a coherent listening experience. The progression feels intentional, guiding the listener through emotional highs and lows without losing momentum. The album begins energetically with politically charged tracks like “1933,” before gradually shifting into reflective and softer songs such as the introspective title track, “Be More Kind.” This thoughtful transition helps maintain interest, balancing urgency with calm reflection.

Emotionally and thematically, the album feels remarkably unified. Turner remains consistent in his message of empathy and compassion, skillfully threading these themes from the album’s opening moments through to its gentle closing track, “Get It Right.” Although stylistic experimentation—like the introduction of electronic elements—brings sonic diversity, it never disrupts the emotional or thematic cohesion. Rather, these elements enrich the listening experience by offering variety within a unified narrative.

Standout Tracks and Moments

Be More Kind

Several tracks from Be More Kind rise above the rest, highlighting Frank Turner’s strengths as a songwriter and musician. Among these, the title track, “Be More Kind,” shines brightly due to its heartfelt simplicity and lyrical sincerity. Its gentle melody, paired with emotionally resonant lines such as “In a world that has decided that it’s going to lose its mind, be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind,” embodies the album’s hopeful spirit. It serves as an anthem of compassion, making it instantly memorable and impactful.

1933

Another standout is “1933,” notable for its urgency and energetic punk influences. The song captures Turner’s raw passion, blending personal conviction with social commentary. The powerful chorus and driving rhythm showcase his ability to deliver a political message effectively while still keeping listeners engaged through catchy melodies and energetic instrumentation.

Blackout

“Blackout,” meanwhile, is remarkable for its sonic innovation. Its unexpected use of electronic beats and synthesizers is memorable, marking a creative departure that demonstrates Turner’s willingness to explore new musical territory. The chorus, vibrant and uplifting, resonates long after the track ends, reinforcing its message of resilience during uncertain times.

Artistic Contribution and Innovation

With Be More Kind, Frank Turner offers a significant contribution to the intersection of folk, punk, and indie rock. The album situates itself comfortably within these genres while still managing to stretch their boundaries. Turner maintains his folk-punk roots but innovatively merges this familiar approach with accessible pop melodies and electronic elements. Rather than conform strictly to established genre expectations, he explores fresh avenues, showcasing his willingness to evolve artistically.

Innovation

One particularly innovative aspect of the album is its integration of electronic textures, something relatively new to Turner’s musical vocabulary. Songs like “Blackout” and “Make America Great Again” demonstrate a bold experimentation with subtle synth arrangements. This new sonic layer gives the album contemporary relevance, broadening its appeal beyond his traditional fan base.

Thematically, Turner also breaks away from genre norms. Punk and folk often address social issues with defiance or cynicism, but Be More Kind innovatively adopts empathy and kindness as active forms of resistance. This unique thematic perspective challenges traditional conventions of protest music, adding depth and fresh relevance to his message.

Closing Thoughts

Be More Kind is an uplifting and thoughtful record, capturing Frank Turner’s evolution both musically and thematically. Its greatest strengths lie in its sincerity, engaging songwriting, and innovative blending of genres. Turner’s embrace of electronic textures and pop melodies expands his musical reach while keeping his core identity intact. Furthermore, the album’s emotional resonance, driven by its heartfelt plea for kindness, makes it timely and memorable.

However, the album occasionally falters in its straightforward lyrical approach, which, while earnest, can sometimes border on overly simplistic. Some listeners may prefer the poetic complexity or raw emotional intimacy of Turner’s earlier works. Additionally, while the sonic experimentation is largely successful, it may initially feel unfamiliar to longtime fans accustomed to his purely acoustic or punk-infused style.

Official Rating: 8/10

Overall, Be More Kind earns a solid 8/10 rating. It strikes an effective balance between innovation and tradition, showing growth in Turner’s artistic vision. Though not without minor drawbacks, it remains a powerful record with genuine emotional impact, likely resonating deeply with both new and existing fans. Its lasting legacy will likely be its gentle yet determined call for empathy and unity—making it an important milestone in Turner’s discography and a timely reflection on the power of kindness.