World-famous musicians have banded together in support of War Child to create charity album ‘Help(2)’. A predecessor of the 1995 compilation ‘Help!’ which featured big British music icons of the 90’s, the second volume of the compilation has been created to raise money for the charity’s ongoing impactful work.
War Child is an international non-government organisation founded in 1993, working with families, corporations and worldwide governments to ensure protection, education and support for children who are impacted by war and distressing conditions caused by political conflict. War Child UK worked with the music, media and entertainment industries through the 90’s to raise awareness and money for the charity in its beginnings. David Bowie, Elton John and many more artists backed the organisation during its start-up, with some of the most popular names in the British music scene joining forces to produce an album to raise money for the charity.
Over twenty UK hit artists came together to produce ‘Help!’ in 1995. Including songs from Blur and Oasis – whose “Battle of Britpop” rivalry was a huge pop culture news story at the time – their allegiance in recording the album gained plenty of attention much to the charity’s benefit. They featured in the album alongside The Boo Radleys, The Stone Roses, Orbital, Radiohead, Portishead, Massive Attack, Suede and more.
“It’s the only time you’ll see us agreeing on anything,” said Oasis’ Noel Gallagher in regards to working with Blur for ‘Help!‘. “We put aside our differences for the cause.”
‘Help(2)’ is comprised of 23 songs produced by a genre-diverse lineup of global music icons, from indie rock legends Arctic Monkeys to alternative pop-princess Olivia Rodrigo and many more big names. The contributing musicians began recording over a week in November 2025 at Abbey Road studios, birthplace of The Beatles’ ‘Come Together‘ and Pink Floyd’s ‘The Great Gig In The Sky‘ – along with many other globally acclaimed records. A few singles were released to promote the second charity volume, including Arctic Monkeys’ ‘Opening Night’ which gained 15 million streams on Spotify. The full album has been released today and is available on streaming services and to purchase at www.warchild.org.
The 1995 album was a hit, raising £1.25 million for War Child. Although there is concern for streaming platforms having overtaken album purchases significantly, Rich Clarke from War Child UK has ensured that rights and royalties will be donated to the charity. The album would need to reach 400 million streams to reach that figure. Merchandise has also been created to help raise money, including a Vinyl, T-shirts and a CD that includes an exclusive bonus Oasis live recording.
Help(2) Double LP and Exclusive 7″ Vinyl of ‘Acquiesce (Live From Wembley)’ By Oasis. Available to buy at https://store.warchild.org.uk/
Producer James Ford has curated an album that’s good for the cause as it for the ears, described as an “intriguing mix of strikingly fresh covers and affecting originals” by album critic Matthew Davies Lombardi (DIY Magazine). The array of musicians and their diverse sounds uniting in aid of War Child gives something for everyone to enjoy, from the music itself to the consequential support given by enjoying it.
“30 years ago, today and, no doubt, 30 years from now, the message remains clear and universal – no child should ever be part of war. Ever.” – DIY Magazine.
The exciting new track list for ‘Help(2)‘ can be seen below.
Side A
1. Arctic Monkeys – Opening Night
2. Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest - Flags
3. Black Country, New Road – Strangers
4. The Last Dinner Party – Let’s do It Again!
5. Beth Gibbons – Sunday Morning
Side B
6. Arooj Aftab & Beck – Lilac Wine
7. King Krule – The 343 Loop
8. Depeche Mode - Universal Soldier
9. Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng - Helicopters
10. Arlo Parks – Nothing I Could Hide
11. English Teacher & Graham Coxon - Parasite
12. Beabadoobee – Say Yes
Side C
13. Big Thief - Relive, Redie
14. Fontaines D.C. - Black Boys On Mopeds
15. Cameron Winter - Warning
16. Young Fathers - Don’t Fight The Young
17. Pulp – Begging For Change
18. Sampha – Naboo
Side D
19. Wet Leg – Obvious
20. Foals – When The War Is Finally Done
21. Bat For Lashes - Carried My Girl
22. Anna Calvi, Dove Ellis, Ellie Rowsell & Nilüfer Yanya - Sunday Light
23. Olivia Rodrigo – The Book of Love
