What makes Black Honey by Black Honey notable?

The album received significant acclaim from critics, gaining attention for its catchy hooks and bold aesthetic. It debuted at number 20 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing the band's potential to break into the mainstream while influencing a wave of new indie pop acts. Black Honey's self-titled debut album marked the band's first full-length release following a series of successful EPs. By 2018, they had established a growing fanbase in the UK indie scene, known for their anthemic sound and charismatic frontwoman, Izzy Bee Phillips.

Who is Black Honey for?

Black Honey works well if you're into wave-like pacing with surprises, infectious melodies for sing-alongs and sharp lyrical wit throughout.

How many songs are on Black Honey?

Black Honey has 21 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Black Honey

Black Honey · 2018

68 min · 21 tracks

A blend of gritty rock riffs and shimmering pop melodies, infused with a sense of both nostalgia and rebellion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Only Hurt The Ones I Love — Opening with a striking blend of vulnerability and aggression, this track sets the tone for the album's emotional complexity and showcases Phillips' compelling vocal range.
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Bad Friends — This song encapsulates themes of disillusionment and youth with its punchy instrumentation, making it an anthem for anyone feeling lost in their relationships.
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Blue Romance — A standout track that highlights the band’s knack for vivid storytelling, pairing melancholic lyrics with an infectious melody that lingers long after listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic rock with pop elements, showcasing solid songwriting but lacking deep cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, but the tempo fluctuates significantly throughout, with several slower songs placed in between.
Many tracks feature prominent guitar riffs that are layered with synth melodies, creating a contrast between gritty rock and pop sensibilities.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with surprises
infectious melodies for sing-alongs
sharp lyrical wit throughout
dynamic journey of emotions
for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
dislike playful lyrical exploration

Where this album fits

Career context: Black Honey's self-titled debut album marked the band's first full-length release following a series of successful EPs. By 2018, they had established a growing fanbase in the UK indie scene, known for their anthemic sound and charismatic frontwoman, Izzy Bee Phillips.
Stylistic neighbors: Wolf Alice· Pale Waves· The Big Moon

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Midnight

The chorus shifts between wistful longing and a defiant assertion of self-worth, blending introspection with empowerment.

This contrast reinforces the internal struggle present throughout the album while demonstrating the songwriter's ability to navigate complex emotions.