Written & Directed cover

Written & Directed

Black Honey · 2021

30 min · 10 tracks

Gritty guitar riffs intertwine with sharp, observational lyrics that capture a vivid sense of modern life and its discontents.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Run for Cover — This track exemplifies the band's knack for blending catchy melodies with darker themes, addressing escapism amidst chaos while maintaining an infectious energy.
  • →
    I Like the Way You Die — Opening with a punchy beat and provocative lyrics, this song sets the tone for the album's exploration of complex emotions and relationships.
  • →
    Beaches — With its summery vibe and lyrical storytelling, this track captures a nostalgic longing that resonates deeply with listeners, showcasing the band’s versatility.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo listening experience
  • introspective reflections on relationships
  • for casual gatherings
  • catchy choruses for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer long, sprawling albums
  • want aggressive, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Written & Directed' was released in March 2021, Black Honey was solidifying their presence in the UK indie scene, following their self-titled debut album in 2018. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing more mature songwriting and a diverse range of influences as they navigated the complexities of fame and personal experience.
Stylistic neighbors
Wolf Alice· Pale Waves· The Big Moon

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Do It to Myself

    The bridge shifts perspectives to introspectively examine personal faults and self-sabotage amidst an upbeat arrangement.

    This structural choice contrasts the song's energetic melody with a moment of vulnerability, highlighting the internal conflict that defines much of the album.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 I Like the Way You Die 3:08
  • 2 Run for Cover 2:58
  • 3 Beaches 3:00
  • 4 Back of the Bar 2:36
  • 5 Believer 2:57
  • 6 I Do It to Myself 3:37
  • 7 Disinfect 2:50
  • 8 Summer '92 3:32
  • 9 Fire 3:17
  • 10 Gabrielle 2:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata