Everybody needs to listen to Rachel Chinouriri's 'What A Devastating Turn of Events'

'What A Devastating Turn Of Events' (2024) album cover, shot by Yana Van Nuffel

When Rachel Chinouriri announced her debut album, I knew straight away that this was going to be a music highlight of 2024. We're halfway through, and I already know that this is going to be in my favourites of the year. With singles like 'Never Need Me' and 'The Hills', there was no doubt in my mind that Chinouriri had perfected a beautiful and iconic debut album.

If you know Chinouriri from the song that really solidified her position in the music industry - 'So My Darling' (originally released in 2018) - you'll recognise her talent in vulnerable storytelling, paired with a hypnotising shoegaze sound and 'What A Devastating Turn of Events' beautifully expands upon these foundations. The album opens with 'Garden of Eden', while on the nose, the title alludes to the beginning of a new world, as the lyrics detail the experience of writing and releasing music. Sonically, the song transforms you into Chinouriri's garden, while the lyricism places you within her mind:

No point in trying to prove yourself to them Why question who you are from deep within? No matter what, your youth is gonna end My God, you'll never win There's no point in any-

Chinouriri illuminates the doubts that any creative may find in their craft, wondering if releasing or sharing their content is for the joy of themselves or to satisfy the needs of others. Chinouriri captures existentialism in the song, acknowledging the comfort of nostalgia (seen by interrupting herself with 'Well, maybe I'm tryna stay young' in the song's interlude), but also its dangers in longing for a past that you cannot return to.

The transition from 'Garden of Eden' to 'The Hills' is the most glorious tracklisting decision made. 'Garden of Eden' is riddled with questions of doubt, insecurity and underlying tones of belonging and home. 'The Hills' then truly immerses us within this lyrical theme of belonging; Chinouriri presents the fear of not belonging or having a home. By the end of the song, she concludes with an empowering message that only you can decipher what home means to you, and it cannot be dictated by other people. One of the joys of music is when an artist can share what they have experienced, so that younger generations can rewrite the narrative in their own lives, and this is what I see in 'The Hills'. Chinouriri has been vocal in the decision to feature the national English flag as a way to reclaim England (and more specifically, London) as her home, regardless of prejudices in society rejecting her from that community as a result of her race. Not only is the album artwork for this project visually stunning, but it solidifies Chinouriri in her roots, and invites us into her world and life story.

'Is What It Is' was a wonderful sonic surprise on this album, Chinouriri's classic whistle and guitar lines is paired with a spoken-styled vocal line. Chinouriri's personality and relatability shines through on this track detailing the process of liking a boy who you maybe shouldn't. The addition of voice notes from fellow stars, Mae Muller and Olivia Dean, has the effect of Taylor Swift's 1989 tour with all of her surprise guests - not to mention Clara Amfo's addition to the following track, 'Dumb Bitch Juice'. Chinouriri is simultaneously your big sister, but also the girl in the club toilets telling you that you're better than your scrub boyfriend, and trust her, she knows from experience. I mean listen to these lines:

I'm not the type to judge but you're cheap and you're basic You bring nothin' to this table And I'll end up the one who needs healin' 'cause I'm dumb enough to sit at your table.

Chinouriri's ability to admit both her own flaws and that of others, is so refreshing and is a true testament to her self-awareness, as well as her capacity for considering the behaviour of those around her on both small and large scales.

We meet the title track of the album, 'What A Devastating Turn of Events' right in the middle of Chinouriri's album, and is a stark and humbling reminder of the reality of other women living in other countries, and cultures. In an album so heavily concerned with British-ness and sense of belonging, Chinouriri nods to her African ancestry and the family that still live there. This track is heart-wrenchingly candid, but the story is beautifully told.

Another song sharing this theme is 'Robbed'. The song follows the grieving process of a loved one, and the continual pain of loss, with the chorus of:

We were perfect strangers, one life torn in two Sad to say goodbye before I said "Hello" to you Nothing lasts forever but you were gone too soon You were robbed of summer, I was robbed of you.

It's not hard to see how therapeutic (but difficult) it must have been for Chinouriri to build this album, as she processes hard emotions from grief to depression - in conjunction with the Bridget Jones-esque love life stories. 'Robbed' tackles the internal, natural debate of grief with the weighing of the sadness of the end of a life, with the long-lasting effects as someone who has lost someone. Noting the 'blank silhouettes' of 'memories that don't exist', Chinouriri tackles the possibility of a life with the loved one that is no longer possible.

Ending the album with 'Pocket' - deluxe tracks, aside - is a peaceful, remission ending to an album that is dense with such deep and dark topics. The beginning of the track fades out whistling and general background noise into a gentle, acoustic love ballad, arguing for a love that has made these pains explored soften. The song opens with:

I need no one else, I need no one else I need all the world to know I have you to myself I don't want no one else, I'd like you for myself You don't know that you're the perfect secret I can't tell

Chinouriri details this wholesome, pure love that has helped her find peace in this world, with herself and this loved one. To open with 'The Garden of Eden', then to end with 'Pocket' solidifies that 'What A Devastating Turn Of Events' is truly a journey, and it's not sunshine and rainbows. But, this final track reminds us that despite all that happens in our life events, there will one day be light that makes it all worth it.

'What A Devastating Turn of Events' is an incredible study of human behaviour and emotions, and any person who listens will leave as a better, and more conscious, person. I cannot recommend this album enough, kudos to Rachel for all her hard work on this album - it truly shines through.