When war breaks out, we always see the big picture on the news, about Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine, or the most recent developments about the conflict in Gaza. But we don’t always see how war impacts day-to-day life in the region. In particular, we don’t always see how this impacts the children whose families are torn apart by conflict.

This is where the organization War Child comes in, providing children with mental health support, education, and emergency aid even when the press turns away. But in addition to accepting donations, the charity also has a unique way of raising funds: music.

This brings us to HELP(2), War Child Records’ most recent album, published on March 6. Featuring 23 songs from different artists, all money raised from streams and record sales goes directly to the effort to help kids who live in war zones.

As an album, HELP(2) covers a wide range of genres, so while you may not enjoy every single song in it, you’re sure to find at least a few that match your tastes, perhaps even more than you would expect, as the album is really high quality overall.

One thing that was impressive about the album is just how many talented and recognizable artists and bands they got together. One such group was the Arctic Monkeys, a popular British band that came back after four years of not releasing music to open the album.

However, the time between their most recent releases didn’t hold them back. Their song, Opening Night, perfectly set the mood for the album: somber, but somewhat hopeful, and served as a great hook to get people to keep listening.

Following this up is Flags by Damon Albarn, which immediately showcases just how different the songs in HELP(2) can be, contrasting the rock instrumentals and style of Opening Night with a steady beat and sections of spoken, almost conversational lyrics.

While the first part of the album is really strong and enjoyable, a lot of the songs in the middle don’t feel terribly cohesive with each other. The 343 Loop by King Krule is an example of this as the only purely instrumental song in the set, and while there’s nothing wrong with this style of music, it makes the song feel like it’s missing something when it’s surrounded by so many songs with meaningful, well-written lyrics.

Not all of the songs transition into each other that well in this section, either. After Warning by Cameron Winter ends with a nearly overwhelming expression of rage, the listener is thrown into the hyperactive party-like song Don’t Fight the Young by Young Fathers. While moments like this are hard to avoid with how much some of these songs contrast, this jump is nearly whiplash-inducing due to how sudden the change is.

Luckily, the album comes back together as it reaches a climax with Begging for Change by Pulp, a rock anthem that is absolutely overflowing with energy and passion, serving as a direct call to action for the audience to push for change. The song also features a children’s choir as a prominent part of its backup vocals, making the song feel much more raw and powerful, while also reminding listeners of the kids the album seeks to help.

The remaining songs bring the album to a close with a more serene feel overall. When the War is Finally Done by Foals uses the new slow pace to talk about how being afraid of  “what our cities have become” due to war, but still wanting the conflict to end so we can move on from the fear it gives us.

Then, to pull everything together, we have the closing track, The Book of Love by Olivia Rodrigo. While it feels a bit odd to end an album featuring songs about war with a love song, the soothing acoustic instrumentals and calming lyrics make it seem less out of place. It feels hopeful, like a reminder that things will be ok.

While HELP(2) isn’t perfect, it’s a high-quality album with a unique variety that gives it an appeal that you can’t get from a typical artist or band’s album. Regardless of your music tastes, you should give it a try: even just one listen can get children the help they need.