Collapsed in Sunbeams

Collapsed in Sunbeams is the debut studio album by British artist Arlo Parks, a record that solidified her as a leading voice of the 'lockdown generation.' Recorded largely in Airbnb apartments to maintain a 'neutral energy,' the album was co-written and produced by Gianluca Buccellati. Sonically, it sits at the intersection of neo-soul, indie pop, and bedroom pop, drawing heavy influence from the poetic storytelling of artists like Adrianne Lenker and the trip-hop textures of Portishead. The album is framed as a series of vignettes, moving from spoken-word poetry to groove-heavy soul. It received massive critical acclaim for its empathetic treatment of mental health, particularly on the standout single 'Black Dog.' The record won the 2021 Mercury Prize and the Brit Award for Best New Artist, marking a pivotal moment where intimate, DIY-inspired soul crossed over into the global mainstream. It remains a definitive document of early 2020s introspective pop.