Depeche Mode 'Universal Soldier' 2026 |
Label: |  WAR CHILD |
Release date: | 6 March 2026 |
Recorded: | Abbey Road Studios, London |
Engineering and Additional Programming: | Marta Salogni |
Written: | "Universal Soldier" Buffy Sainte-Marie in 1963 |
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War Child Records presents HELP(2)
Domino is proud to amplify the launch of War Child Records in announcing the release of HELP(2); a brand new collaborative album, inspired by the landmark 1995 release HELP, which brings music lovers together in support of War Child's vital work delivering immediate aid, education, specialist mental health support, and protection to children affected by conflict around the world.
HELP(2) carries forward the spirit of the original HELP album and was brought to life through a close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, recorded predominantly across one extraordinary week in November 2025.
Under the stewardship of acclaimed producer James Ford as Executive Producer, HELP(2) features an incredible line-up of contributors including Anna Calvi, Arctic Monkeys, Arlo Parks, Arooj Aftab, Bat For Lashes, Beabadoobee, Beck, Beth Gibbons, Big Thief, Black Country, New Road, Cameron Winter, Damon Albarn, Depeche Mode, Dove Ellis, Ellie Rowsell, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Foals, Fontaines D.C., Graham Coxon, Greentea Peng, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest, King Krule, Nilüfer Yanya, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, Sampha, The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg and Young Fathers…amongst other musicians, engineers, mixers and producers.
In addition to the stellar cast of musicians involved, renowned filmmaker and Academy Award Winner Jonathan Glazer acted as Creative Director for HELP(2), working with Academy Films to assemble a team of brilliant creatives and overseeing the filming and art direction for the project.
All proceeds from this album support War Child UK to protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of children living through conflict around the world.
HELP(2) represents hope for children whose lives have been torn apart by war. It is a testament to the generosity of artists and the music industry for making a positive difference towards securing a safer, brighter future for those children. Because no child should be part of war. Ever.
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HELP(2) is a brand new collaborative album, inspired by the landmark 1995 release 'HELP', which brings music lovers together in support of War Child's vital work delivering immediate aid, education, specialist mental health support, and protection to children affected by conflict around the world.
HELP(2) carries forward the spirit of the original ‘HELP’ album and was brought to life through a close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, recorded predominantly across one extraordinary week in November 2025. Under the stewardship of acclaimed producer James Ford as Executive Producer, HELP(2) features an incredible line-up of contributors including Anna Calvi, Arctic Monkeys, Arlo Parks, Arooj Aftab, Bat For Lashes, Beabadoobee, Beck, Beth Gibbons, Big Thief, Black Country, New Road, Cameron Winter, Damon Albarn, Depeche Mode, Dove Ellis, Ellie Rowsell, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Foals, Fontaines D.C., Graham Coxon, Greentea Peng, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest, King Krule, Nilüfer Yanya, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, Sampha, The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg and Young Fathers…amongst other musicians, engineers, mixers and producers.
All proceeds from this album support War Child UK to protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of children living through conflict around the world.
HELP(2) represents hope for children whose lives have been torn apart by war. It is a testament to the generosity of artists and the music industry for making a positive difference towards securing a safer, brighter future for those children. Because no child should be part of war. Ever.
James Ford added: “I felt incredibly honoured when War Child asked me to work on ‘HELP(2)’. The original ‘HELP’ meant a lot to me and to have the opportunity, given the current news cycle, to help galvanize our music community into doing something as unarguably positive as helping children in war zones seemed like a no-brainer. “The experience of making the album itself has been very powerful, and dare I say life affirming for me personally, against the backdrop of a very difficult year. I’m extremely proud of the results and of the efforts made by all involved. I can’t wait for people to hear this very special record.”
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Depeche Mode will release a new cover version of Buffy Sainte-Marie's song "Universal Soldier" for a charity album.
According to a War Child press release, the album was created in close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios in just one week in November 2025. The process was led by producer James Ford, who also produced Depeche Mode's current album "Memento Mori".
Depeche Mode and many other famous artists have recorded a new charity album "Help(2)" to support children in crisis areas who are forced to live there in the most difficult conditions.
"Universal Soldier" is Depeche Mode's contribution to the charity album "Help(2)", which is being released for the benefit of the charity organization War Child UK.
The charity album "Help(2)" will be released on March 6, 2026.
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SIDE A
Arctic Monkeys Opening Night
Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest Flags
Black Country, New Road Strangers
The Last Dinner Party Let’s do it again!
Beth Gibbons Sunday Morning
SIDE B
Arooj Aftab & Beck Lilac Wine
King Krule The 343 Loop
Depeche Mode Universal Soldier
Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng Helicopters
Arlo Parks Nothing I Could Hide
English Teacher & Graham Coxon Parasite
Beabadoobee Say Yes
SIDE C
Big Thief Relive, Redie
Fontaines D.C. Black Boys on Mopeds
Cameron Winter Warning
Young Fathers Don’t Fight the Young
Pulp Begging for Change
Sampha Naboo
SIDE D
Wet Leg Obvious
Foals When the War is Finally Done
Bat For Lashes Carried my girl
Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis Sunday Light
Olivia Rodrigo The Book of Love
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CD 1
Arctic Monkeys Opening Night
Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest Flags
Black Country, New Road Strangers
The Last Dinner Party Let’s do it again!
Beth Gibbons Sunday Morning
Arooj Aftab & Beck Lilac Wine
King Krule The 343 Loop
Depeche Mode Universal Soldier
Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng Helicopters
Arlo Parks Nothing I Could Hide
English Teacher & Graham Coxon Parasite
Beabadoobee Say Yes
CD 2
Big Thief Relive, Redie
Fontaines D.C. Black Boys on Mopeds
Cameron Winter Warning
Young Fathers Don’t Fight the Young
Pulp Begging for Change
Sampha Naboo
Wet Leg Obvious
Foals When the War is Finally Done
Bat For Lashes Carried my girl
Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis Sunday Light
Olivia Rodrigo The Book of Love
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PRODUCTION DETAILS TRACKS |
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"Universal Soldier" • Produced by James Ford. Written by Buffy Sainte-Marie.
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