The Ballad of Darren is the ninth studio album by Blur and their first album since 2015’s The Magic Whip.

Each band member briefly discussed the album in a statement. “This is an aftershock record, reflection and comment on where we find ourselves now,” Albarn said. “For any long-term relationship to last with any meaning you have to be able to surprise each other somehow and somehow we all continue to do that,” James shared. Coxon added, “The older and madder we get, it becomes more essential that what we play is loaded with the right emotion and intention.”

The lead single from the album is “The Narcissist.”