ALBUM REVIEW: Andrew Cushin – Love Is For Everyone

LAB Records

02.05.25

Andrew Cushin is undeniably the flagship star of Newcastle’s bustling music scene. In the wake of Sam Fender’s astronomical success, it left us all wondering what’s next and who can share the torch?

If it wasn’t obvious when his debut album was signed to Pete Doherty’s label, or when lead single Where’s My Family Gone was produced by and featured Noel Gallagher, then it is certainly evident now in the wake of his newest release that Andrew Cushin is the real deal.

Love Is For Everyone is the second release by the North East artist. Off the back of his US tour and a stint supporting Louis Thomlinson, it was clear to me even back in 2023 when he played Newcastle’s O2 City Hall that his songs were made for bigger venues.

That very ethos is immediately apparent from the opening track, the album’s namesake is such a clear cry for the arenas; it is as euphoric as you could hope, with a huge chorus that would set a crowd alight. Tracks like Something Ain’t Quite Right are heavily indebted to the aforementioned musicians that clearly shaped Cushin’s palette, yet still showcase enough of the star’s own personality to not feel like a direct replica.

Without the blaring guitars that punctuate the following tracks, or the very prominent, simple drum patterns at the front of the mix, this could easily be a pop album. It has that innate ability to very quickly connect and communicate.

Although the majority of the album could be argued to sound akin to a tribute of the 00s indie scene, this would be dismissive of some of the stronger tracks such as the swaggering Alright! or A Song For You, in which Cushin bucks this trend and shows his own personal take on the modern songwriter genre.

The most explicitly out of character track on the album is Standing By My Side, and for me is the stand out of the record. It still feels anthemic and made to fill a room, but it showcases a tenderness that the rest of the album can neglect, and really places an emphasis on both the songwriter and the vocalist that Cushin has grown into.

With an upcoming slot at Mouth of The Tyne Festival in July, joining names like Rick Astley and Ocean Colour Scene, and an outstore on behalf of Reflex Records at KU, Stockton on Friday 2nd May, the future looks bright for Andrew Cushin.

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