no surprises (stylized in all lowercase) is the upcoming third studio album by American singer-songwriter Donovan Music, set to release on February 14, 2025. Originally intended for release on December 13, 2024, alongside strangers again, the album was delayed to accommodate the release of the a-tapes EP on January 17, 2025. With its concise, emotionally charged tracklist, no surprises marks a departure from the sprawling narratives of Donovan’s previous works, focusing on themes of disillusionment, self-reflection, and acceptance.
The album features ten tracks, making it Donovan’s shortest standard tracklist to date. It includes the lead single, “night shift,” a fan-favorite for its seamless connection to “everything I’m not (reprise)” from lovestruck. The album also contains a cover of “fly me to the moon,” adding a timeless touch to its introspective narrative.
Background and Development
Originally titled acceptance, no surprises underwent a conceptual overhaul during its production. The name change reflects the album’s central theme: coming to terms with life’s harsh truths without embellishment. Donovan has described the album as “a reckoning of everything left unsaid,” hinting at its raw, stripped-back approach.
The track “asylum” was initially rumored to feature Phoebe Bridgers, a collaboration fans eagerly anticipated. However, the song was reportedly reworked into a solo piece, fueling speculation about its creative direction. The inclusion of “fly me to the moon” adds an unexpected twist, with Donovan’s rendition reimagining the classic in his signature style.
An unannounced deluxe edition, rumored for release in late 2025, is said to include the title track “no surprises,” which is expected to be around ten minutes long, making it Donovan’s second-longest track to date.
Track Listing
1. night shift (single)
2. boys and girls
3. if I’m being honest (I hate you)
4. a million angels
5. pluto song
6. draw the line
7. fly me to the moon
8. asylum
9. street by street
10. angel
Themes and Style
no surprises explores themes of vulnerability, anger, and closure, balancing introspective ballads with candid lyricism. Tracks such as “if I’m being honest (I hate you)” reflect an unfiltered emotional outpouring, while “angel” and “a million angels” take on a more ethereal tone, suggesting a yearning for peace amidst chaos.
The stripped-down nature of the album highlights Donovan’s storytelling, emphasizing lyrical content over elaborate production. This minimalistic approach aligns with the album’s overarching theme of unvarnished truth, making it a stark yet poignant addition to Donovan’s discography.
Anticipation and Legacy
no surprises is already generating significant buzz due to its introspective tone and unique concept. Fans are particularly intrigued by the deluxe edition and its rumored ten-minute title track. The decision to include a Phoebe Bridgers collaboration, later removed, has sparked further curiosity about the album’s creative process.
As Donovan’s third studio album, no surprises is seen as a critical juncture in his artistic evolution, bridging the raw emotionality of strangers again with the expansive narratives hinted at in his future works.