From Chart-Topping Debut to Difficult Second Album
British singer Celeste returns with her highly anticipated second album Woman of Faces, following her critically acclaimed debut Not Your Muse that topped the charts and achieved gold status. Despite her previous success, including winning the BBC Sound of 2020 poll and her single A Little Love featuring on the John Lewis Christmas advert, the creation of this new work has been far from straightforward.
Creative Conflicts and Label Pressures
The album's production was marked by significant creative differences with producer Jeff Bhasker, known for his work with Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. Celeste revealed that Bhasker prevented her from using string arrangements she had commissioned from British composer Robert Ames. More concerningly, the singer took to Instagram last month to accuse her label Polydor of showing 'very little support' for the album and threatening to drop her if she didn't include two specific songs.
This situation echoes previous complaints from singer Raye about the same label, highlighting ongoing tensions between artistic vision and commercial expectations within the music industry. Raye's subsequent independent success after leaving Polydor serves as a powerful precedent for artists seeking creative autonomy.
A Sombre Yet Spectacular Song Cycle
Woman of Faces presents a stark departure from conventional pop, blending opulent orchestrations with austere emotional tones. The album draws inspiration from diverse musical traditions including prewar vocal jazz and French chanson réaliste, creating a timeless quality that sets it apart from contemporary mainstream offerings.
Notable tracks include People Always Change, which features a piano introduction reminiscent of Philip Glass's Glassworks, and On With the Show, exploring the theme of performers masking their misery. The album maintains a glacial pace throughout, with almost complete absence of drums until the penultimate track Could Be Machine, which delivers a jolting explosion of electronics and double-time beats.
The lyrical content addresses weighty themes including societal pressures on women, technology's deleterious effects, and the fallout from broken relationships. Celeste's vocal performance is particularly remarkable, displaying nuanced phrasing and emotional depth as she builds from near-whispers to powerful crescendos.
Artistic Integrity Versus Commercial Viability
While the album's uniform pacing and sombre tone might challenge listeners expecting a conventional pop experience, individual tracks stand as stunning achievements. The collection works best as a complete song cycle, though some might argue it would benefit from more disruptive elements like Could Be Machine or her earlier single Everyday.
Ultimately, Woman of Faces represents a bold artistic statement that prioritises creative purpose over commercial appeal. In an industry often focused on sales and streaming numbers, Celeste has crafted a work of profound beauty and integrity that confirms her status as one of Britain's most compelling vocalists and songwriters.
