Are We There Yet? is the debut studio album by English indie rock musician James Marriott. Released on 10 November 2023, the album includes a total of 10 tracks.
The album was written by Marriott, in close collaboration with his writing partners Matt Gavin and Jono Suter.
Writing credits are also given to Marriott's bassist Samuel Horsley as well as the musicians Psylla and Charlie Sale, Finnish drummer Eeli Savolainen and Finnish orchestral arranger Jere Särkkä.
Background and release
The album was in production since May 2022, and the ninth track "Denial" had been in the works for the longest amount of time, since February of the same year.[1] A number of tracks including "The Other Side" and "So Long" had been played during his previous long-form release's tour "The Bitter Tour" before release in 2023.[2] Marriott also stated that the album was "inspired by playing live".[2]
Speaking with the Official Charts Company, Marriott spoke about releasing an album independently, and in just three years after his music debut and said:[1]
I am very lucky. Everyone always speaks about this idea that you have your whole life to write your debut album, but then only a year to make your second. This was a year's work for me, and I don't plan on stopping. A lot of the music I made as a kid has not made it [this far]. Honestly. because none of it was very good. But now I'm very grateful to be surrounded by some very talented musicians who've helped me craft my sound.
In the same interview Marriott also stated that "My friend described the album as 10 songs to dye your hair blue to", and that "it's fairly eclectic in its approach to sound. I don't think there's a person that will listen to the album and go, 'there's not a single song here that I can enjoy."[1]
Singles and release
"So Long" was released on 9 June 2023 as the album's official lead single.[3][4] "Romanticise This" was released on 27 July 2023 and served the album's second single.[3][5] "Don't Blame Me" was released on 19 October 2023 and served the album's third and final single.[6][7] All three singles received music videos to support their release.[3][6]Are We There Yet? was released on 10 November 2023.[8]
Critical reception
Shyla Davidson of Square One Magazine gave the album a positive rating of 4 out of 5 stars, the article reads "With a mix of happy and melancholy tunes, this album leaves listeners feeling refreshed, and somewhat nostalgic. With just the right amount of slow, calming songs and songs that just make listeners want to dance, this album surely has something for listeners of all walks of life."[9]
Track listing
All tracks are written by James Marriott, Psylla and Matthew Gavin unless otherwise stated.
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