| Glasshouse | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 20 October 2017 | |||
| Recorded | 2016–2017 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 46:19 | |||
| Label | Island | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Jessie Ware chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Glasshouse | ||||
| ||||
Glasshouse is the third studio album by English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware. It was released on 20 October 2017 through Island Records. The album was supported by the singles "Midnight", "Selfish Love" and "Alone".
Commenting on the creation process, Ware elaborated that she "really tried to rush this record" because she wanted to finish the album before having her first baby in September 2016, and "was being led by other people in the songwriting rooms, more than I was leading" as she was pregnant when the album was being written. She further added: "I was writing really shit music because I had this fear like, 'Must provide. Must make a hit for my unborn child' [...] I think I'd lost a bit of my identity, and it took my mate Benny Blanco to be like, 'This is really shit. I don't know what you're doing. Why are you not doing what you do?' It was such a relief, because I knew exactly what he meant." [1] Following her conversation with Blanco in December 2016, she decided to reconstruct the album and booked additional recordings sessions with musicians such as producer Starsmith and songwriter James Newman. [1]
Next to Starmsith and Newman the singer collaborated with a variety of producers and songwriters on Glasshouse, including Julia Michaels, Francis and the Lights, Cashmere Cat, Benny Blanco and Ed Sheeran. [1] Ware cited Childish Gambino's Awaken, My Love! (2016), and Solange's A Seat at the Table (2016), and Christine and the Queens' Chaleur humaine (2014) as her major inspirations for the album, noting: "They all have such strong identities, and I wanted that. I wanted to feel in control," she said. [1] When asked about the message behind this album, she said: "I've written with a lot of different people, but I think what's bringing it all together is my voice, and the storytelling. It's quite a personal record, which I didn't realize [when writing it]. I thought I was just writing songs, but it's become this record that's for my husband and my baby. It's been a wild couple of years, and I feel like this album represents those ups and downs, the fear, the beauty, and the celebrations." [1] On 5 September 2017, Ware announced the album's title and posted its artwork on social media. [2] [3] [4] [5]
The album title was inspired by Edward Thomas's poem "I Built Myself a House of Glass". While song titles were used while naming Ware's previous album, she "just didn't feel like any of them did justice to this album." In an interview with Billboard , she further commented: "Glasshouse, I guess for me represents this beautiful thing, which is very easy to shatter. I've become a mother; it's changed my world for the better. But I'm also learning how to do it. Also, I think I've given more of myself in this record [...] So, it's about me working out this situation and trying to do the best, but also knowing that it’s quite a fragile, funny situation." [7]
The cover artwork for Glasshouse features Ware emerging from the courtyard of the Neuendorf House on the island of Mallorca, Spain. Designed by architects John Pawson and Claudio Silvestrin in 1991, the modernist villa is a vacation house for a German art dealer set in an almond grove. [6] Ware wanted the cover to emphasise architecture; as she explained in an interview with The Fader the week before the image was shot, "This record is so personal and romantic, that I want a nostalgic image on the front [...] I really want architecture in the album cover. I want to graduate from being in the [photo] studio for artwork where it had to be all about my face. I want it to be a beautiful image that maybe I'm a small part of." [1] As a result, the cover is not exclusively focused on Ware. According to Pitchfork , "the eye is drawn as much to the soft, ruddy brown of the walls or the blue sky packed into a crisp rectangle above her", while Ware's name and the word "Glasshouse" are stylised in an uppercase pale pink font and located in the center of the image. [6] The album artwork and singles campaign was designed by Samuel Muir Studio.
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 72/100 [8] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| The A.V. Club | B+ [9] |
| AllMusic |    [10] |
| Clash | 6/10 [11] |
| Consequence of Sound | C+ [12] |
| The Observer | [13] |
| Pitchfork | 8.0/10 [6] |
| Slant Magazine | [14] |
| Tom Hull | B+ (  ) [15] |
At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, Glasshouse has an average score of 72 out of 100, which indicates "generally favorable reviews" based on 13 reviews. [8] Pitchfork editor Brad Nelson felt that "each song on Glasshouse has its own distinct aesthetic; unlike her previous albums there are no songs here that could be confused for each other, none that seem an afterthought carved from the greater mood of the album. Here, tracks are discrete entities, seemingly designed and assembled by its own team of architects [...] It almost feels like Ware is trying to divert attention from herself, but she is positioned directly at the center of the album’s trembling choreography. She connects each of these unrelated environments—shaping them." [6] Andy Kellman from AllMusic gave it a three-and-a-half-out-of-five rating. In the positive review he wrote that "Ware's third album is packed with finely woven adult-pop ballads about lust, longing, commitment, and reassurance." He found that "Though Ware co-wrote all the songs and is in full command from start to finish, the album has a stitched-together quality that starts to slowly unravel during the second half. [10]
The A.V. Club gave the album a B+ rating and compared the album to "Haim’s studio-perfect (and occasionally too studied) evocation of decades of pop radio and adult contemporary music. It’s timeless stuff, almost imagistic in the way it conjures the specters of belters past like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Annie Lennox." The online newspaper added: "Glasshouse resolutely has the goods, packaging a handful of searing, bring-down-the-house ballads in an album that stands alongside her debut [...] There’s an earned earnestness to its emotional palette, even as it tumbles into schmaltzy paeans to domestic bliss. If it weren’t executed so sincerely, the whole thing would fall flat. But Ware walks the tightwire, and the result is as thrilling, in its own quiet way, as anything she’s produced." [9] Michael Cragg, writing for The Observer , described the release as "solid ground" and a "pivotal release for Ware." He felt that while the singles released in advance of the album "hinted at a more robust sound [...] it still feels a little too safe," though all song "perfectly showcase Ware’s crystalline vocals – you just wish she’d step out of her comfort zone more often." [13] The same rating was given by Clash 's Robin Murray, who wrote that Glasshouse "promised to break the glass ceiling, but instead finds the singer treading lukewarm water [...] Too often, it fails to challenge itself." [11]
Glasshouse debuted at number seven in the United Kingdom on 23 October 2017, with 8,448 album-equivalent units, as reported by Music Week . [16] The album became Ware's third consecutive top ten entry on the UK Albums Chart. [16]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Midnight" |
|
| 3:57 |
| 2. | "Thinking About You" |
|
| 3:28 |
| 3. | "Stay Awake, Wait for Me" | Stint | 3:35 | |
| 4. | "Your Domino" |
| Stint | 3:47 |
| 5. | "Alone" |
|
| 3:36 |
| 6. | "Selfish Love" | 3:57 | ||
| 7. | "First Time" |
| Starsmith | 4:05 |
| 8. | "Hearts" |
|
| 3:33 |
| 9. | "Slow Me Down" | Ball | 3:24 | |
| 10. | "Finish What We Started" |
|
| 3:49 |
| 11. | "Last of the True Believers" (featuring Paul Buchanan) |
| 3:53 | |
| 12. | "Sam" |
| Blanco | 5:15 |
| Total length: | 46:19 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Til the End" |
|
| 3:02 |
| 14. | "Love to Love" |
| Stint | 3:31 |
| 15. | "Hearts" (acoustic) |
| 3:30 | |
| 16. | "Alone" (acoustic) |
| 3:46 | |
| 17. | "Last of the True Believers" (acoustic) |
| 3:41 | |
| Total length: | 63:49 | |||
Notes
Musicians
Technical
| Chart (2017) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) [17] | 67 |
| Croatian International Albums (HDU) [18] | 4 |
| Greek Albums (IFPI) [19] | 34 |
| Irish Albums (IRMA) [20] | 31 |
| New Zealand Heatseeker Albums (RMNZ) [21] | 4 |
| Polish Albums (ZPAV) [22] | 9 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC) [23] | 11 |
| UK Albums (OCC) [24] | 7 |
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Poland (ZPAV) [25] | Platinum | 20,000 |
| ||
Cher is the eighteenth studio album by American singer-actress Cher, released on November 10, 1987 by Geffen Records. The album has been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA and Gold in Australia by ARIA and the UK by BPI.
Trustfall is the ninth studio album by American singer Pink. The album was released on February 17, 2023, through RCA Records. Her first studio album since Hurts 2B Human (2019), Pink worked on the production and lyrics with Fred Again, David Hodges, Max Martin, Johnny McDaid and Shellback. The Lumineers, Chris Stapleton and First Aid Kit feature as guest vocalists.
Young Foolish Happy is the second studio album by English singer Pixie Lott, released on 11 November 2011 by Mercury Records. Lott enlisted previous collaborators Mads Hauge, Phil Thornalley, Toby Gad, Steve Kipner and Andrew Frampton to handle production for the album, in addition to new collaborators such as Tim Powell, The Matrix and Rusko. The album also includes collaborations with artists such as Stevie Wonder and John Legend.
Jessica Lois Ware is an English singer, songwriter and broadcaster. Ware came to prominence following the release of her debut studio album, Devotion (2012), which peaked at number five on the UK Albums Chart, produced the single "Wildest Moments", and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. Her second studio album, Tough Love (2014), reached number nine in the UK and produced the songs "Tough Love" and "Say You Love Me", which was followed by her third studio album, Glasshouse (2017), which reached number seven in the UK.
Roxette XXX – The 30 Biggest Hits is the sixth greatest hits compilation album by Swedish pop duo Roxette, released on 3 November 2014 by Roxette Recordings in conjunction with Parlophone and Warner Music Group.
In My Mind is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter BJ the Chicago Kid. The album, which serves as his major label debut, was released by Motown, on February 19, 2016. In My Mind received a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
The Human Condition is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Jon Bellion. The album was released on June 10, 2016, through Visionary Music Group and Capitol Records. It was supported by four promotional singles: "Guillotine", "All Time Low", "80's Films", and "Maybe IDK". "All Time Low" was later announced as the lead single from the album and was released on May 13, 2016. Bellion released early versions of "All Time Low" and "Woke the Fuck Up" in 2015 along with the song "Woodstock ", which was not featured on the record. "Overwhelming" was released as a single on April 25, 2017.
"Selfish Love" is a song by English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware. It was written by Ware, Ross Golan, Ryan Tedder, Ammar Malik, Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat and Happy Perez, with production handled by the latter three. The song was released via Island Records on 31 August 2017, as the second single from the singer-songwriter's third studio album, Glasshouse (2017).
"Midnight" is a song by English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware. It was written by Pop Wansel, Kiah Victoria, Jessie Ware, Jordan Thomas and Bastian Langebaek, with production handled by the latter one. The song was released via Island Records on 28 July 2017, as the lead single from the singer-songwriter's third studio album, Glasshouse (2017).
"Alone" is a song by English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware. It was written by Ware, Sarah Aarons and Kid Harpoon, with production handled by Harpoon and Stint. The song was released through Island Records on 14 September 2017, as the third single from the singer-songwriter's third studio album, Glasshouse (2017).
Graffiti U is the tenth studio album by New Zealand-born Australian country music singer Keith Urban. It was released on 27 April 2018, through Hit Red and Capitol Records Nashville. The album was heavily influenced by experiences from Urban's youth, and includes the singles "Female", "Parallel Line", "Coming Home", and "Never Comin' Down". The album has received mixed reviews from critics but received a nomination for CMA Award for Album of the Year.
Happiness Begins is the fifth studio album by American pop rock band Jonas Brothers, released on June 7, 2019, by Republic Records. It is their first album since 2013's Live, and their first studio album since 2009's Lines, Vines and Trying Times. It was the first album released by the group since they reunited in 2019. It was preceded by their comeback single "Sucker" as well as "Cool". The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.
All the Feels is the fourth studio album by the American neo-soul/pop band Fitz and the Tantrums, their first release since their self-titled album in 2016. It was released on September 20, 2019, through Elektra Records. The digital release of the album has 17 songs, and is the band's longest album to date.
What's Your Pleasure? is the fourth studio album by English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware, released on 26 June 2020 by PMR Records and Virgin EMI Records. Ware and co-producer James Ford co-wrote all tracks, along with writers and producers Benji B, Joseph Mount, Kindness, Morgan Geist, Matthew Tavares and Midland.
"Save a Kiss" is the fifth single by English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware from her fourth studio album, What's Your Pleasure? It was released 7 May 2020. It was written by Ware, James Ford, Shungudzo Kuyimbia and Danny Parker. Ford also produced the song.
Brightest Blue is the fourth studio album by English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding. It was released on 17 July 2020 through Polydor Records. Originally scheduled for 5 June 2020, the album's release was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was preceded by three singles: "Worry About Me", "Power" and "Slow Grenade", and features guest vocals from Blackbear, Diplo, Juice WRLD, Lauv, serpentwithfeet and Swae Lee. It is Goulding's first album since Delirium (2015). Brightest Blue received generally positive reviews from music critics. The album was also a commercial success. It became Goulding's third album to peak at number one in the UK and fourth album to debut inside the top three on the chart. The album also peaked inside the top ten in several other countries. To promote the album, Goulding was set to embark on the Brightest Blue Tour on 28 April 2021, however this was pushed back to 5 October 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions in the UK.
Infinite Things is the fifth studio album by British singer Paloma Faith, released through Sony Music on 13 November 2020.
The Loneliest Time is the sixth studio album by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on October 21, 2022, through 604 Records in Canada, and School Boy and Interscope Records in the United States. The album was preceded by the release of its lead single, "Western Wind", which was followed by "Beach House", "Talking to Yourself", and the title track. The album received positive reviews and was placed in several lists of best of the year. In support of the album, Jepsen embarked on The So Nice Tour, which began in September 2022.
Higher Than Heaven is the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, released on 7 April 2023 by Polydor Records. It is her first album in three years, since Brightest Blue (2020).
That! Feels Good! is the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware, released on 28 April 2023 via PMR Records and EMI Records. Co-produced by Stuart Price and James Ford, whom she had worked with on her previous record What's Your Pleasure? (2020), Ware co-wrote all tracks alongside Shungudzo, Danny Parker, Clarence Coffee Jr., Sarah Hudson and its producers Price and Ford. The album was met with critical acclaim, and earned Ware her second top-three entry on the UK Albums Chart after What's Your Pleasure?. To date, three singles have been released to promote the album.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
