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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name = Lianne La Havas
| name = Lianne La Havas
| type = studio
| type = studio
| artist = [[Lianne La Havas]]
| artist = [[Lianne La Havas]]
| cover = Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas.png
| cover =
| released = {{Start date|2020|7|17|df=yes}}
| border = yes
| released = {{Start date|2020|7|17|df=yes}}
| recorded =
| recorded = October 2019 – December 2019
| genre =
| genre = * [[Folk music|Folk]]
* [[neo soul]]
| length =
* [[jazz]]
| label = *[[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]]
| length = 48:06
*[[Nonesuch Records|Nonesuch]]
| label = * [[Warner Records|Warner]]
| producer = [[Lianne La Havas]], [[Aqualung (musician)|Matt Hales]]
* [[Nonesuch Records|Nonesuch]]
| prev_title = [[Blood (Lianne La Havas album)|Blood]]
| producer = [[Lianne La Havas]], [[Aqualung (musician)|Matt Hales]], Beni Giles, Sam Crowe, [[Mura Masa]], [[Nick Hakim]], [[Chris Tabron]]
| prev_year = 2015
| prev_title = [[Blood (Lianne La Havas album)|Blood]]
| next_title =
| next_year =
| prev_year = 2015
| next_title =
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Lianne La Havas
| next_year =
| misc = {{Singles
| type = studio
| name = Lianne La Havas
| single1 = Bittersweet
| type = studio
| single1 = Bittersweet
| single1date = 25 February 2020
| single1date = 25 February 2020
| single2 = Paper Thin
| single2 = Paper Thin
| single2date = 4 May 2020
| single2date = 4 May 2020
}}
}}
}}
}}


'''''Lianne La Havas''''' is the self-titled third studio album by English singer [[Lianne La Havas]]. The album is due to be released on 17 July 2020.<ref name="Warner Music Group">{{cite web|url=https://eurostore.warnermusic.com/uk/lianne-la-havas-cd.html|title=Lianne La Havas CD - Lianne La Havas|publisher=[[Warner Music Group]]}}</ref>
'''''Lianne La Havas''''' is the third studio album by English singer [[Lianne La Havas]]. The album was released on 17 July 2020.<ref name="Warner Music Group">{{cite web|url=https://eurostore.warnermusic.com/uk/lianne-la-havas-cd.html|title=Lianne La Havas CD - Lianne La Havas|publisher=[[Warner Music Group]]}}</ref> Released after a five-year hiatus and written following La Havas' break-up, the album was inspired by the [[Biological life cycle|life cycle]] of nature and its ability to thrive, go away, and come back stronger. Recording of the album took place between October 2019 and December 2019, with sessions taking place in [[London]], [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] and [[New York City|New York]]. The album's production was handled by La Havas along with long-term collaborator [[Aqualung (musician)|Matt Hales]], co-producers [[Beni Giles]], Sam Crowe and guest co-producer [[Mura Masa]].


''Lianne La Havas'' is a [[concept album]] with a [[song cycle]] that depicts the stages of a relationship, from early romance to demise. The album's musical style was inspired by [[Milton Nascimento]], [[Joni Mitchell]], [[Jaco Pastorius]], [[Al Green]], and [[Destiny's Child]], resulting in a predominately [[neo soul]] album with elements of [[jazz]] and folk. Upon release, the album was met with rave reviews from critics, who praised the album's eclectic musical style and lyrical exploration.
==Background==


==Background==
Following the release of La Havas' second studio album ''[[Blood (Lianne La Havas album)|Blood]]'' (2015), La Havas continued on an extensive touring trip as well as embarking on a new relationship, these led Havas to begin what would be a five year hiatus from music. The relationships demise would go on to inspired La Havas to begin work on the follow up to ''Blood''.
La Havas wanted a greater artistic input for the album and wanted to be in control of the albums style and direction.<ref name="variancemagazine">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas shares stirring new track 'Paper Thin'|url=https://variancemagazine.com/sounds/11172-lianne-la-havas-paper-thin|accessdate=13 May 2020}}</ref> La Havas did not know what direction the album would initially take and "tapped into the best and worst parts" to help inform it.<ref name="variancemagazine"/> She described the albums writing as being "driven by emotion" and at the time being the closest she had gotten to "pure" artistic expression.<ref name="variancemagazine"/>
Following the release of La Havas' second studio album ''[[Blood (Lianne La Havas album)|Blood]]'' (2015), Havas was not satisfied with the album and felt it did not express or represent her at the time.<ref name="standard">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas interview: 'Prince wanted me to make something I was really proud of'|date=15 May 2020|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/music/lianne-la-havas-interview-2020-a4441576.html|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref> She took time off from her recording career, entering a new relationship and later dealing with the break-up, although she continued to tour in the period between albums.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/> The relationship's demise would go on to inspire La Havas to begin work on the follow-up to ''Blood''. La Havas wanted a greater artistic input for the album and wanted to be in control of the album's style and direction.<ref name="variancemagazine">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas shares stirring new track 'Paper Thin'|date=5 May 2020 |url=https://variancemagazine.com/sounds/11172-lianne-la-havas-paper-thin|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> La Havas did not know what direction the album would initially take and "tapped into the best and worst parts" to help inform it.<ref name="variancemagazine"/> She described the album's process as being "driven by emotion" and at the time being the closest she had gotten to "pure" artistic expression.<ref name="variancemagazine"/>


The albums process took Havas five years, something she had not planned for, stating "to make a complete piece of work that meant something that had a story just took a little bit of time”.<ref>https://www.nme.com/news/music/lianne-la-havas-announces-self-titled-album-shares-single-paper-thin-2659551</ref> The album's theme was inspired by the [[Biological life cycle|life cycle]] of nature and plants. Havas wanted the album to follow the journey of seasonal flower, one that "blooms, thrives, goes away, and comes back even stronger. A flower has to dry up and die in order to be reborn. You have to get to the rock bottom to rebuild yourself."<ref>https://www.clashmusic.com/news/lianne-la-havas-confirms-new-album</ref> The relationship and its break-up became the main theme of albums lyrical content, which follows a journey of three [[Vignette (literature)|vignette's]].<ref name="Gal-Dem interview">{{cite web|title=‘I embraced the chance to have a rest’: the return of Lianne La Havas|url=https://gal-dem.com/i-embraced-the-chance-to-have-a-rest-the-return-of-lianne-la-havas/|accessdate=11 May 2020}}</ref> The first describes the early and joyous period a new relationship, the second focuses on the demise of the relationship whilst the third revolves around the enjoyment and loneliness of being independent.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/>
The album's process took La Havas five years, something she had not planned for, stating "to make a complete piece of work that meant something that had a story just took a little bit of time".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lianne-la-havas-announces-self-titled-album-shares-single-paper-thin-2659551|title=Lianne La Havas announces new self-titled album, shares single 'Paper Thin'|website=[[NME]]|date=May 5, 2020}}</ref> The album's theme was inspired by the [[Biological life cycle|life cycle]] of nature and plants. La Havas wanted the album to follow the journey of a seasonal flower, one that "blooms, thrives, goes away, and comes back even stronger. A flower has to dry up and die in order to be reborn. You have to get to the rock bottom to rebuild yourself."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/lianne-la-havas-confirms-new-album|title=Lianne la Havas Confirms New Album|date=5 May 2020 }}</ref> The relationship and its break-up became the main theme of the album's lyrical content, which follows a journey of three [[Vignette (literature)|vignettes]].<ref name="Gal-Dem interview">{{cite web|title='I embraced the chance to have a rest': the return of Lianne La Havas|date=6 May 2020|url=https://gal-dem.com/i-embraced-the-chance-to-have-a-rest-the-return-of-lianne-la-havas/|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref> The first describes the early and joyous period a new relationship, the second focuses on the demise of the relationship whilst the third revolves around the enjoyment and loneliness of being independent.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/>


==Writing and recording==
==Writing and recording==
[[File:Milton Nascimento.tif|right|thumb|Milton Nascimento, was one of numerous artists to inspire La Havas during the albums writing process.]]
[[File:Milton Nascimento.tif|left|thumb|Milton Nascimento was one of numerous artists to inspire La Havas during the album's writing process.]]


The album was written after Havas' breakup from her partner, with La Havas stating, “I can’t write when I’m in the thick of it. I think I’ve got to calm down a little bit.”<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/> The albums writing sessions happened sporadically over a ten month period.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/>
The album was written after La Havas' breakup from her partner, with La Havas stating, "I can't write when I'm in the thick of it. I think I've got to calm down a little bit."<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/> The album's writing sessions happened sporadically over a ten-month period.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/>
The writing sessions took place between the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]] and were inspired by a variety of artists including [[Milton Nascimento]], [[Joni Mitchell]], [[Jaco Pastorious]], [[Al Green]], and [[Destiny’s Child]] harmonies and themes of empowerment.<ref name="Piccadillyrecord">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas - Piccadillyrecords|url=https://www.piccadillyrecords.com/counter/product.php?pid=134344|accessdate=11 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="nonesuch">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas - nonesuch|url=https://www.nonesuch.com/journal/watch-lianne-la-havas-returns-new-single-bittersweet-2020-02-26|accessdate=12 May 2020}}</ref>
The writing sessions took place between the United Kingdom and the United States and were inspired by a variety of artists including [[Milton Nascimento]], [[Joni Mitchell]], [[Jaco Pastorius]], [[Al Green]], and [[Destiny's Child]] harmonies and themes of empowerment.<ref name="Piccadillyrecord">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas - Piccadillyrecords|url=https://www.piccadillyrecords.com/counter/product.php?pid=134344|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="nonesuch">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas - nonesuch|date=26 February 2020 |url=https://www.nonesuch.com/journal/watch-lianne-la-havas-returns-new-single-bittersweet-2020-02-26|access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref>
Recording of the album was not initially planned.<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/> Following La Havas' performance at the [[Glastonbury festival]] in June 2019, La Havas and her band went to the studio to work on a live version of [[Radiohead]]'s “Weird Fishes” from their record [[In Rainbows]].<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/> La Havas enjoyed the session and wanted her third album to be recorded in a similar way:


{{cquote|I had the most wonderful, nourishing experience recording that, and that's where I decided: the rest of the album needs to be like this. It's got to be my band, and I’ve got to do it in London, whenever people have time.<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/>}}
Recording of the album was not initially planned.<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/> Following La Havas' performance at the [[Glastonbury festival]] in June 2019, La Havas and her band went to the studio to work on a live version of [[Radiohead]]’s ‘Weird Fishes’.<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/> La Havas enjoyed the session and wanted her third album to be recorded in a similar way. By October 2019, La Havas had written all ten tracks and by December the albums recording had been completed.<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/> The recording sessions took place in [[London]], [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] and [[New York City|New York]]. The albums production was handled by long-term collaborator Matt Hales, co-producer Beni Giles, and guest co-producer [[Mura Masa]].<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/>


By October 2019, La Havas had written all ten tracks and by December the album's recording had been completed.<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/> The recording sessions took place in [[London]], [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] and [[New York City|New York]]. The album's production was handled by long-term collaborator Matt Hales, co-producer Beni Giles, and guest co-producer [[Mura Masa]].<ref name="Piccadillyrecord"/>
"Paper Thin", started from a dream in which Havas could hear a melody and the songs to be opening lyrics.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/> The song was later recorded at Homer Steinweiss' New York studio, the songs minimalist production inspired Havas and informed the sound and style of the album.<ref>https://thedigitalwise.com/2020/05/06/lianne-la-havas-announces-new-album-after-a-break-of-5-years/</ref>
"Paper Thin", started from a dream in which La Havas could hear a melody and the opening lyric.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/> The song was later recorded at Homer Steinweiss' New York studio, the song's minimalist production inspired La Havas and informed the sound and style of the album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thedigitalwise.com/2020/05/06/lianne-la-havas-announces-new-album-after-a-break-of-5-years/|title=Lianne La Havas Announces New Album After A Break Of 5 Years|first=Areeb|last=Fatima|date=May 6, 2020}}</ref> "Can't Fight" was inspired by R&B from La Havas' childhood. The song was created and recorded in Peckham along with producer [[Mura Masa]]. During the production of the song La Havas and Masa were listening to [[Vulfpeck]], which inspired the song's soulful production.<ref name="Can't Fight">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas - Piccadillyrecords|date=19 May 2020 |url=https://www.nonesuch.com/journal/listen-lianne-la-havas-releases-cant-fight-new-song-upcoming-self-titled-album-2020-05-19|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref>


==Composition==
==Composition==
{{Quote box
The albums digital version features twelve tracks, whilst the albums physical version features ten. The album is made up of three [[Vignette (literature)|vignette's]], with each one focusing on a particular moment during La Havas past relationship.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/> The albums opening song "Bittersweet" is a soul song that features piano chords and subtle guitar lines.<ref>https://colorsxstudios.com/shows/lianne-la-havas-bittersweet/</ref> The song does not sit within the three vignette's but was described by La Havas as an "overview" of the albums themes.<ref>https://www.nonesuch.com/journal/listen-lianne-la-havas-talks-bittersweet-genius-2020-05-07</ref> The first of the three vignette's touches upon the early [[infatuation]] phase of a relationship and is introduced in the second song "Read My Mind".
|quote = To call it soul music would be reductive; too many black artists have hastily been assigned the label just for the color of their skin, a restrictive tendency that La Havas herself has railed against. But without a doubt, La Havas makes soul music insofar as it originates from the soul.
|source =&nbsp;— {{small|Sophia Ordaz of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'', discussing the album's musical<ref name="Slant"/>}}
|quoted = true
|bgcolor = #c6e4ee
|align = right
|width = 25%
|border = 1px
|fontsize = 88%
}}


The album's digital version features twelve tracks, whilst the album's physical version features ten.
==Release and promotion==
The album is a predominantly [[neo-soul]] album, however Sophia Ordaz of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' states "La Havas's style remains tricky to pin down, existing somewhere in the nexus of the soulful warmth of [[Corinne Bailey Rae]], the confessional lyricism of [[Amy Winehouse]], and the folky melodicism of [[Joni Mitchell]]."<ref name="Slant"/>
To promote the album Havas' did multiple live performances. In late February La Havas sang at the [[Barbican]] in London alongside the [[BBC Symphony Orchestra]] and [[Jules Buckley]].<ref>{{cite web|title=La Havas returns|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lianne-la-havas-returns-with-soulful-new-single-bittersweet-2614986}}</ref>
The album adopted a more cohesive composition than its predecessors. Jenessa Williams of the ''[[NME]]'' notes that ''Liana La Havas'' is "focused around a primary nucleus of intimate vocals, nimble guitar-work and driving percussion. Where debut ‘Is Your Love Big Enough’ at times felt forcibly upbeat, these new songs are languid and spacious, roaming from song to song in a way that suits their creator's natural approach to storytelling."<ref name="NME"/>
In early May, La Havas performed from home at "NPR‘s “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” series. The homemade video featured La Havas accompanied by her string guitar whilst performing “Bittersweet” and "Paper Thin".<ref>{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas Performs New Single "Paper Thin" On ‘Tiny Desk (Home) Concert’|url=https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/lianne-la-havas-paper-thin-tiny-desk-home-concert/}}</ref>


The album is made up of three [[Vignette (literature)|vignettes]], with each one focusing on a particular moment during La Havas' past relationships.<ref name="Gal-Dem interview"/>
The album's lead single "Bittersweet" was released on 25 February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=iTunes - Bittersweet - Single by Lianne La Havas|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/bittersweet-single/1498795793|publisher=[[iTunes Store]]}}</ref> La Havas released "Paper Thin" on 4 May 2020, the same day that the album was announced.
The album's opening song "Bittersweet" is a soul song that features piano chords and subtle guitar lines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://colorsxstudios.com/shows/lianne-la-havas-bittersweet/|title=Lianne La Havas - Bittersweet|website=[[ColorsxStudios]]}}</ref> The song does not sit within the three vignette's but was described by La Havas as an "overview" of the album's themes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Listen: Lianne La Havas Talks "Bittersweet" with Genius|url=https://www.nonesuch.com/journal/listen-lianne-la-havas-talks-bittersweet-genius-2020-05-07|work=[[Nonesuch Records]]|date=7 May 2020|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> From "Bittersweet" onward, the album follows the arc of a relationship headed for disaster. The first phase, [[infatuation]], is introduced in the second song "Read My Mind". The song lyrically describes La Havas' being [[Infatuation|smitten]] with new love.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Big Listen: Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas|url=https://guitar.com/review/album/the-big-listen-lianne-la-havas-lianne-la-havas/|last=Walker|first=Gary|work=Guitar.com|date=13 July 2020|access-date=14 July 2020}}</ref>


[[File:Radiohead Berkeley, California 23-6-2006.jpg|thumb|left|[[Weird Fishes/Arpeggi|Weird Fishes]] is a cover of a song originally written and performed by Radiohead.|alt=]]
==Track listing==


"Can't Fight" features the use of the guitar and lyrically discusses wanting something that is not right for you. Expanding on this theme, La Havas said "People say if you're having a hard time in a relationship, just leave. It's so easy to say, but it's so much more complicated than that. Because there's two of you, and neither of you are perfect. And there are things that you're learning along the way. So you think, Well, let me do a little bit of work and just see if we can get that feeling back—it's possible because we do really love each other."<ref name="Can't Fight"/> "Paper Thin" features a "soothing" and strumming guitar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lianne-la-havas-releases-soothing-paper-thin-ahead-of-new-album-new-song.1987271.html|title=Lianne La Havas Releases Soothing "Paper Thin" Ahead Of New Album|website=HotNewHipHop|date=19 May 2020}}</ref> "Weird Fishes" is a cover version originally performed by [[Radiohead]] from the album [[In Rainbows]] (2007). La Havas' version features a stripped-down production containing soulful and key-heavy tones.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Song You Need to Know: Lianne La Havas Covers Radiohead's 'Weird Fishes'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lianne-la-havas-radiohead-weird-fishes-1020789/|last=Newman|first=Jason|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=26 June 2020|access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>
{{track listing
| headline = ''Lianne La Havas'' {{nobold|– CD and vinyl version}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas Exclusive Clear Vinyl + CD - Lianne La Havas|url=https://eurostore.warnermusic.com/uk/lianne-la-havas-exclusive-clear-vinyl-cd.html|publisher=[[Warner Music Group]]}}</ref>
| extra_column = Producer(s)


"Seven Times" incorporates elements of Spanish [[flamenco]] and [[jazz]] and drew comparisons to Lauryn Hill.<ref name="NME"/>
| title1 = Bittersweet
"Sour Flower" is a seven-minute song that features folk and art-rock influences and was noted by Michael Cragg from ''[[The Observer]]'' as "recalls Rainbows-era [[Radiohead]]".<ref name="Obsv"/>
| writer1 = {{hlist|Lianne La Havas|[[Aqualung (musician)|Matt Hales]]|[[Big Dee Irwin|DiFosco T. Ervin, Jr.]]|[[Isaac Hayes]]|Rudy Love}}
| extra1 = {{hlist|Beni Giles|La Havas|Hales}}
| length1 =


==Release and promotion==
| title2 = Read My Mind
The album was released on 17 July 2020, by Warner Records, La Havas' third to be released under the label. The standard edition was released on CD, vinyl, digital download and streaming. The digital version of the album contains two additional tracks; "Bittersweet" (Full Length) and "Out of Your Mind" (interlude).
| writer2 =
The vinyl version of the album was released in two formats; a standard version and an exclusive clear version.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liannelahavas.com/|title=Lianne La Havas – The New Album out July 17th|website=Lianne La Havas}}</ref>
| extra2 =
| length2 =


To promote the album La Havas' did multiple live performances. In late February La Havas sang at the [[Barbican]] in London alongside the [[BBC Symphony Orchestra]] and [[Jules Buckley]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lianne-la-havas-returns-with-soulful-new-single-bittersweet-2614986|title=Lianne La Havas returns with soulful new single 'Bittersweet'|website=[[NME]]|date=February 26, 2020}}</ref>
| title3 = Green Papaya
In early May, La Havas performed from home at "NPR's "Tiny Desk (Home) Concert" series. The homemade video featured La Havas accompanied by her string guitar whilst performing "Bittersweet" and "Paper Thin".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/lianne-la-havas-paper-thin-tiny-desk-home-concert/|title=Lianne La Havas Performs New Single "Paper Thin" On 'Tiny Desk (Home) Concert' [Watch]|date=May 6, 2020|website=L4LM}}</ref>
| writer3 =
| extra3 =
| length3 =


The album was supported by the release of two singles. The album's lead single "Bittersweet" was released on 25 February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=iTunes - Bittersweet - Single by Lianne La Havas|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/bittersweet-single/1498795793|website=[[iTunes Store]]|date=25 February 2020}}</ref> La Havas released "Paper Thin" on 4 May 2020, the same day that the album was announced.
| title4 = Can't Fight
| writer4 =
| extra4 =
| length4 = 3:10


==Critical reception==
| title5 = Paper Thin
{{Album ratings
| writer5 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales}}
| ADM = 8.0/10<ref name="ADM">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas reviews|url=http://anydecentmusic.com/review/12490/Lianne-La-Havas-Lianne-La-Havas.aspx|work=AnyDecentMusic?|access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref>
| extra5 = {{hlist|Homer Steinweiss|Joe Harrison|La Havas}}
| MC = 83/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas Reviews and Tracks|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/lianne-la-havas/lianne-la-havas|work=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=6 August 2020}}</ref>
| length5 = 4:58
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1score = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="AM">{{cite web|title=Liane La Havas - Liane La Havas {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/lianne-la-havas-mw0003386991|last=Kellman|first=Andy|work=[[AllMusic]]|date=17 July 2020|access-date=31 July 2020}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''
| rev2score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="DT">{{cite web|title=This week's best albums: The Chicks, Jarv Is, Ellie Goulding, The Pretenders and Liane La Havas|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/weeks-best-albums-chicks-jarv-ellie-goulding-pretenders-liane/|last=McCormick|first=Neil|author-link=Neil McCormick|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=16 July 2020|access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[musicOMH]]''
| rev3score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="OMH">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/lianne-la-havas-lianne-la-havas|last=Johnson|first=Chloe|work=[[musicOMH]]|date=16 July 2020|access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[NME]]''
| rev4score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NME">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas – 'Lianne La Havas' review: third time's the charm (and a shrewd play for self-ownership)|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/lianne-la-havas-lianne-la-havas-album-review-2708411|last=Williams|first=Jenessa|work=[[NME]]|date=16 July 2020|access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[The Observer]]''
| rev5score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Obsv">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas: Lianne La Havas review – purposeful, tender and bold|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/19/lianne-la-havas-self-titled-album-review-2020-weird-fishes|last=Cragg|first=Michael|work=[[The Observer]]|date=19 July 2020|access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
| rev6score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Q">{{cite journal|title=Rebel Songs|journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|issue=414|last=Aroesti|first=Rachel|date=August 2020 |page=108}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Slant Magazine]]''
| rev7score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Slant">{{cite web|title=Review: Lianne La Havas's Eponymous Third Album Embraces the Catharsis of Loss|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review-lianne-la-havas-eponymous-third-album-embraces-the-catharsis-of-loss/|last=Ordaz|first=Sophia|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=16 July 2020|access-date=11 July 2020}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev8score = 7.8/10<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/lianne-la-havas-lianne-la-havas/|last=Torres|first=Eric|author-link=Eric Torres|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date=23 July 2020|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[The Times]]''
| rev9score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Times">{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas review — perfect summery soul|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lianne-la-havas-lianne-la-havas-review-perfect-summery-soul-jtcm5939f|last=Hodgkinson|first=Will|author-link=Will Hodgkinson|work=[[The Times]]|date=17 July 2020|access-date=11 July 2020}}</ref>
}}
''Lianna La Havas'' received widespread acclaim from critics. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[standard score|normalized]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an [[weighted mean|average]] score of 83, based on 19 reviews.<ref name="MC"/> Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 8.0 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.<ref name="ADM"/>


The album's eclectic musical style was well received by reviewers. [[musicOMH]] writer Chloe Johnson described the album as "truly captivating" saying "every song is an earworm, and Lianne La Havas’ third album is haunting in the way only inspiring music can claim to be; a beautiful ghost to soundtrack your life to."<ref name="OMH"/> [[NME]]'s Jenessa Williams similarly praised the album's composition observing that "‘Lianne La Havas’ is a far more cohesive record than any of its predecessors, focused around a primary nucleus of intimate vocals, nimble guitar-work and driving percussion."<ref name="NME"/> Michael Cragg from ''[[The Observer]]'' summarised the album saying "While there are still nods to the polite dinner-party soundtrack feel of her early work – the string-drenched Courage, for example – this is a much bolder statement of intent."<ref name="Obsv"/>
| title6 = Weird Fishes
| writer6 =
| extra6 =
| length6 =


Other reviews recognized that the album's lyrical exploration. Neil McCormick from ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' called the album a "jazzy, soulful, understated account of breakup and recovery, that shimmers like a gorgeous summer groove and lets La Havas's tender singing and cryptic lyrics carry the bittersweet emotion."<ref name="DT"/> ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' writer Sophia Ordaz believed "the album instantly feels more purposeful than its predecessor: Where Blood can feel labored over, perhaps too hungry for hits, Lianne La Havas isn't seemingly beholden to such expectations."<ref name="Slant"/> Andy Kellman made a similar comparison in the review for [[AllMusic]], claiming that "La Havas' lithe voice forms a tighter bond with the lyrics, and her gently ringing guitar rarely leaves her hands."<ref name="AM"/>
| title7 = Please Don't Make Me Cry
| writer7 =
| extra7 =
| length7 =


Rachel Aroesti from ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' was more critical and believed "there's a wobbly quality to La Havas's toplines that means they can get lost in the more densely instrumented tracks, yet the sparser finger-picked guitar numbers give her songwriting space to shine."<ref name="Q"/>
| title8 = Seven Times
| writer8 =
| extra8 =
| length8 =


{{-}}
| title9 = Courage
| writer9 =
| extra9 =
| length9 =


==Track listing==
| title10 = Soul Flower
{{Track listing
| writer10 =
| headline = ''Lianne La Havas'' track listing<ref>{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/lianne-la-havas/1501569903|website=[[iTunes Store]]}}</ref>
| extra10 =
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| length10 =
| total_length = 48:06
| title1 = Bittersweet
| writer1 = {{hlist|[[Lianne La Havas]]|[[Aqualung (musician)|Matthew Hales]]|[[Big Dee Irwin|DiFosco Ervin, Jr.]]|[[Isaac Hayes]]|Rudy Love}}
| extra1 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Beni Giles}}
| length1 = 4:52
| title2 = Read My Mind
| writer2 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|[[Bruno Major|Benjamin Edwards]]}}
| extra2 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Giles}}
| length2 = 4:48
| title3 = Green Papaya
| writer3 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Samuel Crowe|Frida Touray}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|La Havas|Crowe|Giles{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length3 = 4:05
| title4 = Can't Fight
| writer4 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|[[Mura Masa|Alexander Crossan]]}}
| extra4 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Giles|[[Mura Masa]]}}
| length4 = 3:10
| title5 = Paper Thin
| writer5 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales}}
| extra5 = {{hlist|La Havas|[[Homer Steinweiss]]|Joe Harrison|Hales{{ref|v|[v]}}}}
| length5 = 4:58
| title6 = Out of Your Mind
| note6 = {{small|interlude}}
| writer6 = {{hlist|La Havas|Geordan Reid-Campbell}}
| extra6 = {{hlist|La Havas|Geo}}
| length6 = 1:04
| title7 = [[Weird Fishes/Arpeggi|Weird Fishes]]
| writer7 = {{hlist|[[Thom Yorke]]|[[Jonny Greenwood]]|[[Colin Greenwood]]|[[Ed O'Brien]]|[[Philip Selway]]}}
| extra7 = {{hlist|La Havas|Giles}}
| length7 = 5:54
| title8 = Please Don't Make Me Cry
| writer8 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|[[Nick Hakim|Nicholas Hakim]]}}
| extra8 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hakim|Giles{{ref|a|[a]}}|Hales{{ref|v|[v]}}}}
| length8 = 5:14
| title9 = Seven Times
| writer9 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales}}
| extra9 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Giles}}
| length9 = 3:30
| title10 = Courage
| writer10 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Joseph Harrison}}
| extra10 = {{hlist|La Havas|Harrison|Hales{{ref|v|[v]}}}}
| length10 = 3:38
| title11 = Sour Flower
| writer11 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Crowe}}
| extra11 = {{hlist|La Havas|[[Chris Tabron]]|Hales{{ref|v|[v]}}}}
| length11 = 6:47
}}
}}


'''Notes'''
{{track listing
| headline = ''Lianne La Havas'' {{nobold|– Digital version}}<ref>{{cite web|title=iTunes - Music - Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/lianne-la-havas/1501569903|publisher=[[iTunes Store]]}}</ref>
* A 3:56 edit of "Bittersweet" is included at the end of some digital editions. "Out of Your Mind (interlude)" is included as a hidden track after "Paper Thin" on physical editions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lianne La Havas Exclusive Clear Vinyl + CD - Lianne La Havas|url=https://eurostore.warnermusic.com/uk/lianne-la-havas-exclusive-clear-vinyl-cd.html|publisher=[[Warner Music Group]]}}</ref>
| extra_column = Producer(s)


'''Sampling credits'''
| title1 = Bittersweet
* "Bittersweet" contains a sample of "Medley: "Ike's Rap III" / "Your Love Is So Doggone Good" performed by [[Isaac Hayes]]
| note1 = {{small|Full Length}}
* "Weird Fishes" is a cover version of "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" (2007) performed by [[Radiohead]], written by [[Thom Yorke]], [[Jonny Greenwood]], [[Colin Greenwood]], [[Ed O'Brien]] and [[Philip Selway]].
| writer1 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Ervin, Jr.|Hayes|Love}}
| extra1 = {{hlist|Giles|La Havas|Hales}}
| length1 =


==Personnel==
| title2 = Read My Mind
'''Musicians'''
| writer2 =
{{div col}}
| extra2 =
* [[Lianne La Havas]] – lead vocals (all tracks), backing vocals (1, 3, 7, 11), guitar (1–5, 7–11), snare drums (8)
| length2 =
* James Wyatt – backing vocals, keyboards (1, 7); [[Moog synthesizer|Moog]], piano, [[Rhodes piano|Rhodes]] (2); claps, vocal arrangement, [[vocoder]] (7)
* Frida Touray – backing vocals (1, 3, 7), claps (7)
* Yves Fernandez – bass guitar (1, 2, 4, 7, 9), claps (7)
* Dan See – drums, percussion (1, 2, 4, 7, 9); additional drums (8)
* Richard Adlam – drums, keyboards, [[Programming (music)|programming]] (1)
* Hal Ritson – drums, keyboards, programming (1)
* [[Elroy Powell]] – vocals (1)
* [[Dan Grech-Marguerat|Dan Grech]] – additional programming (1, 7)
* [[Bruno Major]] – guitar, piano (2)
* Sam Crowe – keyboards (2, 11), piano (3, 11); Rhodes, Moog (3)
* [[Chris Tabron]] – keyboards (2)
* [[Davide Rossi]] – string arrangement, cello, viola, violin (4)
* Joe Harrison – bass guitar (5); guitar, keyboards (10)
* [[Homer Steinwess]] – drums (5)
* Geordan Reid-Campbell – bass guitar, drums, keyboards, percussion (6)
* [[Nick Hakim]] – backing vocals, drum programming, electric guitar, [[Mellotron]], [[Minimoog]], [[Wurlitzer electronic piano|Wurlitzer]] (8)
* [[Aqualung (musician)|Matt Hales]] – bass guitar, drum programming, Rhodes (9)
* Gareth Lockrane – [[Western concert flute|flute]] (9)
* Tim Mcnalley – cello, viola (10)
* Paul Castelluzzo – whistle (10)
* Burniss Travis – [[double bass]] (11)
* [[Mark Guiliana]] – drums, percussion (11)
{{div col end}}


'''Technical'''
| title3 = Green Papaya
{{div col}}
| writer3 =
* Stuart Hawkes – [[Mastering (audio)|mastering]] (1–)
| extra3 =
* Dan Grech – [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]] (1, 7)
| length3 =
* Renaud Letang – mixing (2, 4)
* [[Beni Giles]] – mixing (3, 9), additional vocal recording (3)
* Matt Hales – mixing (5, 6, 10), vocal engineering (2, 10, 11)
* Chris Tabron – mixing (8, 11), engineering (11)
* Robert Wilkes – [[Audio engineer|engineering]] (1, 2, 7), additional vocal recording (3)
* Daniel Moyler – engineering (2, 4, 9), additional vocal recording (7)
* Sam Crowe – engineering (3)
* Joe Harrison – engineering (5)
* Homer Steinwess – engineering (5)
* Geordan Reid-Campbell – engineering (6)
* Nick Hakim – engineering, recording (8)
* Bill Malina – engineering (10)
* Nate Odden – engineering (11)
* Brandon Peralta – mixing assistance (8, 11), engineering assistance (11)
* Jonny Breakwell – engineering assistance (2, 4, 9), additional vocal recording (7)
* Augusto Sanchez – engineering assistance (11)
{{div col end}}


==Charts==
| title4 = Can't Fight
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
| writer4 =
|+Chart performance for ''Lianne La Havas''
| extra4 =
|-
| length4 = 3:10
! scope="col"| Chart (2020)

! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
| title5 = Paper Thin
|-
| writer5 =
{{album chart|Austria|44|artist=Lianne La Havas|album=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=30 July 2020}}
| extra5 =
|-
| length5 = 4:58
{{album chart|Flanders|8|artist=Lianne La Havas|album=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 July 2020}}

|-
| title6 = Out of Your Mind
{{album chart|Wallonia|49|artist=Lianne La Havas|album=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 July 2020}}
| note6 = {{small|interlude}}
|-
| writer6 =
{{album chart|Netherlands|9|artist=Lianne La Havas|album=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 July 2020}}
| extra6 =
|-
| length6 =
{{album chart|France|106|artist=Lianne La Havas|album=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=2 August 2020}}

|-
| title7 = Weird Fishes
{{album chart|Germany4|20|id=415068|artist=Lianne La Havas|album=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 July 2020}}
| writer7 =
|-
| extra7 =
{{album chart|Hungary|7|year=2020|week=30|artist=Lianne La Havas|album=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=30 July 2020}}
| length7 =
|-

{{album chart|Scotland|8|date=20200724|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 July 2020}}
| title8 = Please Don't Make Me Cry
|-
| writer8 =
{{album chart|Switzerland|6|artist=Lianne La Havas|album=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=29 July 2020}}
| extra8 =
|-
| length8 =
{{album chart|UK2|7|date=20200724|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 July 2020}}

|-
| title9 = Seven Times
{{album chart|BillboardAlbumSales|26|artist=Lianne La Havas|rowheader=true|accessdate=15 December 2020}}
| writer9 =
|}
| extra9 =
| length9 =

| title10 = Courage
| writer10 =
| extra10 =
| length10 =

| title11 = Soul Flower
| writer11 =
| extra11 =
| length11 =

| title12 = Bittersweet
| writer12 = {{hlist|La Havas|Hales|Ervin, Jr.|Hayes|Love}}
| extra12 = {{hlist|Giles|La Havas|Hales}}
| length12 = 3:56
}}

'''Notes'''
*"Bittersweet" contains a sample of "Medley: "Ike's Rap III" / "Your Love is So Doggone Good" performed by [[Isaac Hayes]]


==Release history==
==Release history==
Line 186: Line 263:
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Format
! scope="col" | Format
! scope="col" | Edition
! scope="col" | Label
! scope="col" | Label
! scope="col" | Ref
! scope="col" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|-
! scope="row" | Worldwide
! scope="row" | Various
| rowspan="1" | 17 July 2020
| 17 July 2020
|| {{flatlist|
| {{flatlist|*[[Compact disc|CD]]
*[[Compact disc|CD]]
*[[LP record|LP]]
*[[LP record|LP]]
*[[Music download|digital download]]}}
*[[Music download|digital download]]
*[[Streaming media|streaming]]}}
| rowspan="1" | {{flatlist|
| [[Warner Records|Warner]]
*Standard
| <ref name="Warner Music Group"/>
*Digital}}
| rowspan="2" | Warner Bros.
||<ref name="Warner Music Group"/>
|-
|}
|}


Line 209: Line 281:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website|www.liannelahavas.com/}}
* {{official website|www.liannelahavas.com/}}

{{Lianne La Havas}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2020 albums]]
[[Category:2020 albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Aqualung (musician)]]
[[Category:Lianne La Havas albums]]
[[Category:Lianne La Havas albums]]
[[Category:Warner Records albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Mura Masa]]

Latest revision as of 22:53, 3 December 2024

Lianne La Havas
Studio album by
Lianne La Havas
Released17 July 2020 (2020-07-17)
RecordedOctober 2019 – December 2019
Genre
Length48:06
Label
ProducerLianne La Havas, Matt Hales, Beni Giles, Sam Crowe, Mura Masa, Nick Hakim, Chris Tabron
Lianne La Havas chronology
Blood
(2015) 		Lianne La Havas
(2020)
Singles from Lianne La Havas
  1. "Bittersweet"
    Released: 25 February 2020
  2. "Paper Thin"
    Released: 4 May 2020

Lianne La Havas is the third studio album by English singer Lianne La Havas. The album was released on 17 July 2020.[1] Released after a five-year hiatus and written following La Havas' break-up, the album was inspired by the life cycle of nature and its ability to thrive, go away, and come back stronger. Recording of the album took place between October 2019 and December 2019, with sessions taking place in London, Bath and New York. The album's production was handled by La Havas along with long-term collaborator Matt Hales, co-producers Beni Giles, Sam Crowe and guest co-producer Mura Masa.

Lianne La Havas is a concept album with a song cycle that depicts the stages of a relationship, from early romance to demise. The album's musical style was inspired by Milton Nascimento, Joni Mitchell, Jaco Pastorius, Al Green, and Destiny's Child, resulting in a predominately neo soul album with elements of jazz and folk. Upon release, the album was met with rave reviews from critics, who praised the album's eclectic musical style and lyrical exploration.

Background

[edit]

Following the release of La Havas' second studio album Blood (2015), Havas was not satisfied with the album and felt it did not express or represent her at the time.[2] She took time off from her recording career, entering a new relationship and later dealing with the break-up, although she continued to tour in the period between albums.[3] The relationship's demise would go on to inspire La Havas to begin work on the follow-up to Blood. La Havas wanted a greater artistic input for the album and wanted to be in control of the album's style and direction.[4] La Havas did not know what direction the album would initially take and "tapped into the best and worst parts" to help inform it.[4] She described the album's process as being "driven by emotion" and at the time being the closest she had gotten to "pure" artistic expression.[4]

The album's process took La Havas five years, something she had not planned for, stating "to make a complete piece of work that meant something that had a story just took a little bit of time".[5] The album's theme was inspired by the life cycle of nature and plants. La Havas wanted the album to follow the journey of a seasonal flower, one that "blooms, thrives, goes away, and comes back even stronger. A flower has to dry up and die in order to be reborn. You have to get to the rock bottom to rebuild yourself."[6] The relationship and its break-up became the main theme of the album's lyrical content, which follows a journey of three vignettes.[3] The first describes the early and joyous period a new relationship, the second focuses on the demise of the relationship whilst the third revolves around the enjoyment and loneliness of being independent.[3]

Writing and recording

[edit]
Milton Nascimento was one of numerous artists to inspire La Havas during the album's writing process.

The album was written after La Havas' breakup from her partner, with La Havas stating, "I can't write when I'm in the thick of it. I think I've got to calm down a little bit."[3] The album's writing sessions happened sporadically over a ten-month period.[3] The writing sessions took place between the United Kingdom and the United States and were inspired by a variety of artists including Milton Nascimento, Joni Mitchell, Jaco Pastorius, Al Green, and Destiny's Child harmonies and themes of empowerment.[7][8] Recording of the album was not initially planned.[7] Following La Havas' performance at the Glastonbury festival in June 2019, La Havas and her band went to the studio to work on a live version of Radiohead's “Weird Fishes” from their record In Rainbows.[7] La Havas enjoyed the session and wanted her third album to be recorded in a similar way:

I had the most wonderful, nourishing experience recording that, and that's where I decided: the rest of the album needs to be like this. It's got to be my band, and I’ve got to do it in London, whenever people have time.[7]

By October 2019, La Havas had written all ten tracks and by December the album's recording had been completed.[7] The recording sessions took place in London, Bath and New York. The album's production was handled by long-term collaborator Matt Hales, co-producer Beni Giles, and guest co-producer Mura Masa.[7] "Paper Thin", started from a dream in which La Havas could hear a melody and the opening lyric.[3] The song was later recorded at Homer Steinweiss' New York studio, the song's minimalist production inspired La Havas and informed the sound and style of the album.[9] "Can't Fight" was inspired by R&B from La Havas' childhood. The song was created and recorded in Peckham along with producer Mura Masa. During the production of the song La Havas and Masa were listening to Vulfpeck, which inspired the song's soulful production.[10]

Composition

[edit]

To call it soul music would be reductive; too many black artists have hastily been assigned the label just for the color of their skin, a restrictive tendency that La Havas herself has railed against. But without a doubt, La Havas makes soul music insofar as it originates from the soul.

 — Sophia Ordaz of Slant Magazine, discussing the album's musical[11]

The album's digital version features twelve tracks, whilst the album's physical version features ten. The album is a predominantly neo-soul album, however Sophia Ordaz of Slant Magazine states "La Havas's style remains tricky to pin down, existing somewhere in the nexus of the soulful warmth of Corinne Bailey Rae, the confessional lyricism of Amy Winehouse, and the folky melodicism of Joni Mitchell."[11] The album adopted a more cohesive composition than its predecessors. Jenessa Williams of the NME notes that Liana La Havas is "focused around a primary nucleus of intimate vocals, nimble guitar-work and driving percussion. Where debut ‘Is Your Love Big Enough’ at times felt forcibly upbeat, these new songs are languid and spacious, roaming from song to song in a way that suits their creator's natural approach to storytelling."[12]

The album is made up of three vignettes, with each one focusing on a particular moment during La Havas' past relationships.[3] The album's opening song "Bittersweet" is a soul song that features piano chords and subtle guitar lines.[13] The song does not sit within the three vignette's but was described by La Havas as an "overview" of the album's themes.[14] From "Bittersweet" onward, the album follows the arc of a relationship headed for disaster. The first phase, infatuation, is introduced in the second song "Read My Mind". The song lyrically describes La Havas' being smitten with new love.[15]

Weird Fishes is a cover of a song originally written and performed by Radiohead.

"Can't Fight" features the use of the guitar and lyrically discusses wanting something that is not right for you. Expanding on this theme, La Havas said "People say if you're having a hard time in a relationship, just leave. It's so easy to say, but it's so much more complicated than that. Because there's two of you, and neither of you are perfect. And there are things that you're learning along the way. So you think, Well, let me do a little bit of work and just see if we can get that feeling back—it's possible because we do really love each other."[10] "Paper Thin" features a "soothing" and strumming guitar.[16] "Weird Fishes" is a cover version originally performed by Radiohead from the album In Rainbows (2007). La Havas' version features a stripped-down production containing soulful and key-heavy tones.[17]

"Seven Times" incorporates elements of Spanish flamenco and jazz and drew comparisons to Lauryn Hill.[12] "Sour Flower" is a seven-minute song that features folk and art-rock influences and was noted by Michael Cragg from The Observer as "recalls Rainbows-era Radiohead".[18]

Release and promotion

[edit]

The album was released on 17 July 2020, by Warner Records, La Havas' third to be released under the label. The standard edition was released on CD, vinyl, digital download and streaming. The digital version of the album contains two additional tracks; "Bittersweet" (Full Length) and "Out of Your Mind" (interlude). The vinyl version of the album was released in two formats; a standard version and an exclusive clear version.[19]

To promote the album La Havas' did multiple live performances. In late February La Havas sang at the Barbican in London alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Jules Buckley.[20] In early May, La Havas performed from home at "NPR's "Tiny Desk (Home) Concert" series. The homemade video featured La Havas accompanied by her string guitar whilst performing "Bittersweet" and "Paper Thin".[21]

The album was supported by the release of two singles. The album's lead single "Bittersweet" was released on 25 February 2020.[22] La Havas released "Paper Thin" on 4 May 2020, the same day that the album was announced.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?8.0/10[23]
Metacritic83/100[24]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[25]
The Daily Telegraph[26]
musicOMH[27]
NME[12]
The Observer[18]
Q[28]
Slant Magazine[11]
Pitchfork7.8/10[29]
The Times[30]

Lianna La Havas received widespread acclaim from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 83, based on 19 reviews.[24] Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 8.0 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.[23]

The album's eclectic musical style was well received by reviewers. musicOMH writer Chloe Johnson described the album as "truly captivating" saying "every song is an earworm, and Lianne La Havas’ third album is haunting in the way only inspiring music can claim to be; a beautiful ghost to soundtrack your life to."[27] NME's Jenessa Williams similarly praised the album's composition observing that "‘Lianne La Havas’ is a far more cohesive record than any of its predecessors, focused around a primary nucleus of intimate vocals, nimble guitar-work and driving percussion."[12] Michael Cragg from The Observer summarised the album saying "While there are still nods to the polite dinner-party soundtrack feel of her early work – the string-drenched Courage, for example – this is a much bolder statement of intent."[18]

Other reviews recognized that the album's lyrical exploration. Neil McCormick from The Daily Telegraph called the album a "jazzy, soulful, understated account of breakup and recovery, that shimmers like a gorgeous summer groove and lets La Havas's tender singing and cryptic lyrics carry the bittersweet emotion."[26] Slant Magazine writer Sophia Ordaz believed "the album instantly feels more purposeful than its predecessor: Where Blood can feel labored over, perhaps too hungry for hits, Lianne La Havas isn't seemingly beholden to such expectations."[11] Andy Kellman made a similar comparison in the review for AllMusic, claiming that "La Havas' lithe voice forms a tighter bond with the lyrics, and her gently ringing guitar rarely leaves her hands."[25]

Rachel Aroesti from Q was more critical and believed "there's a wobbly quality to La Havas's toplines that means they can get lost in the more densely instrumented tracks, yet the sparser finger-picked guitar numbers give her songwriting space to shine."[28]

Track listing

[edit]
Lianne La Havas track listing[31]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Bittersweet"
  • La Havas
  • Hales
  • Beni Giles
4:52
2."Read My Mind"
  • La Havas
  • Hales
  • Giles
4:48
3."Green Papaya"
  • La Havas
  • Hales
  • Samuel Crowe
  • Frida Touray
  • La Havas
  • Crowe
  • Giles[a]
4:05
4."Can't Fight"
3:10
5."Paper Thin"
  • La Havas
  • Hales
4:58
6."Out of Your Mind" (interlude)
  • La Havas
  • Geordan Reid-Campbell
  • La Havas
  • Geo
1:04
7."Weird Fishes"
  • La Havas
  • Giles
5:54
8."Please Don't Make Me Cry"
5:14
9."Seven Times"
  • La Havas
  • Hales
  • La Havas
  • Hales
  • Giles
3:30
10."Courage"
  • La Havas
  • Hales
  • Joseph Harrison
  • La Havas
  • Harrison
  • Hales[v]
3:38
11."Sour Flower"
  • La Havas
  • Hales
  • Crowe
6:47
Total length:48:06

Notes

  • A 3:56 edit of "Bittersweet" is included at the end of some digital editions. "Out of Your Mind (interlude)" is included as a hidden track after "Paper Thin" on physical editions.[32]

Sampling credits

Personnel

[edit]

Musicians

  • Lianne La Havas – lead vocals (all tracks), backing vocals (1, 3, 7, 11), guitar (1–5, 7–11), snare drums (8)
  • James Wyatt – backing vocals, keyboards (1, 7); Moog, piano, Rhodes (2); claps, vocal arrangement, vocoder (7)
  • Frida Touray – backing vocals (1, 3, 7), claps (7)
  • Yves Fernandez – bass guitar (1, 2, 4, 7, 9), claps (7)
  • Dan See – drums, percussion (1, 2, 4, 7, 9); additional drums (8)
  • Richard Adlam – drums, keyboards, programming (1)
  • Hal Ritson – drums, keyboards, programming (1)
  • Elroy Powell – vocals (1)
  • Dan Grech – additional programming (1, 7)
  • Bruno Major – guitar, piano (2)
  • Sam Crowe – keyboards (2, 11), piano (3, 11); Rhodes, Moog (3)
  • Chris Tabron – keyboards (2)
  • Davide Rossi – string arrangement, cello, viola, violin (4)
  • Joe Harrison – bass guitar (5); guitar, keyboards (10)
  • Homer Steinwess – drums (5)
  • Geordan Reid-Campbell – bass guitar, drums, keyboards, percussion (6)
  • Nick Hakim – backing vocals, drum programming, electric guitar, Mellotron, Minimoog, Wurlitzer (8)
  • Matt Hales – bass guitar, drum programming, Rhodes (9)
  • Gareth Lockrane – flute (9)
  • Tim Mcnalley – cello, viola (10)
  • Paul Castelluzzo – whistle (10)
  • Burniss Travis – double bass (11)
  • Mark Guiliana – drums, percussion (11)

Technical

  • Stuart Hawkes – mastering (1–)
  • Dan Grech – mixing (1, 7)
  • Renaud Letang – mixing (2, 4)
  • Beni Giles – mixing (3, 9), additional vocal recording (3)
  • Matt Hales – mixing (5, 6, 10), vocal engineering (2, 10, 11)
  • Chris Tabron – mixing (8, 11), engineering (11)
  • Robert Wilkes – engineering (1, 2, 7), additional vocal recording (3)
  • Daniel Moyler – engineering (2, 4, 9), additional vocal recording (7)
  • Sam Crowe – engineering (3)
  • Joe Harrison – engineering (5)
  • Homer Steinwess – engineering (5)
  • Geordan Reid-Campbell – engineering (6)
  • Nick Hakim – engineering, recording (8)
  • Bill Malina – engineering (10)
  • Nate Odden – engineering (11)
  • Brandon Peralta – mixing assistance (8, 11), engineering assistance (11)
  • Jonny Breakwell – engineering assistance (2, 4, 9), additional vocal recording (7)
  • Augusto Sanchez – engineering assistance (11)

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Lianne La Havas
Chart (2020) Peak
position
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[33] 44
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[34] 8
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[35] 49
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[36] 9
French Albums (SNEP)[37] 106
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[38] 20
Hungarian Albums (MAHASZ)[39] 7
Scottish Albums (OCC)[40] 8
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[41] 6
UK Albums (OCC)[42] 7
US Top Album Sales (Billboard)[43] 26

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various 17 July 2020
Warner [1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Lianne La Havas CD - Lianne La Havas". Warner Music Group.
  2. ^ "Lianne La Havas interview: 'Prince wanted me to make something I was really proud of'". 15 May 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "'I embraced the chance to have a rest': the return of Lianne La Havas". 6 May 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "Lianne La Havas shares stirring new track 'Paper Thin'". 5 May 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Lianne La Havas announces new self-titled album, shares single 'Paper Thin'". NME. 5 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Lianne la Havas Confirms New Album". 5 May 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "Lianne La Havas - Piccadillyrecords". Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  8. ^ "Lianne La Havas - nonesuch". 26 February 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  9. ^ Fatima, Areeb (6 May 2020). "Lianne La Havas Announces New Album After A Break Of 5 Years".
  10. ^ a b "Lianne La Havas - Piccadillyrecords". 19 May 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  11. ^ a b c d Ordaz, Sophia (16 July 2020). "Review: Lianne La Havas's Eponymous Third Album Embraces the Catharsis of Loss". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  12. ^ a b c d Williams, Jenessa (16 July 2020). "Lianne La Havas – 'Lianne La Havas' review: third time's the charm (and a shrewd play for self-ownership)". NME. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  13. ^ "Lianne La Havas - Bittersweet". ColorsxStudios.
  14. ^ "Listen: Lianne La Havas Talks "Bittersweet" with Genius". Nonesuch Records. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  15. ^ Walker, Gary (13 July 2020). "The Big Listen: Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas". Guitar.com. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  16. ^ "Lianne La Havas Releases Soothing "Paper Thin" Ahead Of New Album". HotNewHipHop. 19 May 2020.
  17. ^ Newman, Jason (26 June 2020). "Song You Need to Know: Lianne La Havas Covers Radiohead's 'Weird Fishes'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  18. ^ a b c Cragg, Michael (19 July 2020). "Lianne La Havas: Lianne La Havas review – purposeful, tender and bold". The Observer. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  19. ^ "Lianne La Havas – The New Album out July 17th". Lianne La Havas.
  20. ^ "Lianne La Havas returns with soulful new single 'Bittersweet'". NME. 26 February 2020.
  21. ^ "Lianne La Havas Performs New Single "Paper Thin" On 'Tiny Desk (Home) Concert' [Watch]". L4LM. 6 May 2020.
  22. ^ "iTunes - Bittersweet - Single by Lianne La Havas". iTunes Store. 25 February 2020.
  23. ^ a b "Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  24. ^ a b "Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  25. ^ a b Kellman, Andy (17 July 2020). "Liane La Havas - Liane La Havas | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  26. ^ a b McCormick, Neil (16 July 2020). "This week's best albums: The Chicks, Jarv Is, Ellie Goulding, The Pretenders and Liane La Havas". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  27. ^ a b Johnson, Chloe (16 July 2020). "Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas". musicOMH. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  28. ^ a b Aroesti, Rachel (August 2020). "Rebel Songs". Q (414): 108.
  29. ^ Torres, Eric (23 July 2020). "Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas". Pitchfork. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  30. ^ Hodgkinson, Will (17 July 2020). "Lianne La Havas review — perfect summery soul". The Times. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  31. ^ "Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas". iTunes Store.
  32. ^ "Lianne La Havas Exclusive Clear Vinyl + CD - Lianne La Havas". Warner Music Group.
  33. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  34. ^ "Ultratop.be – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  35. ^ "Ultratop.be – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  36. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  37. ^ "Lescharts.com – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas". Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  38. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  39. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2020. 30. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  40. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  41. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas". Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  42. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  43. ^ "Lianne La Havas Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
[edit]
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