Album Review: Celeste, Woman Of Faces

It’s easy to fall in love with the music of Celeste. And if you’re not head-over-heels after listening to Woman Of Faces, turn the volume up and try again. With the timeless vocal brilliance of Ella Fitzgerald and the no-holds-barred emotional power of Amy Winehouse, Celeste is a force of nature.

She started out listening to Aretha Franklin and singing hymns in church choirs, and her first releases were groovy R&B tracks, created with only a laptop and an angelic voice. She went on to release a pop-soul-electronic EP and later lent vocals to electronic producer giants Avicii and Tieks – all before the age of 20.

While her collaborations are impressive, her solo work is out of this world. Her diverse mosaic of musical experiences and influences blend like a kaleidoscope throughout Woman Of Faces. The title track places her heavenly voice against an orchestral backdrop, resulting in a brilliantly cinematic number.

‘This Is Who I Am’ boasts a more intimate mood, rich with smooth piano and subtle percussion. ‘Time Will Tell’ is similarly subdued, though its bossa nova-infused guitar lines and R&B vocals keep it fresh. ‘Keep Smiling’ contains similarly bright acoustic guitar melodies, while presenting a sound driven by orchestral strings and anchored by resonant, breathy vocals.

Elsewhere, Celeste’s electronic influences shine through on the wonderful duo of ‘Keep Smiling’ and ‘Carmen’s Song’, rounding out a hugely impressive album.

8/10