The Glorification of Sadness
| The Glorification of Sadness | ||||
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| Released | February 16, 2024 | |||
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| Length | 52:45 | |||
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| Paloma Faith chronology | ||||
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| Singles from The Glorification of Sadness | ||||
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The Glorification of Sadness is the sixth studio album by British singer Paloma Faith. It was released on 16 February 2024, through Sony Music UK and RCA Records. The Glorification of Sadness is a chronologically structured album in which Faith narrates the emotional journey of leaving a long-term relationship. As the executive producer, Faith collaborated with artists such as Chase & Status, Kojey Radical, and Amy Wadge, blending familiar elements with fresh sounds.
The album features four singles: the lead single "How You Leave a Man", which Faith described as a life-changing moment; "Bad Woman", concerning female empowerment; "Pressure", a collaboration with Kojey Radical that originated from a chorus sent by Liam Bailey; and "Sweatpants", which was released alongside the album. Critics praised the album's honest storytelling, vocal delivery, and diverse musical approach, highlighting its balance between raw emotion and uplifting moments.
Background and concept
[edit]In October 2023, Faith revealed that her upcoming album would be "pretty personal", stressing how "nervous" she was to put her private life out into public.[1] It was produced by Swedish producer Martin Wave, who initially worked on only one song but became the "cornerstone of the album".[2] Faith described The Glorification of Sadness as a "divorce album without the divorce," written during the aftermath of her separation from her partner of ten years, with whom she shares two children.[3] The album was inspired by the breakup with Leyman Lahcine in 2022,[4][5] and became a means for her to process a wide range of emotions—grief, resilience, anger, and even euphoria—following the split.[6] She traced the breakdown of the relationship back to the birth of their first child in 2016, explaining that the life-changing experience of motherhood created a shift that she and her partner struggled to navigate together. Despite the difficulties, she expressed no regrets, stating that their children were "worth it." Writing songs for the album helped her "capture her state of mind" during this transitional period, and the process of making music served as both a refuge and a way to reclaim her identity beyond the roles of partner and mother.[7]
Musically, The Glorification of Sadness incorporates elements of soul and R&B, with a contemporary sound that distinguishes it from Faith’s previous releases. She described the album as "probably more contemporary than I've put out [previously]" while reaffirming her long-standing connection to soul and R&B: "Let's not knock it! I've always been in soul and R&B." Expressing confidence in her artistic direction, she added, "I'm cool, basically. I'm proving it!" Faith also noted that, for the first time, she created an album without external musical influences, emphasizing her full creative control as executive producer. She described the album as a reflection of her artistic identity, stating, "I can do what I want."[1]
The album, born from her personal experience of reinvention after her separation, marks both an artistic and personal transformation. Faith described the process of making the album as shedding the need to pretend, embracing her purest truth.[8] While deeply personal,[9] The Glorification of Sadness captures a full emotional spectrum, including moments of resilience and euphoria. She fought to include "Cry on the Dancefloor", a dance-driven track representing catharsis in grief, insisting, "I'm not releasing the album unless this is on it!" Faith also expressed her determination to keep evolving, citing artists like Tina Turner and David Bowie as inspirations. Rejecting the notion that she has passed her career peak, she stated, "I tend to think there's always an anomaly... and I want to be it."[8] While she hopes for chart success, she values her relatability with listeners, jokingly calling herself "the people's princess."[1] The album’s feminist core is evident, as she insisted on being credited as an executive producer to claim her contributions, marking a significant shift in her approach to artistic integrity.[8]
Alongside the album, Faith is also working on a book that delves into the experience of being a woman in a post-feminist society.[10] Titled MILF (Motherhood, Identity, Love, and Fuckery), the memoir explores themes of societal expectations, motherhood, and self-identity, offering a candid perspective on the challenges women face today.[11]
Promotion
[edit]To support the album, Faith will embark on The Glorification of Sadness Tour 2024, performing across the UK and Ireland.[12] The 35-date tour begins in Reading with a headline show at The Hexagon and includes a performance at London's Eventim Apollo, before concluding in Lincoln.[13][2]
Singles
[edit]The lead single "How You Leave a Man" was released on 11 October, which she described as "one of the most life-changing moments" of her life.[14][15] Following "How You Leave a Man", the singer released "Bad Woman" which carries "a message of female empowerment at its very forefront".[16][17][15] "Pressure", with British artist Kojey Radical, was released on 19 January 2024 as a third single and origins from a chorus sent to her by Liam Bailey and was then co-written with Gez O'Connell.[2][18][15] The fourth and final single, "Sweatpants", was released simultaneously with the album on 16 February.[19][20]
On 21 February 2024, the track "Enjoy Yourself" was announced as an official single for the 2024 Red Nose Day campaign, organized by Comic Relief.[21] On that date, the song received a digital single, in addition to an exclusive pre-sale on Amazon for two physical versions of the song (on CD and 7-inch vinyl) released on 8 March 2024.[22][23]
Critical reception
[edit]The album received generally positive reviews. Clash Magazine awarded The Glorification of Sadness an 8 out of 10, praising it as a "succinct, soulful, and sublime" exploration of emotion and reinvention. The review highlighted Faith's candid storytelling, as the album chronicles her experience of leaving a long-term relationship and rediscovering herself through a chronological narrative of grief, guilt, and self-reflection. The review commended the album's balance between emotional depth and sonic diversity. Songs like "How You Leave a Man" showcase Faith's vocal power, while "Bad Woman" stands as a defiant anthem against societal pressures. The synth-driven "Cry on the Dance Floor" contrasts with the raw vulnerability of the orchestral ballad "Divorce," which Faith admitted would be difficult to perform live due to its emotional intensity. Meanwhile, "Eat Shit and Die" takes a more humorous yet defiant approach, blending doo-wop influences with sharp lyricism.[24]
TotalNtertainment praised the album for its themes of female empowerment, authenticity, and emotional honesty. While highlighting Paloma Faith’s resilience, the review noted her vulnerable side in tracks like the acoustic opener "Sweatpants." The album follows a chronological narrative of her breakup, moving from sorrow to empowerment, with "God in a Dress" delivering a defiant message and "Nothing More Human Than Failure" serving as an introspective interlude. Described as both cathartic and heartbreaking, the album balances raw emotion with pop moments like "Cry on the Dance Floor." By the time it reaches "Eat Shit and Die," Faith's refusal to retreat into sadness becomes evident. TotalNtertainment concluded that the album is a deeply personal yet uplifting journey, bound to resonate with listeners.[25]
Louder Than War has described Faith's new album as blending personal experiences with universal emotions. They highlight "Sweatpants" as an exploration of self-perception over time, while "Pressure," featuring Kojey Radical, delves into inner struggles. "God in a Dress" is noted for its strong feminist message, and "How to Leave a Man" is praised for addressing the challenges of modern relationships with an upbeat sound. The review also points out "Cry on the Dancefloor" as a disco-soul fusion, "Let It Ride" for its rock influences, and both "Eat Shit and Die" and "Divorce" for their direct confrontation of separation and divorce. The closing track, "Already Broken," is mentioned for reflecting on mature relationships. Throughout, Louder Than War appreciates the emotional honesty of the album, with Paloma Faith's powerful vocals and precise production standing out.[26]
Retropop magazine's George McHugh rated The Glorification of Sadness 4 out of 5 stars. He praised "How You Leave a Man" as an "explosive" opener and highlighted "Bad Woman" and "God in a Dress" for their powerful delivery. However, he found "Cry on the Dancefloor" underwhelming due to its "middling chorus and out-of-place production." In contrast, he praised lEat Shit and Die" for its playful energy and "Let It Ride" for its theatrical, Sia-like qualities. McHugh concluded that the album was "confident, self-assured, and authentic," reinforcing Faith’s distinct presence in the industry.[27]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sweatpants" |
|
| 3:31 |
| 2. | "Pressure" (featuring Kojey Radical) |
|
| 3:44 |
| 3. | "God in a Dress" |
|
| 3:41 |
| 4. | "How You Leave a Man" |
|
| 3:34 |
| 5. | "There's Nothing More Human Than Failure" | Faith |
| 1:19 |
| 6. | "Bad Woman" |
|
| 2:44 |
| 7. | "Cry on the Dance Floor" |
| 4:13 | |
| 8. | "Say My Name" |
|
| 2:55 |
| 9. | "Let It Ride" |
|
| 3:20 |
| 10. | "The Big Bang Ending" | Faith |
| 0:41 |
| 11. | "Eat Shit and Die" |
|
| 3:12 |
| 12. | "Divorce" |
|
| 4:21 |
| 13. | "Hate When You're Happy" |
|
| 3:53 |
| 14. | "Enjoy Yourself" |
|
| 2:52 |
| 15. | "I Am Enough" |
|
| 4:05 |
| 16. | "Mirror to Mirror" | Faith |
| 0:36 |
| 17. | "Already Broken" |
| 4:04 | |
| Total length: | 52:45 | |||
Note
Personnel
[edit]Musicians
[edit]- Paloma Faith – vocals
- Janelle Martin-Cousins – background vocals
- Matt Maijah – background vocals
- Naomi Miller – background vocals
- Shanice Steele – background vocals (tracks 1, 3–12, 14, 15, 17)
- Evan Blair – background vocals (track 1)
- Martin Wave – guitar (tracks 1, 3, 11), bass guitar (1), background vocals (4); drums, piano (12); strings (14)
- Ash Soan – drums (tracks 1, 6, 17)
- Bryony James – cello (tracks 1, 12)
- Rosie Danvers – cello, strings (tracks 1, 12)
- Emma Owens – viola (tracks 1, 12)
- Ellie Stanford – violin (tracks 1, 12)
- Hayley Pomfrett – violin (tracks 1, 12)
- Jenny Sacha – violin (tracks 1, 12)
- Patrick Kiernan – violin (tracks 1, 12)
- Steve Morris – violin (tracks 1, 12)
- Meghan Cassidy – viola (track 1)
- Miles Brett – violin (track 1)
- Sally Jackson – violin (track 1)
- Sarah Sexton – violin (track 1)
- Teni Tinks – background vocals (tracks 2, 13)
- Låpsley – background vocals (track 6)
- Liam Bailey – background vocals (track 8)
- Fred Cox – bass guitar, drums, guitar, keyboards, piano, programming (tracks 8, 15)
- Maverick Sabre – background vocals (track 8)
- George Moore – piano (track 8)
- Kelsy Karter – background vocals (track 9)
- Oumi Kapila – guitar (track 9)
- Martyn Jackson – violin (track 12), instrumentation (17)
- Andrew Marshall – double bass (track 12)
- Wired Strings – strings (track 12)
- Clifton Harrison – viola (track 12)
- Charis Jenson – violin (track 12)
- Natalia Bonner – violin (track 12)
- Talay Riley – background vocals (track 14)
- Christopher Allan – instrumentation (track 17)
- Claire O'Connell – instrumentation (track 17)
- Dai Emanuel – instrumentation (track 17)
- Elizabeth Ball – instrumentation (track 17)
- Eos Counsell – instrumentation (track 17)
- Francis Kefford – instrumentation (track 17)
- Ian Burdge – instrumentation (track 17)
- Magnus Johnson – instrumentation (track 17)
- Nina Foster – instrumentation (track 17)
- Patrick Savage – instrumentation (track 17)
- Rachael Lander – instrumentation (track 17)
- Richard George – instrumentation (track 17)
- Richard Pryce – instrumentation (track 17)
- Sarah Quinn – instrumentation (track 17)
- Simon Bags – instrumentation (track 17)
- Thomas Kep – instrumentation (track 17)
- Tom Pigott-Smith – Concertmaster (track 17)
- Peter Daley – piano (track 17)
- David Arnold – strings (track 17)
- Isobel Griffiths – strings (track 17)
Technical
[edit]- Colin Leonard – mastering
- Jaycen Joshua – mixing
- Mike Seaberg – mixing (tracks 1–3, 5–17)
- Isabel Gracefield – engineering (tracks 1, 12)
- DJ Riggins – engineering assistance
- Jacob Richards – engineering assistance
- Rachel Blum – engineering assistance
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[28] | 115 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[29] | 2 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[30] | 2 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Griffiths, George (15 February 2024). "The Official Chat with Paloma Faith: "We're raised to believe in fairy tales. I don't want one anymore"". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ^ a b c Kelly, Tyler Damara (19 January 2024). "Paloma Faith enlists Kojey Radical for new single, "Pressure"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ Nugent, Annabel (14 October 2023). "Paloma Faith reveals she's 'considering' quitting music for surprise career move". The Independent. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Guinness, Emma (11 April 2024). "Paloma Faith reveals she's 'considering' quitting music for surprise career move". The Independent. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Llewellyn Smith, Julia (1 February 2024). "Paloma Faith: 'Men like to be put first and resentment builds'". The Times. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Paloma Faith is entering her 'MILF era' with new album The Glorification of Sadness". Attitude. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ Nugent, Annabel (14 October 2023). "Paloma Faith on her heartbreak and being a single mum: 'Our relationship ended because we had those children – it was worth it'". The Independent. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ a b c Richards, Will. "Paloma Faith: faith, hope and reinvention". Rolling Stone UK. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ Frangoul, Phoebe (9 January 2024). "Paloma Faith on the cultural highlights that shape her style". Elle Decoration. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ "Paloma Faith on Grief, Divorce, and The Glorification of Sadness: Podcast". Consequence. 16 February 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Duran, Anagricel (22 March 2024). "Paloma Faith announces new memoir: 'MILF'". NME. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Tyler Damara Kelly (11 October 2023). "Chase & Status, Kojey Radical, and Låpsley to feature on Paloma Faith's first album in three years". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ Phillips, Emily (1 February 2024). "My London: Paloma Faith". Evening Standard. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ Edmonds, Lizzie (11 October 2023). "Paloma Faith opens up over 'pretty personal' new track about separating from ex-husband". Evening Standard. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ a b c Smith, Carl (15 February 2024). "New Releases: Beyoncé, Ariana Grande & Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, IDLES, Paloma Faith and more". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ "In Conversation: Paloma Faith". Clash. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (24 November 2023). "Paloma Faith unveils "Bad Woman" as the second single from her forthcoming album". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Paloma Faith Releases New Song "Pressure" featuring Kojey Radical". pm studio. 19 January 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
- ^ "PALOMA FAITH RELEASES HER FIRST ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS". Numéro. 19 February 2024. Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ Forest, Jo (26 February 2024). "Paloma Faith 'The Glorification of Sadness' out now". TotalNtertainment. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ^ "Olivia Colman, Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet and more to appear in new sketches for Comic Relief's Night of TV". BBC. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ "Paloma Faith Releases New Song "Enjoy Yourself (The Red Nose Day Edition)". pm studio. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ "Seven ways you can support the UK's Red Nose Day 2024 with Amazon". Amazon. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ Harrison, Emma (15 February 2024). "Paloma Faith – The Glorification Of Sadness". Clash. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
- ^ Graham, Finny (16 February 2024). "Paloma Faith 'The Glorification of Sadness' Album Review". TotalNtertainment. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
- ^ Bennett, MK (23 February 2024). "Paloma Faith: The Glorification Of Sadness – Album Review". Louder Than War. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
- ^ McHugh, George (12 February 2024). "Paloma Faith – The Glorification Of Sadness". retropopmagazine. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Paloma Faith – The Glorification of Sadness" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 February 2024.