Jessie Ware’s new album, Tough Love, hits shelves next week on October 21st via PMR Records/Island. In anticipation, the LP is streaming in full via NPR.org.
The follow-up to 2012’s excellent Devotion was executive produced by the production duo of BenZel (Benny Blanco and Two Inch Punch), with additional production from Julio Bashmore, The Invisible’s Dave Okumu, and Kid Harpoon. The 11-track effort also features contributions from Miguel, Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes, and Ed Sheeran.
According to a press release, the sophomore album highlights Ware’s newfound confidence. While Devotion marked the British singer’s first foray into the spotlight, Tough Love represents Ware finally coming into her own, truly embracing such front and center attention.
Ware recently spoke to The 405 on the new LP’s collaborators, but more importantly, her bolder role in its creation:
“There aren’t really too many new faces, this time round. It might look like that, but it’s just the same lot from the last album, really, and a few extra friends. The main new collaborator, I guess, is BenZel; they kind of exec’d half the album, but I’ve known both of them, individually, for years. If there is one voice to the record, it has to come from me; I think I’ve managed it, too, because I really had grown in confidence. I was able to put my foot down a little bit more, and just say “that’s what I want.” I know if it sits right with me.”
Pre-orders for the album are ongoing. Below, watch the video for “Say You Love Me”.
Tough Love Tracklist:
01. Tough Love
02. You & I (Forever)
03. Cruel
04. Say You Love Me
05. Sweetest Song
06. Kind of…Sometimes…Maybe
07. Want Your Feeling
08. Pieces
09. Keep on Lying
10. Champagne Kisses
11. Desire
