Devotion
by Jessie Ware
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Aug 20, 2012
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Aug 30, 2012
    100
    It's lush, sophisticated pastiche, best epitomized by debut single Running.
  2. AllMusic
    Dec 7, 2012
    90
    If this isn't the album of the year, it's at least the art-pop album of the year, or the neo-sophisti-pop album of the year, or--beside Frank Ocean's Channel Orange--the alternative R&B album of the year.
  3. Exclaim
    Sep 25, 2012
    90
    Sensual, artful and accessible, it is easily one of the best pop albums of the year.
  5. PopMatters
    Sep 14, 2012
    90
    Ware gives her most understated performance on the record, and ironically her most anonymous, but the track's hypnotic, uneasy lurch calls for this delivery.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 22, 2012
    90
    Devotion does something remarkable in making the universal--love, heartbreak, and yes, devotion--feel specific, simply because Jessie Ware doesn't sound like she's lying.
  7. BBC Music
    Aug 17, 2012
    90
    There's nothing "next" about Ware: she's here, now, and superb.
  8. The Fly (UK)
    Aug 17, 2012
    90
    This debut's sophistication might mean Jessie slinks to the forefront rather than shoving her way to the top, but however long it takes, Devotion marks a new chapter in this future-pop superstar's journey.
  9. Paste Magazine
    Apr 16, 2013
    86
    The new songs on this already-strong collection only elevate the ceiling of Ware’s potential.
  10. Prefix Magazine
    Aug 20, 2012
    85
    On Devotion, Ware demonstrates a knack for weaving everything together. And just like in the best-tailored clothes, it's difficult to see the seams.
  11. Pitchfork
    Aug 17, 2012
    85
    Devotion marries her natural gift with throbbing instrumentation that breathes life into every single turn of phrase or sensitive vocal embellishment.
  12. The A.V. Club
    Dec 4, 2012
    83
    There's a youthful, warm energy emanating from Ware's vocals that enervates Devotion, making it more than a mere exercise in restrained, sophisticated sexiness.
  13. Beats Per Minute
    Aug 17, 2012
    83
    While nearly everything else is still top tier pop music, but the Englishwoman leaves herself some room to grow. For now, Devotion is one the year's most promising debuts.
  14. Spin
    Sep 7, 2012
    80
    Here, on record, buttressed by her own diaphanous back-up vocals, she's fading deliciously into the background even as she's finally stepping into the spotlight.
  15. Consequence
    Aug 23, 2012
    80
    Ware has the pipes to come out on top of a TV singing competition, but it's her control, style, and musical choices that make Devotion so interesting.
  16. Resident Advisor
    Aug 21, 2012
    80
    Adorned with production that's as sympathetic to UK underground dance as it is to modern R&B and classic soul, Devotion is a classy affair that delights in its own refinement yet stays pinned to the earth, a talented singer and songwriter realizing her potential at just the right moment.
  17. musicOMH.com
    Aug 21, 2012
    80
    ny quibbles are minor here though, for Devotion is a truly impressive debut album from yet another talented British singer.
  18. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 21, 2012
    80
    Like all the great British pop records of the past five years, Devotion combines the present and the past to make a record that sounds both contemporary and timeless.
  19. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2012
    80
    It's the 27-year-old's patience that dominate this sultry debut.[Sep 2012, p.113]
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  20. DIY Magazine
    Aug 20, 2012
    80
    For the most part this is a flawless, breathless lap around both pop and "underground" music. 'Devotion' is the sound of modern pop, modern love - and heartbreak.
  21. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Aug 20, 2012
    80
    Despite the occasional tendency to soar above when her songs could benefit from some earthiness, in the main Ware's sheer, confident boldness carries the day.
  22. Slant Magazine
    Aug 17, 2012
    80
    Despite the myriad references [Sade, Aaliyah]... it's clear Ware has found a voice of her own on Devotion.
  23. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 17, 2012
    80
    Devotion contains just enough variety to make for an enticing listen.
  24. Mixmag
    Aug 17, 2012
    80
    The middle section may lean a little too heavily on balladry, but if you're looking for 2012's most sophisticated pop star, you may just have found her.
  25. The Guardian
    Aug 16, 2012
    80
    It's honest, heartfelt and warm.
  26. Rolling Stone
    Sep 25, 2012
    70
    She perfects [her] approach on this set of elegant synth ballads, confiding hopes and heartbreaks in tones that command attention without ever chewing the scenery.
  27. No Ripcord
    Aug 20, 2012
    70
    Just when Devotion looks like it could be losing its way, the most incongruous track of the eleven pulls it out of the bag.
  28. Clash Music
    Aug 17, 2012
    70
    It's a strong and accomplished debut, and Jessie Ware has provided the missing link between SBTRKT and Sade. Whether you think that's a good thing is your call.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Album of 2012
72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 117 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 126
  3. Negative: 7 out of 126
  1. kspacja
    Sep 4, 2012
    10
    One of most interesting albums of the year. The songs are a great combination of pure Jessie Ware's voice and broken rhythmically electronicOne of most interesting albums of the year. The songs are a great combination of pure Jessie Ware's voice and broken rhythmically electronic sounds. Pop of the highest quality.… Full Review »
  2. axelkoch
    Dec 18, 2012
    8
    The perfect definition of an album which only consists of single 4-out-of-5-stars-songs. But that doesn't stop the album from being great.The perfect definition of an album which only consists of single 4-out-of-5-stars-songs. But that doesn't stop the album from being great. Jessie Ware is one of the best newcomers of 2012, she is a great songwriter and I'm in love with her voice. Like so often in pop music she repeats her lines frequently. Anyway, when she gets to write a longer verse she shows how amazing she can express herself. The R&B beats under her singing are groovy too and there isn't a single song that isn't worth hearing. Yet, as I said before, not one of the songs stands out from the rest. Thus, I won't name anyone of the songs in my list for the best songs of the year, however I will definitely name this album.… Full Review »
  3. LuizCC
    Oct 13, 2012
    9
    Although musically paved in 60's R&B and 80's ambient sound, Jessie Ware's debut album managed to be the most refreshing music that ever cameAlthough musically paved in 60's R&B and 80's ambient sound, Jessie Ware's debut album managed to be the most refreshing music that ever came to my ears this year. Her classy voice and dark melodies send shivers down my spine at each song of it. Even though her songwriting is obviously a bit raw and natural, it doesn't weakens the substance of the discussion of love made by her. Stellar debut, stunning career ahead.… Full Review »
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