Devotion
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Devotion Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 124 Ratings

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  • Summary: The singer who began her career as a guest on SBTRKT and Joker's singles releases her debut full-length album.
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Top Track

Heart of Chambers
In your heart of chambers Where you sit With your picture books And your ancient wit In that nook I found you So old and tired Would you be the one... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. NOW Magazine
    Aug 30, 2012
    100
    It's lush, sophisticated pastiche, best epitomized by debut single Running.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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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  7. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Aug 20, 2012
    60
    The more you listen, the less the album reveals; her vocals fall between sultry and sterile, and you wish, to take two of her professed influences, that she was a little less Sade, and a little more Chaka Khan.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. DrewBrauer
    May 13, 2013
    10
    Before I start this review, this a review of the American release, not the UK which was already release back in august. Now that 's over,Before I start this review, this a review of the American release, not the UK which was already release back in august. Now that 's over, here's one word I can say about Jessie Ware's debut album "Devotion", Outstanding. It's one of the best albums of 2013, and one of the most interesting pop albums in a long time. Most of you might not know who Jessie Ware is, she's from the UK, and has first started off in the music industry guest appearing on other songs from other popular indie artists. She makes her debut with Devotion which describing what it's about may be difficult, at times it's about love, friendship, emotions, and maybe something unknown, but it all works out in great style. The beats, sounds, and Rhythm are perfectly balanced with each song, making each song sound different from the other, sometimes it's electronic, other times it's R&B, but the total package is Pop. All this making this interesting Pop. Jessie Ware does an outstanding job with her vocals, going along beautifully with everything going on in each song. The album has 13 songs (including a remix of Wildest Moments with A$AP Rockey.) and it never feels slow or too fast. Personal favorites on this album include "Wildest Moments", "Running", "Swan Song", and "Sweet Talk". In the end, this is an album to keep an eye on throughout the rest of this year, an album of almost pure perfection.… Expand
  2. 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.… Expand
  4. piolhoso
    Apr 11, 2013
    9
    I love love love this album, really original, love the 90s influences, her voice is stunning, her live voice is even more stunning. I love howI love love love this album, really original, love the 90s influences, her voice is stunning, her live voice is even more stunning. I love how different every songs sounds. 9/10… Expand
  5. Belmsher
    Sep 6, 2012
    9
    Despite Ware's assumed inspirations, Devotion is a wonderful piece of work concerning this current era of generic bubblegum pop. There's noDespite Ware's assumed inspirations, Devotion is a wonderful piece of work concerning this current era of generic bubblegum pop. There's no place for auto-tune abuse here: everything is flowy, smooth and properly sultry when needed.… Expand
  6. jotaeseche
    Jan 19, 2015
    8
    In its 55 minutes, Jessie Ware explores genres and moods with an admirable facility, and she succeeds in creating a pacific and etherealIn its 55 minutes, Jessie Ware explores genres and moods with an admirable facility, and she succeeds in creating a pacific and ethereal atmosphere while sounding profoundly tortured and hurt. Devotion proves a nicely strong debut for a promising and triumphant career. It's worth a try.… Expand
  7. WadeVS
    Sep 1, 2013
    8
    This is not the kind of music I m usually drawn to. I mean keep an open mind and whatever, but this R & B, slick pop, 80s throwback stuffThis is not the kind of music I m usually drawn to. I mean keep an open mind and whatever, but this R & B, slick pop, 80s throwback stuff tends to have a very short shelf life. That being said, this is one of the finest, slickest, most beautifully produced and charming records I have heard in ages! Every track is strong, memorable and instantly likeable. Most of them remain so after 60 listens (or so Jesse demonstrates strong, soulful, controlled vocals, just the right amount of honesty and oodles of charisma. When I saw her interviewed I wanted to stalk her and ask her to marry me.
    My one draw back is that on this album she showcases a wide variety of styles, from dancefloor fillers to smooth jazzy numbers to a bit of well timed, sugary pop. That's all well and good, but for e it detracted from the overall theme of the album. Perhaps it would have been too 'samey' had she gone with one genre, but the changes in style do not come fluidly and something gets lost in the process. That being said, 'Devotion' definitely makes me happy. Does anyone have her number?    … Expand
  8. mrmew55
    Dec 8, 2012
    2
    I'm not sure what album the others were listening to - the one I heard has mediocre songs and performances and is incredibly overproduced -I'm not sure what album the others were listening to - the one I heard has mediocre songs and performances and is incredibly overproduced - doesn't hold a candle to the great R&B or soul singers of the past - not even close to Sade!… Expand

See all 17 User Reviews

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28
#28 Best Album of 2012
72
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