Blind Faith (Gemma Hayes album)
| Blind Faith | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 27 September 2024 | |||
| Recorded | Dublin and West Cork, Ireland | |||
| Length | 36:35 | |||
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| Producer |
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| Gemma Hayes chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Blind Faith | ||||
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Blind Faith is the sixth studio album by Irish singer-songwriter Gemma Hayes. The album was released on 27 September 2024.[1][2]
The album was recorded in Dublin and West Cork, Ireland.
Background and development
[edit]Work commenced on the album with songwriting and demos taking place in West Cork, due to COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland, the production of the album was delayed, however when the opportunity arose the album continued to be produced between West Cork and Dublin in Ireland. The album is produced by long-term producer David Odlum, Karl Odlum and Brian Casey.[3]
During the process of making the album musicians Sam Killeen and Adam Marcello were drafted in to assist with making the album. Longterm friends Ann Scott, Lisa Hannigan and Paul Noonan also assisted with vocals and songwriting.
Release
[edit]The album was independently released through Gemma Hayes Music and Townsend Music on CD, limited edition cassette, standard edition vinyl, and two limited edition vinyls (marble sky blue[4] and pink marble).[5]
Themes
[edit]The album contains lyrics about longing, loss, empowerment, freedom and repression.[6]
Artwork
[edit]On 22 July 2024, the artwork for the album was revealed. The artwork was produced by German artist Dirk Wüstenhagen.[7]
Critical reception
[edit]The album received widespread praise, with critics calling it one of Hayes' finest works. Montreal Rocks highlighted its "reflective and introspective" nature, blending soothing melodies with emotional depth.[8] The Irish Times described it as a meditative, self-therapeutic album, rating it 4 out of 5 stars.[2] Mojo hailed it as a career-defining record, also giving it 4 stars.[9] The Irish Independent echoed these positive sentiments with a favourable review.[10]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Gemma Hayes, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Eye for an Eye" | 4:19 |
| 2. | "Central Hotel" | 4:32 |
| 3. | "Another Love" (featuring Paul Noonan) | 3:45 |
| 4. | "Hardwired" | 4:16 |
| 5. | "Feed the Flames" (co-written by Hayes and Lisa Hannigan) | 3:27 |
| 6. | "High & Low" | 3:53 |
| 7. | "The Break Didn't Heal Right" | 4:17 |
| 8. | "Can't Kill a Hunger" (featuring Ann Scott) | 3:54 |
| 9. | "Return of the Daughters" | 4:12 |
| Total length: | 36:35 | |
Personnel
[edit]- Gemma Hayes – vocals, guitar, piano, arrangement, producer, programming, bassline programming, vocal arrangement, voice arrangement, cello
- David Odlum – producer, engineer, guitar, synth, beats, bass and vocals
- Karl Odlum – producer
- Ann Scott – vocals, backing vocals
- Paul Noonan – vocals, backing vocals
- Lisa Hannigan – songwriting, backing vocals
- Simon Long – photography
- Sam Killeen – guitars
- Adam Marcello – drums
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[11] | 89 |
| UK Album Downloads (OCC)[12] | 84 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC)[13] | 23 |
| Irish Albums (IRMA)[14] | 8[15] |
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Distributing label |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 27 September 2024 | Gemma Hayes Music |
| United Kingdom | Townsend Music | |
| United States | Secret Road |
References
[edit]- ^ Russell, Will. "Album Review: Gemma Hayes, Blind Faith". Hot Press. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b Clayton-Lea, Tony. "Gemma Hayes: Blind Faith – A most welcome creative return after a 10-year absence". The Irish Times. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ Cox, Finnian. "Gemma Hayes announces new album Blind Faith". Hot Press. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Gemma Hayes - Blind Faith (Indie Sky Blue Marble Vinyl)". Tower Records. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "Gemma Hayes – Blind Faith". TM Stores. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "Blind Faith". Golden Discs. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
- ^ Wuestenhagen, Dirk. "Altered Reality". Dirk Wuestenhagen Imagery. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Album Review: Gemma Hayes - Blind Faith". Montreal Rocks. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "Gemma Hayes new album Blind Faith smashing it with the reviews". Turning Pirate. Retrieved 11 October 2024 – via Facebook.
- ^ "Gemma Hayes returns with her first album in 10 years and reminds us what we've missed". Irish Independent. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography {{{artist}}}". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ https://www.irma.ie/#chartTab4