Alesha (album)

Alesha is the ninth studio album by British recording artist Alesha. Released on May 12, 2014, the self-titled album served as Alesha’s first new material in three years. A complete departure from the alternative, experimental influences of The Martyr (2011), Alesha marks a return to pop roots for the singer-songwriter. Having grown tired of all the political diatribes she had included in her previous works, Alesha felt the need to relax and be in a happy mood. The album was mainly recorded in privacy at Alesha's home studio in late 2013 and early 2014.

Musically, the album has been described as "a journey from dark to light" and is divided into three acts and an epilogue. With an overarching synth-pop sound, Alesha has elements of alternative R&B and electronic dance music. The album includes a collaborations with breakout success Malaya and fellow industry veteran Paulo Araujo. Inspired by her marriage to American publishing mogul Austin Roosevelt, Alesha contains themes of love and romance, as well as empowerment and feminism.

Contemporary critics lauded the album calling it a return to form for Alesha. Reviewers praised Alesha for exploring pop sounds while maintaining a sense of artistic maturity. The album was preceded by the promotional single “Renaissance” and accompanied by the lead single “Witch”, featuring guest vocals from Malaya.

Development
In 2011, Alesha filed for divorce from wife three years (and partner of six years) Neyssa and released her eighth studio album The Martyr whilst suffering from post-partum depression. The album was Alesha's most alternative and experimental release to date. Despite continued success with The Martyr and the number one soundtrack album Prime Cut, sales were dipping when compared to previous albums. Alesha felt the effects of depression moreso after a break-up between her and girlfriend Just Ginger. After stepping away from the music industry to focus on her health and her family, Alesha met publishing mogul Austin Roosevelt in January 2013. They were married by July.

Alesha began recording new material for her ninth studio album in late 2013 at her home studio. The album purposefully strived to be Alesha's most "pop" since Alesha Is the Queen and The Second Coming in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Following The Martyr, the self-titled release is Alesha’s second album to be entirely self-written and self-produced. For inspiration, Alesha looked at pivotal albums in her idols’ careers, hoping to create a supreme quality album with great attention to detail and a coherent sound. Alesha wanted to create an album without pretense. She felt inspired by "love and romance," describing being with new beau Roosevelt as "the most confidently she could ever say she's found the one."

Music and lyrics
The album is divided into three acts and an epilogue with tracks arranged by both subject matter and musical style. Act one, "Nox" (meaning "night" in Latin), featured the album’s darker songs with heavy electronic and R&B influences. Act two, "Lux” (meaning "light" in Latin), has a more celebratory, synth pop sound, while act three, "Amō" (meaning "I love" in Latin), speaks more to love and relationships. The final song on the album is listed as the epilogue, "Vita" (meaning "life" in Latin). Alesha purposefully titled the first song in each act after a supernatural being – "Witch", "Ghosts", "Mermaids" and "Banshee" – but for no particular reason.

Commercial response
tbd

Promotion
The album was preceded by the promotional single "Renaissance" and the greatest hits release Essential Alesha, both released on April 21.

Singles

 * ”Witch”

Tour
tbd

Track listing
All songs written and produced by Alesha.


 * 1) "Witch" (featuring Malaya)
 * 2) "For Dead"
 * 3) "Velvet Aura / Earth"
 * 4) "Wolves"
 * 5) "Ghosts"
 * 6) "Renaissance"
 * 7) "White Naomi"
 * 8) "Japan"
 * 9) "Mermaids"
 * 10) "Opulence" (with Paulo Araujo)
 * 11) "Number One"
 * 12) "Symposium"
 * 13) "Banshee"


 * Notes
 * "For Dead" contains an interpolation of Gil-Scott Heron & Jamie xx's "NY Is Killing Me."
 * "Velvet Aura" contains a sample of The Weeknd's "House of Balloons / Glass Table Girls" in its introduction.
 * "Ghosts" draws its bass line from "Blue Monday" by New Order.
 * "Opulence" contains dialogue from the film Paris Is Burning.