Blind Faith (Gemma Hayes album)
2024 studio album by Gemma Hayes
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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]
- Gemma Hayes Music
- Townsend Music
| 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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| Gemma Hayes chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Blind Faith | ||||
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Background and development
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
Themes
The album contains lyrics about longing, loss, empowerment, freedom and repression.[6]
Artwork
On 22 July 2024, the artwork for the album was revealed. The artwork was produced by German artist Dirk Wüstenhagen.[7]
Critical reception
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
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
- 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
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Irish Albums (IRMA)[11] | 8 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[12] | 89 |
| UK Album Downloads (OCC)[13] | 84 |
| UK Americana Albums (OCC)[14] | 12 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC)[15] | 23 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Distributing label |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 27 September 2024 | Gemma Hayes Music |
| United Kingdom | Townsend Music | |
| United States | Secret Road |