Celeste – ‘Woman Of Faces’ album review: A record so vulnerable its awe-inspiring
Dropping the needle on Celeste’s second record brings with it a palpable sense of anticipation.
Here is an artist who, four years ago, experienced the sort of success that can both make and break a burgeoning musician, with a level of commercial success ready-made to confuse an artist. But giving time for the dust to settle was Celeste’s best decision, because now she re-emerges with an album that exemplifies considered precision. Behind the big hits lies the heart of a truly profound artist.
The Skinny: The unravelling of the relationship that inspired this sophomore album, Woman Of Faces, can almost be heard in the opening track ‘On With The Show’. Momentum builds with cutting drama, as her painstaking voice takes this song into deeply emotional realms. It’s intimate and cinematic all at the same time, and you can almost feel the place of sonic tension we as a music industry have put her in. It’s as grand as we’ve asked her to be, but she’s not letting herself be neglected in adhering to that.
After the opening tracks stab you in the heart, you’re ready to follow on this emotional journey of personal pain that bleeds through the rest of the album. ‘Keep Smiling’ she hesitantly sings on the follow-up track of the same name, and you can almost picture her saying that to herself in front of the mirror. It is almost shocking in its vulnerability.
But amidst this emotional mining, Celeste hasn’t neglected musicianship. The lyrics certainly lead the way, but in doing so, they take the melodies into truly beautiful realms. The title track ‘Woman Of Faces’ is one of the finest instrumental arrangements you’re likely to hear, and if it wasn’t for the pain, it’s a track you would be happy to bathe in for a long time.
‘Happening Again’ continues on the lyrical mastery, with beautiful lines like “These feelings I befriend / grow will ill intent”, which isn’t only succinctly crafted but also seems to perfectly match the timbre of her voice, which flutters over the top of menacing strings.
The record’s lightness comes in its middle section with the delicate ‘Time Will Tell’, which is once again a masterful melody and aptly gives way to the following tracks ‘People Always Change’ and ‘Sometimes’. Together, they are complex yet peaceful, and almost feel like you’re being immersed in the quiet desperation of the deep ocean.
All of this makes the trauma that Celeste has experienced at the hands of her label all the more upsetting. This is an artist who has pivoted and clearly put artistry at the very forefront of her creative expression, and in the commercial world, maybe that doesn’t cut it. But for us, as music fans, I can safely say it absolutely does.
The Verdict: Honestly, if you’re here for a cheap thrill in the form of a ‘Stop This Flame’ mark two, then this isn’t the album for you. Ready-made hits and chart pleasers aren’t on order here. Instead, this is a masterful album that gives space to an artist whose voice, story and musical ideas need to be desperately heard. Honestly, I don’t know what is happening with the next Bond film, but Celeste should be on the soundtrack.
Defining track: ‘On With The Show’
Release date: November 14th, 2025 | Producer: Jeff Bhasker and Beach Noise | Label: Universal
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