Following two albums of understated soul-pop that tickled the Top 10, Glasshouse feels like a pivotal release for Jessie Ware. Stomping lead single Midnight and the Latin-flavoured follow-up Selfish Love hinted at a more robust sound, while windswept ballad Alone is X Factor montage soundtrack gold. Elsewhere, however, it still feels a little too safe, with only the closing Sam – a disarmingly heartfelt ode to her husband – forging a true emotional connection. Tracks such as Hearts, the gently pulsating Your Domino and Last of the True Believers (featuring the Blue Nile’s Paul Buchanan) all perfectly showcase Ware’s crystalline vocals – you just wish she’d step out of her comfort zone more often.
