What makes Not Your Muse by Celeste notable?

Not Your Muse debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant milestone for an artist with her background. The album received critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Mercury Prize, establishing Celeste as a prominent figure in contemporary music. Released on January 29, 2021, Not Your Muse is Celeste's debut studio album, arriving after her acclaimed EPs and the breakout single Stop This Flame. At this point in her career, Celeste was gaining recognition for her powerful voice and unique style, with significant buzz leading up to this full-length project.

Who is Not Your Muse for?

Not Your Muse works well if you're into poignant storytelling through vocals, soulful melodies for introspection and emotionally rich late-night listening.

How many songs are on Not Your Muse?

Not Your Muse has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Not Your Muse

Celeste · 2021

44 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A blend of soulful vocals and jazz-inflected pop melodies that convey both intimacy and strength.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stop This Flame — This track encapsulates Celeste's ability to blend vulnerability with assertiveness, showcasing her powerful vocal delivery against an infectious groove.
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Ideal Woman — With its introspective lyrics and jazzy instrumentation, this song highlights Celeste's lyrical prowess while exploring themes of identity and self-acceptance.
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Not Your Muse — The title track showcases Celeste's signature vocal style and addresses the complexities of societal expectations on women, making it a standout representation of the album's themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Celeste's debut showcases strong vocal performances and thoughtful arrangements, though it leans on familiar jazz-pop structures.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build around Celeste's vocal strength, often accompanied by lush instrumentation.
The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

poignant storytelling through vocals
soulful melodies for introspection
emotionally rich late-night listening
reflective moments of quiet thought
warmth in shared solitude

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party atmosphere
prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 29, 2021, Not Your Muse is Celeste's debut studio album, arriving after her acclaimed EPs and the breakout single Stop This Flame. At this point in her career, Celeste was gaining recognition for her powerful voice and unique style, with significant buzz leading up to this full-length project.
Stylistic neighbors: Lianne La Havas· Nina Simone· H.E.R.