What makes The Lateness of the Hour by Alex Clare notable?

The album gained notable attention for its single 'Too Close', which charted in multiple countries and contributed to Clare's rising profile. Additionally, the song gained further exposure through its use in commercials, showcasing the crossover appeal of his sound. The Lateness of the Hour is Alex Clare's debut studio album, released in early 2011. At this point, Clare was still emerging as an artist, having previously released only an EP. This album marked his first significant effort to introduce his unique style to a broader audience.

Who is The Lateness of the Hour for?

The Lateness of the Hour works well if you're into emotional storytelling journeys, late-night reflective listening and steady, engaging emotional arcs.

How many songs are on The Lateness of the Hour?

The Lateness of the Hour has 12 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

The Lateness of the Hour

Alex Clare · 2011

46 min · 12 tracks · pop rock

A blend of soulful vocals and electronic textures creates an atmospheric soundscape that bridges pop and dubstep influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Too Close — This track exemplifies Clare's fusion of soulful melodies with electronic beats, capturing the essence of his artistic vision. It became a commercial hit, significantly boosting his visibility.
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Hummingbird — Hummingbird features a more introspective tone with lush instrumentation, showcasing Clare's vocal range and emotional depth in songwriting.
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I Won’t Let You Down — This song combines heartfelt lyrics with a dynamic production style, reflecting both personal commitment and musical ambition, making it a standout track on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of electronic and acoustic elements but lacks strong cohesion and depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove with layered electronic elements, while the fourth track introduces a more prominent vocal hook.
The final three tracks shift towards a slower tempo, emphasizing emotional delivery and introspective lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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

emotional storytelling journeys
late-night reflective listening
steady, engaging emotional arcs
varied pacing and dynamics

Where this album fits

Career context: The Lateness of the Hour is Alex Clare's debut studio album, released in early 2011. At this point, Clare was still emerging as an artist, having previously released only an EP. This album marked his first significant effort to introduce his unique style to a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: James Arthur· John Newman· Rag'n'Bone Man

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Up All Night 2:43
2 Treading Water 3:38
3 Relax My Beloved 3:31
4 Too Close 4:16
5 When Doves Cry 4:07
6 Hummingbird 3:50
7 Hands Are Clever 3:16
8 Tightrope 3:37
9 Whispering 4:30
10 I Love You 4:39
11 Sanctuary 4:00
12 I Won’t Let You Down 4:09

What to play next

Listen next

Three Hearts

2014

Full Alex Clare discography Artists like Alex Clare

dubstep pop rock soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata