Released 12 years ago this October
Tough Love
Jessie Ware · 2014
58 min · 15 tracks · electronic music
A sultry blend of electronic pop and soul that explores the complexities of modern love with lush production.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Tough Love Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Say You Love Me — This track features heartfelt lyrics paired with a powerful vocal performance, showcasing Ware's ability to convey vulnerability and yearning, making it a standout ballad.
-
→
Cruel — With its pulsating beat and intricate production, this song encapsulates the emotional turmoil of love and desire, making it emblematic of the album's themes.
-
→
You & I (Forever) — The sweeping melodies and romantic lyrics create an intimate atmosphere, demonstrating Ware's gift for crafting timeless love songs that resonate deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends electronic pop and soul with lush production, showcasing strong songwriting and vocal arrangements.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- 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
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- gradual builds and payoffs
- emotional connection to lyrics
- late-night contemplative moods
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Tough Love solidified Jessie Ware's reputation and wider recognition after her debut.
- Career context
- Tough Love is Jessie Ware's second studio album, released on October 13, 2014, following her acclaimed debut Devotion. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a rising star to a more established presence in the music industry, building on the critical success of her first album and expanding her artistic vision.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sade· Lianne La Havas· Kali Uchis
Tracklist
- 1 Tough Love Start here 3:28
- 2 You & I (Forever) 3:59
- 3 Cruel 3:54
- 4 Say You Love Me 4:18
- 5 Sweetest Song 3:27
- 6 Kind Of... Sometimes... Maybe 3:34
- 7 Want Your Feeling 4:21
- 8 Pieces 3:27
- 9 Keep on Lying 3:31
- 10 Champagne Kisses 3:22
- 11 Desire 3:15
- 12 All on You 5:13
- 13 Share It All 4:20
- 14 The Way We Are 3:31
- 15 Midnight Caller 4:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.