The Paloma Faith Rate | WINNER & Album Stats

[BubblegumBoy]

Well @Maki you called one of them right!

If Loving You Was Easy

(From: Infinite Things)

Average: 7.16

High Scorers: 9 x 1 (@Sprockrooster)

Low Scorers: 6 x 2 (@tylerc904, @soratami) 6.5 x 2 (@Phonetics Girl, @Markus1981)

‘If Loving You Was Easy’ was written by Paloma and the fantastic Josef Salvat (who opened for Paloma on her most recent tour). The track is produced by Ed Harcourt and TommyD. Harcourt is a long time collaborator with Paloma, whilst TommyD has worked with many PJ faves such as Kylie, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Adele.

My Thoughts: (7.6) Listening back to this one, I actually really like the lyrics here. I can definitely hear Josef’s writing here. May have underscored this a bit.

Commentary:

@Maki (8.5) The verses and pre-choruses are quite gloomy and therefore let the chorus bring the drama. Yeah, it may be a tad generic, but I really dig this. Possibly the biggest grower from this album, I'm actually surprised I like it as much.

Sorry @Phonetics Girl! You're gonna hate this rate dd

Lost and Lonely

(From: The Architect)

Average: 7.21

High Scorers: 10 x 1 (@Phonetics Girl)

Low Scorers: 5.5 x 2 (@Maki, @Markus1981)

‘Lost and Lonely’ was written by Paloma along with Eg White who also produced the song along with Jesse Shatkin. Eg White will be well known to most of us on PJ as the man behind many great pop songs such as Diana Vicker’s ‘Once’, Adele’s ‘Chasing Pavements’ and Will Young’s ‘Leave Right Now’. Interestingly, this is the only song he was involved with on ‘The Architect’.

In a clip, Paloma said the song was based on a documentary she watched about a lady who was a pillar of the community but yet when she died she wasn’t discovered in her home until 3 years later. Depressing inspiration but it works.

My Thoughts: (8) I really like this one, it’s quite empowering and uplifting.

Commentary:

@Maki (5.5) This sounds like a "Fall to Grace" outtake, and that's not a good thing. Very clumsy and forgettable overall, the only thing that slightly helps are those cute backing vocals popping in every now and then.



Next time: the same 2 albums lose a song each, but which?​

 

[saviodxl]

Next time: the same 2 albums lose a song each, but which?​

Poor The Architect

 

[Phonetics Girl]

Both were in the top half of their respective albums, oh well. I think I'm moving into the acceptance stage, but is Make Your Own Kind of Music still here? That's weird!

 

[BubblegumBoy]

but is Make Your Own Kind of Music still here? That's weird!

Yes it is and its staying put, thank you!

Beautiful & Damned

(From: Infinite Things)

Average: 7.22

High Scorers: 9 x 1 (@Disco Tears) 8.8 x 1 (@Untouchable Ace)

Low Scorers: 6 x 2 (@Sprockrooster, @Phonetics Girl)

‘Beautiful & Damned’ was written by Paloma along with Nosa Obasohan, Tre Jean-Marie and Daniel Traynor (also known as Grades). Jean-Marie worked on several of the tracks on the album, he is known for his work with artists such as Little Mix, Mabel and Anne-Marie. Grades, again worked with some big names such as Dua Lipa, Tinashe and NAO.

My Thoughts: (8) I really like this musically, the lyrics I can take it or leave it...

Commentary:

@Maki (6.75) This one just... exists? You could've told me this is "Last Night on Earth" and I would believe it. It's a cute little filler track.

Love Me As I Am

(From: The Architect)

Average: 7.23

High Scorers: 10 x 1 (@Sprockrooster) 9.5 x 1 (@Markus1981)

Low Scorers: 5 x 1 (@Phonetics Girl) 5.25 x 1 (@Maki)

‘Love Me As I Am’ is the closing track to the standard edition of ‘The Architect’. It was written by Paloma along with Arnthor Birgisson, Klas Ahlund, Carla Marie Williams and Simon Smith. Birgisson has written and produced for many pop favourites such as Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and The Saturdays. Whilst Ahlund is known for his work with Robyn as well as the Sugababes, Kylie and many others.

My Thoughts: (7.2) This is cute but it fails to have much impact on me. Maybe its a bit too soppy?

Commentary:

@Maki (5.25) Her weakest album closer and my least favourite track from this album. It just goes on for forever and her vocals are nearly painful at some parts. Such a drag...



Coming up: we lose 3 songs in a row from one album...​

 

[tylerc]

Love Me As I Am is the only one of the last batch I really like. Great melody on that one.

 

[Untouchable Ace]

Is that my first mention as a too scorer?
That's unfortunate it's from infinite things, but at least it's not one of my many 9+s.

 

[BubblegumBoy]

Beauty Remains

(From: A Perfect Contradiction)

Average: 7.25

High Scorers: 9 x 1 (@Phonetics Girl)

Low Scorers: 4.8 x 1 (@Untouchable Ace)

So I may have forgotten this was a single, which means this is the first solo single to leave the rate! ‘Beauty Remains’ was written by Paloma along with Bernard Butler and Fyfe Dangerfield. Butler is best known as Suede’s guitarist and has worked with a long list of artists. Dangerfield meanwhile is the founding member of The Guillemots. The song was released as the final single from ‘A Perfect Contradiction: Outsider’s Edition’. It was performed on the final of The Voice however failed to chart in the UK.

Paloma said of the track that it was written for the original album but didn’t get finished in time. It was written for her partner and explaining how she felt lucky for what they had. It’s an uplifting but realistic song.

My Thoughts: (8) Very middle of the road. I'm not surprised it didn't do anything as a single. The chorus is nice enough. I actually think I over scored this.

Commentary:

Non.

Take Me

(From: A Perfect Contradiction)

Average: 7.259

High Scorers: 9 x 1 (@Markus1981) 8.5 x 1 (@tylerc904)

Low Scorers: 4 x 1 (@Phonetics Girl)

‘Take Me’ was written by Paloma along with John Legend and Mr Hudson. Legend and Mr Hudson have since worked together on a track for Legend’s album ‘Bigger Love’. Mr Hudson has worked with a range of artists, having appeared Jay-Z’s ‘Young Forever’ and has written for the likes of Pixie Lott, Duran Duran and Janelle Monae. Legend we of course know as a big name, he has written and produced with artists such as the Scissor Sisters, Estelle and Kimbra.

My Thoughts: (7.6) It's catchy and Paloma sounds great... but it feels unfinished? It really feels it should pop a bit more.

Commentary:

@saviodxl (6.3) A bit too repetitive for me.

@bonnieetclyde (8) This was screaming to be a single, no?

@Maki (6.25) Three songs in and already a filler track. This one just tries to be groovy and fun, but comes off as repetitive and a bit annoying. I don't dislike it, just find it unnecessary.





Next time: a Top 60 recap and another song from 'A Perfect Contradiction' falls​

 

[Untouchable Ace]

No commentary for a single?

Completing homework late and resubmitting it is not a reason to release a single.

 

[soratami]

I thought these two were both pretty great, both got 8s from me. There are definitely a few other songs that should have gotten eliminated first.

 

[Phonetics Girl]

another song from 'A Perfect Contradiction' falls

Ready for the Good Life

 

[Maki]

I know it had slim chances since it's a ballad, but "If Loving You Was Easy" deserved better for sure. It really grew on me and I was surprised to like it as much, the melancholy feel definitely appeals to me a lot.

However, "Lost and Lonely" had no business going so far, it's just boring and songs like "Price of Fame" falling before it feels wrong. Let alone it outlasting four songs from her debut era.
"Beautiful & Damned" remains a cute and rather forgettable tune, so its placement is pretty much perfect.

And with the elimination of "Love Me As I Am", I no longer have any sub-6 scores, so letscelebratethat.gif
One of her most droopy songs for sure.

Ready for the Good Life

Same. I was totally expecting that one to be the first solo single to leave the rate, but you never really know with these messy results.

 

[BubblegumBoy]

No eliminations tonight as I have a headache but I'll give you a top 60 recap!

Top 60

Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? (10/14)

Stone Cold Sober
Smoke & Mirrors
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?
Upside Down
Romance is Dead
New York
Stargazer
Play On
Luv Ya
Technicolour

Fall to Grace (10/13)

Picking Up the Pieces
30 Minute Love Affair
Black & Blue
Just Be
Blood, Sweat and Tears
Beauty of the End
Agony
Freedom
Streets of Glory
Never Tear Us Apart

A Perfect Contradiction (8/14)

Can’t Rely on You
Mouth to Mouth
Only Love Can Hurt Like This
Other Woman
Trouble With My Baby
Impossible Heart
Ready for the Good Life
Leave While I’m Not Looking

The Architect (17/22)

The Architect
Guilty
Crybaby
Kings and Queens
Surrender
Warrior
Til I’m Done
Still Around
WW3
Power to the Peaceful
Tonight’s Not The Only Night
My Body
Loyal
Final Breath
Your Ex
Make Your Own Kind of Music
Lullaby

Infinite Things (10/13)

Supernatural
Monster
Gold
Falling Down
Infinite Things
If This Is Goodbye
Better Than This
Me Time
Living with a Stranger
Last Night on Earth

Extras (5/12)

Changing
Circus of Your Mind
The Crazy Ones
Moving Too Fast
Blessings

Which song/s are you surprised are still in?
Which song/s would you like to see leave next?​

 

[tylerc]

Take Me is a bop! Should not be out yet.

Which song/s would you like to see leave next?

Any of these:
Black & Blue
Just Be
Freedom
Streets of Glory
Still Around
Circus of Your Mind
Moving Too Fast
Blessings

 

[Maki]

"Beauty Remains" is such a weird first solo single elimination. Not that it's a loss or anything, just.
I gave it a 7.25, as the verses are good but some parts are clumsy, and seeing its average score perfectly matching my score is quite pleasing.

"Take Me"... didn't deserve to outlast nearly 30 songs. There's a certain demo quality to it that puts me off and it doesn't really go anywhere, mostly making it annoying.

@bonnieetclyde (8) This was screaming to be a single, no?

No, but it's definitely screaming.

 

[saviodxl]

Poor A Perfect Contradiction!

Which song/s are you surprised are still in?
Which song/s would you like to see leave next?

There's so much filler tracks from the last two albums still!

 

[Phonetics Girl]

Which song/s would you like to see leave next?​

Oh, let me have a field day with this!

Freedom
Mouth to Mouth
Ready for the Good Life
Warrior
Make Your Own Kind of Music
Lullaby
Gold
Falling Down
Infinite Things
Moving Too Fast

Would make for a Top 50 I'm not mad about!

 

[Maki]

Which song/s are you surprised are still in?

Romance Is Dead
Ready for the Good Life
Warrior
My Body
Make Your Own Kind of Music
Lullaby
Gold
If This Is Goodbye

Which song/s would you like to see leave next?

Romance Is Dead
Black & Blue
Just Be
Streets of Glory
Never Tear Us Apart
Ready for the Good Life
Make Your Own Kind of Music
Lullaby
Infinite Things
If This Is Goodbye

My 10 lowest scores - everything else received at least a 7, so it would be good to see most of these out soon.

 

[tylerc]

I love her cover of Make Your Own Kind of Music, had no clue it was reviled!

 

[BubblegumBoy]

I love her cover of Make Your Own Kind of Music, had no clue it was reviled!

I love it too! She sound great on it.
As for today, no one has called for either of these...

Other Woman

(From: A Perfect Contradiction)

Average: 7.29

High Scorers: 9.1 x 1 (@saviodxl)

Low Scorers: 5.4 x 1 (@Untouchable Ace)

‘Other Woman’ was written by Paloma along with Ben Drew (Plan B), Eric Appapoulay and Kieron Mcintosh. This wasn’t the first time that Plan B worked with Paloma, they had previously teamed up on the song ‘Hard Times’. Originally an album track on Plan B’s second album, it was released as a single featuring vocals from Elton John and Paloma. Plan B isn’t known as a song-writer, so this seems a rare outing for him.

My Thoughts: (8) You can really hear Ben's influence here. Its definitely one of the better songs on the album.

Commentary:

@Maki (8.25) The chorus is the winner here, so catchy and well-done. Unfortunately, the rest of the song is rather forgettable and blurs into the rest of the album.

Blessings



(From: Extras)

Average: 7.3

High Scorers: 9.1 x 1 (@Untouchable Ace) 9 x 1 (@Sprockrooster)

Low Scorers: 5 x 1 (@tylerc904) 6 x 1 (@Phonetics Girl)

‘Blessings’ was included on Diane Warren’s album ‘Diane Warren: The Cave Sessions Vol. 1’ which was released in 2021. The album serves as Diane’s debut album, thirty eight years after she wrote her first hit song. The album features PJ faves such as Rita Ora, Celine Dion and Leona Lewis. The album is named after her Hollywood Hills office and seems to suggest another volume may follow in the near future. As will be explored later in the rate, this isn’t the first time Paloma and Diane have worked together.

In an interview, Diane said of the album:

"It's me being DJ Diane, doing what DJ Khaled does without yelling my name at the beginning of the record, I just thought, why the fuck can't I do that too? Why can't I do the songwriter version of that?"

My Thoughts: (7) I find this getting stuck in my head but at the same time I don't love it. It doesn't really feel like a Paloma song to me.

Commentary:

@Maki (8.25) As proven multiple times before, Dianne and Paloma is always a great combo. Even though this is their weakest song in my opinion, it's still great. My favourite part is the middle-8, love the melody during that part. Thinking about it, this would slot right onto "The Architect", both sonically and lyrically.

Next time: we lose two tracks from the same album...​

 

[BubblegumBoy]

Power to the Peaceful

(From: The Architect)

Average: 7.35

High Scorers: 9.1 x 1 (@saviodxl) 9 x 2 (@BubblegumBoy, @soratami)

Low Scorers: 4 x 1 (@Markus1981)

‘Power to the Peaceful’ features on the Deluxe edition of ‘The Architect. Written and produced with Jamie Hartman. Hartman is known as the founder of the band Ben’s Brother, who have been nominated for an Ivor Novello prize. Hartman is also the co-writer of ‘Human’ by Rag’n’bone Man.

Paloma explains that the track was written as a consequence of having a child and explaining to them that she was really sorry about the kind of world she had brought them into. The song was inspired by the album ‘What’s Going On’ by Marvin Gaye.

My Thoughts: (9) Out of the four deluxe tracks this is the one I feel could have been on the main album. It’s got a good vibe.

Commentary:

@Maki (8) This is very cute and boppy. Obviously not one of the very best, some elements of the production are really nice, too.

Lullaby

(From: The Architect)

Average: 7.38

High Scorers: 10 x 2 (@Disco Tears, @Markus1981) 9 x 1 (@Sprockrooster)

Low Scorers: 3 x 1 (@Phonetics Girl)

‘Lullaby’ was written by a total of six writers including J*ss Gl*nn*, Bruce Fielder (Sigala) and Paloma herself. The track was released in February 2018 and charted at #6 in the UK singles chart and got to #1 in the dance chart. It has since been certified 2 x Platinum in the UK as well as Platinum in Poland and Gold in Italy. To top off its success, it was also nominated for ‘Best British Single’ at The Brits. Sigala has worked with a long list of current artists such as Rita Ora, Ella Eyre, Kylie and Nina Nesbitt. The song is included on Sigala’s own album as well as the Zeitgiest Edition of ‘The Architect’.

Sigala said of the track:

"Lullaby is about always going back to that person who has stuck with you through all the highs and the lows. Ultimately it is a song about love, but I have managed to keep that word out of the title this time! I love finding unique voices, and Paloma is perfect for this track. I can't wait for you all to hear it!"

My Thoughts: (7.5) ‘It’s a Sigala song. Need I say more?’ It sounds like you’d expect it to sound’

Commentary:

@saviodxl (8) Cute little bop. But Sigma's partnership is superior.

@Maki (6) Is there a song that sounds more dated than this one? I guess that question will be answered once we get to "Mistakes". Terribly basic and uninspired radio dross that is quite embarrassing for her to record. That drop is laughable, but the song itself isn't too bad, just extremely useless. And of course it went top 10 and double platinum in the UK...







Next time: we lose two singles...

​