Celeste | Woman Of Faces Review

by Bea Willis

Woman Of Faces doesn’t rush the room; it claims it. Celeste’s second album moves with the confidence of an artist who understands the power of restraint, using space, tone, and phrasing as her sharpest tools. This is a record built around voice first, not just as an instrument, but as a character, storyteller, and emotional compass.

At the album’s center of gravity sits the title track, “Woman Of Faces,” a song that feels like the axis everything else turns on. Its verses unfold in a relaxed classic soul posture, colored by sensual jazz overtones that soften the edges without dulling the intent. Celeste lets the story develop naturally, each line adding weight, before lifting into a chorus that locks firmly into tradition with classic soul phrasing, confident vocal placement, and a delivery that feels rooted rather than borrowed. It’s the moment where the album’s identity comes into focus.

Celeste’s greatest vocal risks arrive when she strips things back. On “Time Will Tell,” her voice is exposed in a way that feels deliberate rather than vulnerable for vulnerability’s sake. The melody grows patiently, then climbs into a series of sustained upper-register belts that land with clarity and control. Light strings hover behind her, never competing, allowing every ounce of personality, grit, and soul to stay front and center. The risk pays off because the emotion is carried by technique, not theatrics.

That same sense of character shows up in “People Always Change,” where Celeste plays with falsetto leaps over minimal piano accompaniment. She glides in and out of notes, lets vibrato bloom and fall away, and shapes phrases with a looseness that feels conversational. These moments reveal her deep understanding of soul language in how to bend time, how to let silence speak, how to make restraint feel expressive rather than cautious.

Sonically, Woman Of Faces unfolds like a film built from quiet, reflective scenes. The lighting is low, the pace unhurried. These are moments where the main character sits with memory, replaying events, testing emotions, and trying to understand what remains after the fallout. The album doesn’t dramatize heartbreak; it studies it. The atmosphere supports that approach, with cinematic textures and strings that frame the songs without pulling focus from the voice guiding them.

What ultimately separates Woman Of Faces from much of today’s pop and neo-soul landscape is Celeste’s vocal authority and organic honesty. She sings with a classic soul foundation, occasionally shaded by the elegance of a 1940s jazz singer, but never feels out of time. Instead, she bridges eras by honoring tradition while translating it into a modern emotional vocabulary. The result is an album that feels timeless without being retro, intimate without being small.

In just nine tracks, Celeste delivers a project that trusts the power of voice, phrasing, and emotional truth. Woman Of Faces doesn’t chase volume or spectacle. It walks onto the stage, stands still, and sings from the heart, knowing that’s more than enough.

Artist: Celeste
Album: Woman Of Faces
Label: Polydor Records

Buy and Stream Links
Release Date: November 14, 2025

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.