Albums to watch

A Firmer Hand

Hamish Hawk

A Firmer Hand

Thrid studio album from the Edinburgh-born singer-songwriter produced by Idlewild’s Rod Jones

ADM rating[?]

8.0

Label
Universal
UK Release date
16/08/2024
US Release date
16/08/2024
  1. 10.0 |   The Skinny

    A Firmer Hand sees Hamish Hawk daringly take a searchlight to the complexities of the relationships with men in his life and, by extension, to the complexities within himself. The result is dazzling
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  2. 9.0 |   musicOMH

    Scottish star’s latest is a big, bold lesson in taking risks, and letting the mask drop when things threaten to get too arch
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  3. 9.0 |   Far Out

    A record of opposites: erotic and revealing yet universal and welcoming, it’s full of complex depth yet pointedly blunt, hooks are as commonplace in the music as unfulfilled promises with pop tropes playfully subverted
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  4. 8.0 |   The FT

    The Scottish singer-songwriter’s latest showcases his talent for stories of passion
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  5. 8.0 |   Clash

    Taken in one sitting, ‘A Firmer Hand’ is a dense and often heavy album that nevertheless contains depths of melodicism, wit and meaning that only become apparent with repeated listens
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  6. 8.0 |   Mojo

    The huge exhilaration of Hawk's previous two albums has largely been replaced by more troubled moods - and more stylistic variety - but bravura lyrics remain. Print edition only

  7. 8.0 |   The Quietus

    This is a record that rips into masculinity in a way that’s been curiously absent from male artists of late
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  8. 8.0 |   God Is In The TV

    The quality of penmanship and musicality of Hawk and his musicians has produced an album bursting with originality and heartfelt emotion
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  9. 8.0 |   Record Collector

    A major talent continues to flourish. Print edition only

  10. 6.0 |   Uncut

    The chugging arrangements are often overwrought, and the lyrics slightly too pleased with themselves, but Hawk's lusty baritone croons lend passion and swagger. Print edition only


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