Albums to watch

Here Because of Hope

Ezra Collective

Here Because of Hope

Fourth album from the five-piece London jazz collective featuring guest appearances from Lila Iké, Leona Lewis, Libianca, Pa Salieu and Letitia Wright

ADM rating[?]

8.1

Label
Partisan
UK Release date
11/09/2026
US Release date
11/09/2026
  1. 9.0 |   All Music

    Here Because of Hope lives up to its title. This music, even at its most reflective, questioning, and intimate, is consistently hopeful - in parts even joyous while delivering innovation, resonant emotion, and flawless execution
    Read Review

  2. 9.0 |   DIY

    An expansive and mature record
    Read Review

  3. 9.0 |   Clash

    Ezra Collective continue their journey with their most ambitious and emotionally expansive project to date, reaffirming not only their place at the forefront of contemporary British music, but the sense of joy, connection and optimism that has always sat at the heart of everything they do
    Read Review

  4. 9.0 |   Still Listening

    Across three parts tracing the movement of people, culture and sound, Ezra Collective turn hope into some of their most joyful and affecting music yet
    Read Review

  5. 8.4 |   Spectrum Culture

    Here Because of Hope is the rare album that will have you thinking about the effects of slavery and diaspora on culture and society through time even as it has you moving yourself into a frenzy
    Read Review

  6. 8.0 |   The Quietus

    There are fewer showpiece guest moments than last time. But the world the album covers is wider, and the playing is the best argument in it. Joe Armon-Jones and the Koleoso brothers have been locked together since their Tomorrow’s Warriors days, and it shows in how little any of this strains
    Read Review

  7. 8.0 |   No Ripcord

    The measure of any great concept-driven record is its feel from start to finish, and Here Because Of Hope absolutely delivers here—a rewarding, balanced, and thoughtful work, framed expertly by spoken word and guest vocal spots. And crucially, brimming with hope
    Read Review

  8. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    Arguably the biggest jazz band in the country return with an album that shows off both their exuberant and more reflective sides
    Read Review

  9. 8.0 |   Record Collector

    It's a joyfully optimistic listen. Print edition only

  10. 8.0 |   Mojo

    More considered, sure, but still unstoppable. Print edition only

  11. 8.0 |   God Is In The TV

    We all have something to learn from the Ezra Collective’s message of radical resistance through joy, let’s hope they don’t stop teaching us any time soon
    Read Review

  12. 7.0 |   Under The Radar

    This is a fun record, perhaps lacking the surprise factor of a major hit like “God Gave Me Feet For Dancing,” but still clearly cementing them as a key act who are growing, as well as spreading joy wherever they go
    Read Review


blog comments powered by Disqus

Watch it

Roll over video for more options

Hear it

Latest Reviews

More reviews