Before I Sleep (album)

Before I Sleep is the follow-up to Bruce's independently released 2010 extended play (EP), titled Search The Night, which peaked at number two on the iTunes chart in June 2012.{{Cite web|url=http://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-voice/90929-the-voice-uk-bo-bruce-overwhelmed-by-chart-success.html|title=Bo Bruce overwhelmed by Chart success|publisher=TellyMix}} The album also marks Bruce's first release on a major record label. Bo commented of the writing process "The process of making this album has been extraordinary. It's also been the hardest and most testing time of my life. But I’ve made an album I'm incredibly proud of and I can't wait for people to hear it."[http://www.heatworld.com/Entertainment/Music/2013/02/The-Voices-Bo-Bruce-releases-video-for-new-single-Save-Me/ The Voice's Bo Bruce releases video for new single, Save Me…] Heatworld (11-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013).

The release features a number of collaborations, including Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol,[http://www.music-news.com/shownews.asp?H=Bo-Bruce-offers-free-download-of-The-Fall&nItemID=60526 Bo Bruce offers free download of 'The Fall'] MusicNews.com (13-12-2012). Retrieved (02-02-2013). Sia, Greg Kurstin, Henry Binns of Zero 7, Joel Pott of Athlete and the second single co-written with former The Voice UK mentor Danny O'Donoghue, entitled 'Alive'.[http://thisisthecut.com/interview-bo-bruce/ Interview: Bo Bruce] The Cut (20-12-2012). Retrieved (01-02-2013).[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT1_ORKBlFQ Bo Bruce - An Introduction To 'Before I Sleep'] YouTube (27-02-2013). Retrieved (28-02-2013).[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/11/watch-the-voice-bo-bruce-save-me-video_n_2853446.html WATCH: 'The Voice' Contestant Bo Bruce Debuts Video 'Save Me' Ahead Of New Album - Is She The Show's Real Winner?] Huffington Post (11-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013) The album features several producers, including Tom Marsh, who worked on Bo's previous release Search The Night and James Flannigan.[http://www.contactmusic.com/press/bo-bruce-announces-debut-album-before-i-sleep-released-april-29th-2013 Bo Bruce Announces Debut Album 'Before I Sleep' Released April 29th 2013] Contact Music. Retrieved (01-04-2013).

It was announced that "Save Me" would be the first track from the album to be released as a single, which was released on the same day as the album. The track was written by Bruce, Shelly Poole and Matt Schwartz.[http://punchbowlblog.com/2013/03/11/new-video-bo-bruce-save-me/ New Video | Bo Bruce – Save Me] Punch Bowl Blog (11-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013).

The second single from the album has been confirmed as "Alive", which is due for release in June 2013. The track was co-written by Bruce, Danny O'Donoghue and James Barry.

The artwork for the album was shot by photographer Eliot Lee Hazel, with Bruce describing his work as "gritty, cinematic and raw". Bruce also credits Hazel with helping to select the location for the video shoot for lead single "Save Me".[http://www.planetnotion.com/2013/03/25/moodboard-bo-bruce/ Planet Notion - Moodboard: Bo Bruce] Planet Notion (Unknown Date). Retrieved (01-04-2013).

{{Album reviews

| title = Professional ratings

| rev1 = The Daily Mirror

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev2 = Entertainment Focus

| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|5}}[http://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-review/bo-bruce-before-i-sleep-album-review/ Bo Bruce – Before I Sleep album review] Entertainment Focus (28-04-2013). Retrieved (28-04-2013).

| rev3= The Guardian

| rev3Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev4 = New!

| rev4Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite news|last=Unknown|title=Album of the Week 2|work=New!|date=2013-04-30}}

| rev5 = The Times

| rev5Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev6 = There Goes The Fear

| rev6Score = {{Rating|7.5|10}}[http://www.theregoesthefear.com/2013/04/album-review-bo-bruce-before-i-sleep.php http://www.theregoesthefear.com/2013/04/album-review-bo-bruce-before-i-sleep.php] There Goes The Fear (29-04-2013). Retrieved (29-04-2013).

| rev7 = Virgin Media

| rev7Score = {{Rating|3|5}}[http://www.virginmedia.com/music/reviews/bo-bruce-before-i-sleep.php Bo Bruce: Before I Sleep Album Review - Reviews - Music - Virgin Media] Virgin Media (28-04-2013). Retrieved (28-04-2013).

}}

The release has also received largely positive reviews from critics, based on the album sampler and previews. Contact Music stated of the release, "we've already had a taste of what to expect with free download 'The Fall', with its breathtaking video. Album highlights include the stunning first single 'Save Me'; 'The Hands I Hold', a soaring, anthemic classic and the perky, panoramic 'Over & Over' - all driven by Bo's captivating voice."[http://www.contactmusic.com/press/bo-bruce-announces-debut-album-before-i-sleep-released-april-29th-2013 Bo Bruce Announces Debut Album 'Before I Sleep' Released April 29th 2013] Contact Music (Unknown Date). Retrieved (01-04-2013).

On 26 April 2013 The Daily Mirror highlighted Before I Sleep as the "stand out album" of the week and awarded it a 3 star rating, with Gavin Martin commenting that the release was a "thoughtful, sensual work" and that Bruce's voice "has striking intimacy and character".{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Gavin|title=Music, Delightfully dreamy|work=Daily Mirror|date=2013-04-26}} Will Hodgkinson reviewed the album for The Times and gave a further of 3 out of 5 star rating, stating "you don't doubt the authenticity of feeling in Bruce's voice" and further commenting of Bruce's voice "shifting from quiver to whisper against tribal drums, keyboard melodies and backing choirs" on the release.{{cite news|last=Hodgkinson|first=Will|title=Iggy follows up his finest hour|work=The Times|date=2013-04-26}} The Guardian also gave the album a rating of 3 stars.{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|title=Reviews Rock, Pop, World & Jazz|work=The Guardian|date=2013-04-26}}

On 28 April 2013, the day before its release, The Daily Mirror featured Before I Sleep as the "must listen" release on that week's Hotlist.{{cite news|last=Unknown|title=This week's Hotlist|work=Daily Mirror|date=2013-04-28}} On 30 April 2013, New! gave the album a four star rating and voted it as "album of the week", stating that Before I Sleep was "an impressive, dramatic debut".

"Save Me" is the lead single from the album and was released on 29 April 2013, the same day as the album.[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a464913/the-voice-uk-star-bo-bruce-debuts-save-me-music-video-watch.html 'The Voice' UK star Bo Bruce debuts 'Save Me' music video - watch] Digital Spy (11-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013). The release was written by Bruce, Shelly Poole and Matt Schwartz who also produced the track.[http://www.kernelscorner.com/2013/03/save-me-bo-bruce-releases-yet-another.html#.UVmt_RysiSo Save Me! Bo Bruce Releases Yet Another Ethereal Music Video] Kernel's Corner (12-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013). "Save Me" received its first radio play on 20 March 2013 on BBC Radio 2, with a music video for the single being released the week before.[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01r771j Sinead O'Connor picks two more favourites on Tracks of my Years] BBC (20-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013).[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/11/watch-the-voice-bo-bruce-save-me-video_n_2853446.html WATCH: 'The Voice' Contestant Bo Bruce Debuts Video 'Save Me' Ahead Of New Album - Is She The Show's Real Winner?] Huffington Post (11-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013).

"Alive" is the second single from Before I Sleep and was released on 24 June 2013. The track was co-written by Bruce and Danny O'Donoghue of The Script[http://www.hellomagazine.com/music/2013032411747/bo-bruce-danny-odonoghue-the-voice/ Danny O'Donoghue admits he is open to dating 'The Voice' contestants] Hello! (24-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013).

• "The Fall" - The music video for 'The Fall' was released on 27 November 2012. The video marked Bo's first release since competing in The Voice UK and Bruce announced that the track could be downloaded for free as an 'end of year gift' to the fans.[http://bo-bruce.com/index.php/new-video-free-download-first-taster-of-my-album/ First Taster Of My Album] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130220111153/http://bo-bruce.com/index.php/new-video-free-download-first-taster-of-my-album/ |date=20 February 2013 }} Bo Bruce (Unknown Date). Retrieved (01-02-2013).[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/s154/the-voice-uk/news/a441369/the-voice-bo-bruce-unveils-video-for-new-single-the-fall-watch.html 'The Voice' Bo Bruce unveils video for new single 'The Fall' - watch] Digital Spy (28-11-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013). The video was directed by James Lawes, a school friend of Bruce's.[http://www.theregoesthefear.com/2013/03/interview-bo-bruce.php Interview: Bo Bruce] There Goes The Fear (25-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013).
• "Save Me" - A music video to accompany the lead single from the album was released on 10 March 2013. The video was shot in LA and was directed by Maximilla Lukacs, with Bruce commenting that the pair "instantly clicked" and were interested in the same themes.[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/28/bo-bruce-save-me-video-the-voice_n_2970182.html EXCLUSIVE: Behind The Scenes With 'The Voice' Contestant Bo Bruce For The Making Of 'Save Me' Video] Huffington Post (28-03-2013). Retrieved (01-04-2013).
• "Alive" - The music video for second single 'Alive' was released on 19 May 2013 and was directed by James Lawes, who had previously directed the video for 'The Fall'.[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a484085/bo-bruce-premieres-new-single-alive-music-video-watch.html Bo Bruce premieres new single 'Alive' music video - watch - Music News - Digital Spy] Digital Spy (23-05-2013). Retrieved (28-05-2013).[http://www.kernelscorner.com/2013/05/come-alive-with-new-alive-music-video.html#.UaTprUC1GSo Come Alive With The New Music Video by Bo Bruce, Co-written With Danny O'Donoghue ~ Kernel's Corner] Kernel's Corner (19-05-2013). Retrieved (28-05-2013).

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Landslide

|writer1 = {{hlist|Catherine Brudenell-Bruce|Henry Binns|Jodi Milliner|Tom Leonard}}

| extra1 = {{hlist|Binns|Milliner}}

| length1 = 3:23

| title2 = Save Me

| writer2 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Michelle Lena Poole|Matt Schwartz}}

| extra2 = {{hlist|Schwartz}}

| length2 = 4:13

| title3 = Alive

| writer3 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Danny O'Donoghue|James Barry}}

| extra3 = {{hlist|Binns|Milliner|O'Donoghue{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length3 = 3:18

| title4 = Speed the Fire

| writer4 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Johnny McDaid|Tommy Ashby|James Flannigan|Gita Langley}}

| extra4 = {{hlist|Flannigan}}

| length4 = 4:38

| title5 = Telescope

| writer5 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Binns|Milliner|Leonard}}

| extra5 = {{hlist|Binns|Milliner}}

| length5 = 4:21

| title6 = Ghost Town

| writer6 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Karen Poole|David Etherington}}

| extra6 = {{hlist|Etherington|Poole{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length6 = 3:52

| title7 = On the Wire

| writer7 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|K. Poole|Etherington}}

| extra7 = {{hlist|Etherington|Poole{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length7 = 3:38

| title8 = Holding the Light

| writer8 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce}}

| extra8 = {{hlist|Al Rudd|Nick Southwood}}

| length8 = 3:39

| title9 = Lightkeeper

| writer9 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|McDaid}}

| extra9 = {{hlist|Flannigan}}

| length9 = 4:18

| title10 = The Fall

| writer10 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|McDaid|Ingrid Michaelson}}

| extra10 = {{hlist|Flannigan}}

| length10 = 4:34

| title11 = The Hands I Hold

| writer11 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Binns|Xavier Pazmino|Sia Furler|Greg Kurstin}}

| extra11 = {{hlist|Binns|Kurstin}}

| length11 = 4:32

| title12 = Echoes

| writer12 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Binns|Milliner|Ian Dench}}

| extra12 = {{hlist|Binns|Milliner}}

| length12 = 3:50

| title13 = Golden

| writer13 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Flannigan|Nabiha Bensouda|Anders Grahn|Shirley Gordon|Constandia Costi}}

| extra13 = {{hlist|Flannigan}}

| length13 = 3:55

| title14 = How We're Made

| writer14 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|McDaid}}

| extra14 = {{hlist|McDaid}}

| length14 = 5:22

}}

{{tracklist

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = Digital Deluxe edition bonus tracks

| title15 = Search the Night

| writer15 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Tom Marsh}}

| extra15 = {{hlist|Marsh}}

| length15 = 4:40

| title16 = Another Life

| writer16 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Joel Laslett Pott}}

| extra16 = {{hlist|Pott}}

| length16 = 3:32

| title17 = Over & Over (Run With the Horses)

| writer17 = {{hlist|Brudenell-Bruce|Marsh|Pott}}

| extra17 = {{hlist|Pott}}

| length17 = 3:19

}}

{{tracklist

| headline = Amazon Digital Deluxe Edition Bonus Track

| title18 = Charlie Brown

| note18 = Live Acoustic

| length18 = 3:07

}}

Notes

• ^{{{note|a|[a]}}} signifies an original producer
• ^{{{note|b|[b]}}} signifies a vocal producer

Credits adapted from Before I Sleep liner notes.{{cite AV media notes |title=Before I Sleep |type=CD liner notes |others=Bo Bruce |publisher=Mercury Records |year=2013 |id=3731631}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Instrumental and vocals

• Bo Bruce - vocals (all tracks); backing vocals (all tracks); extra keyboards (3)
• Henry Binns - guitars (1, 12); keyboards (1, 12); drums (3); piano (5)
• Ian Dench - extra guitar (3); guitars (12)
• David Etherington - all instruments (6-7)
• James Flannigan - all instruments (4, 9); piano (10); additional backing vocals (13)
• Matt Harris - bass (9, 13); additional backing vocals (13)
• Greg Kurstin - drums (11); guitar (11); bass (11); keyboards (11)
• Amy Langley - cello (4)
• Gita Langley - violin (2-4)
• Tom Leonard - piano (1); extra guitar (5)
• Alex Maclean - electric guitar (13)
• Max Marlow- drums (6)
• Tom Marsh - drums (2)
• Johnny McDaid - vocals (4); backing vocals (4); all instruments (4, 9, 14)
• Adrian Meehan - drums (8)
• Jodi Milliner - guitars (1, 3, 5, 12); keyboards (1, 3, 12); bass (3, 5, 12); drums (3, 12)
• Rob Mullarkey - cello (3)
• Karen Poole - additional backing vocals (6-7)
• Al Rudd - bass (8); electric guitar (8)
• Matt Schwartz - all instruments (2)
• Tommy Sheen - electric guitar (13); additional backing vocals (13)
• Tom Skinner - drums (1, 12)
• Nick Southwood - acoustic guitar (8)
• Randy Spendlove - acoustic guitar (9)
• Alex Vargas - additional backing vocals (13)
• Ollie Walton - drums (9, 13)

{{col-2}}

Technical and production

• Bo Bruce - sonic sculpture (all tracks); additional arrangement (all tracks)
• Henry Binns - producer (1, 3, 5, 11-12); mixing (1, 3, 5, 12); sonic supervisor (all tracks)
• Jason Cox - mixing (11)
• Tim Debney - mastering (all tracks)
• David Etherington - producer (6-7); mixing (6-7); programming (6-7)
• James Flannigan - producer (4, 9, 10, 13); mixing (4, 9, 10, 13); programming (10); engineer (10)
• Sam Harper - engineer (4, 9, 13)
• Greg Kurstin - producer (11); programming (11); engineer (11)
• Johnny McDaid - producer (14); mixing (14); additional production (4)
• Jodi Milliner - producer (1, 3, 5, 12)
• Danny O'Donoghue - original production (3)
• Karen Poole - vocal co-producer (6-7)
• Rocky - mastering assistant (all tracks)
• Al Rudd - producer (8); mixing (8); engineer (8); programming (8)
• Matt Schwartz - producer (2); arranging (2); mixing (2)
• Jesse Shatkin - engineer (11)
• Nick Southwood - producer (8); mixing (8); programming (8)
• Tom Stanley - mix assistant (11)

Design

• Stuart Hardie - design
• Eliot Lee Hazel - photography
• Emily Pugh - back of booklet painting

{{col-end}}

• List of UK top-ten albums in 2013

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Bo Bruce albums

Category:2013 debut albums