Halcyon | ||||
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Studio album by Ellie Goulding | ||||
Released | 5 October 2012 | |||
Recorded | 2011–12 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 46:54 | |||
Label | Polydor | |||
Producer |
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Ellie Goulding chronology | ||||
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Singles from Halcyon | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
The Daily Telegraph | |
Entertainment Weekly | B+ |
The Guardian | |
The Independent | |
Los Angeles Times | |
NME | 5/10 |
PopMatters | 7/10 |
Rolling Stone | |
USA Today |
Halcyon is the second studio album by English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding, released on 5 October 2012 by Polydor Records. It was recorded between 2011 and 2012, during promotion of her debut album, Lights (2010). Goulding worked with several producers on the album, including Jim Eliot, Starsmith, Billboard, Justin Parker, MONSTA, Madeon and Mike Spencer, in addition to collaborating with artists such as Tinie Tempah and Calvin Harris.
Halcyon received generally positive reviews from music critics, who complimented Goulding's more aggressive showcase of her voice and the album's bold production. The album debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, selling 33,425 copies in its first week. In January 2014, it topped the UK Albums Chart and gave Goulding her second number-one album. Halcyon also debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 in the United States, while reaching number one in Ireland, the top five in New Zealand, and the top 10 in Canada, Germany and Switzerland.
"Anything Could Happen" was released as the lead single from Halcyon on 17 August 2012, peaking at number five on the UK Singles Chart. "Figure 8" was released as the album's second single, peaking at number 33 on the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the New Zealand Singles Chart. The album's third single, "Explosions", peaked at number 13 on the UK chart. To further promote the album, Goulding embarked on a nine-day promotional tour across the United Kingdom. The Halcyon Days Tour was unveiled along with North American dates, beginning in Miami Beach, Florida. On 23 August 2013, the album was reissued as an expanded version titled Halcyon Days.