Gabriella Cilmi returned with the single ‘Pure Love’ earlier this year reminded us of the limitless charms of the ‘Sweet About Me’ hitmaker – and in the process proved that she had much more to offer. The song was premiered by Gary Davies on Radio 2, while Gabriella’s rediscovery continued with a packed show at The Great Escape as well as a nationwide tour as special guest to Beverley Knight. Now that comeback hits a new peak as she announces that her new album ‘Pure Love’ will be released on 9th October 2026 and is accompanied by the release of the new single ‘YRU Hanging Around’ out today. Listen HERE.
‘Pure Love’ is a record she made having discovered the confidence and freedom to make exactly the kind of album she wants to make: a soulful organic one, on which she could sing from the heart. And it’s certainly worth the wait, a triumphant return in which her warm, throaty, unmistakably expressive contralto wraps itself around the deep soul, jazz and classic rock that has always been closest to her heart.
Gabriella says, “‘Pure Love’ is the record I’ve always wanted to make. The songs and lyrics are more unfiltered and the recordings have a rawness to them so I feel like it’s the most pure record I’ve made. It was recorded live to tape during a harvest moon and I like to think of the songs like ripe fruit finally ready to be consumed after lots of watering, tending and patience.”
That classic sound particularly shines in the new single ‘YRU Hanging Around’. Gabriella sounds like an old school soul veteran who has just stepped out of Muscle Shoals, while the band around her pulsates with an irrepressible energy. Lyrically, it’s a timeless kiss-off sung with utmost conviction -simply, get serious, or get out of her life.
As well as The Great Escape and the Beverley Knight tour, Gabriella’s return to the music scene also has seen her play shows in Australia with The Corrs, as well as a BRITS / War Child show in London alongside Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins. More live plans are taking shape in the months to come, with Camper Calling (August 29th) already confirmed. Today she also announces details of a full UK headline tour. Tickets for the dates, listed below, go on sale from 10am on Tuesday, July 28th.
NOVEMBER
19th – Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club
20th – Edinburgh, The Cabaret Voltaire
21st – Newcastle, Head of Steam
22nd – Manchester, Night and Day
24th – London, Bush Hall
26th – Birmingham, Dead Wax
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