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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2013}}
{{Infobox album| <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox album
| Name = The Ascent
| name = The Ascent
| Type = [[Album]]
| type = Album
| Artist = [[Wiley (rapper)|Wiley]]
| artist = [[Wiley (musician)|Wiley]]
| Cover = Wiley The Ascent album cover.jpg
| cover = Wiley The Ascent album cover.jpg
| alt =
| Released = 1 April 2013<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00B5JC01C/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1</ref>
| released = 1 April 2013<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00B5JC01C/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1|title=The Ascent|website=Amazon UK|year=2013}}</ref>
| Recorded = 2012–2013
| recorded = 2012–2013
| Genre = [[Rap music|Rap]], [[dance music|dance]], [[grime music|grime]]
| venue =
| Length = 46:04 (Standard Edition) <br /> 59:12 (Deluxe Edition)
| Label = [[Warner Music Group]]
| studio =
| genre = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[Dance music|dance]]|[[Grime (music genre)|grime]]}}
| Producer = [[Wiley (rapper)|Wiley]], Rymez, [[Wize]], Thomas Mellor, [[Sillkey]], Kid D, Xaphoon Jones
| length = 46:04 (Standard Edition) <br /> 59:12 (Deluxe Edition)
| Last album = ''[[Evolve or Be Extinct]]''<br />(2012)
| label = [[Warner Music Group]]
| This album = '''''The Ascent'''''<br />(2013)
| producer = Wiley, Rymez, Wize, Thomas Mellor, Sillkey, Kid D, Xaphoon Jones
| Next album =
| prev_title = [[Evolve or Be Extinct]]
| Misc = {{Singles
| prev_year = 2012
| Name = The Ascent
| next_title = [[Snakes & Ladders (Wiley album)|Snakes & Ladders]]
| Type = studio
| next_year = 2014
| single 1 = [[Heatwave (Wiley song)|Heatwave]]
| single 1 date = 27 July 2012
| misc = {{Singles
| single 2 = [[Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)]]
| name = The Ascent
| type = studio
| single 2 date = 28 October 2012
| single 3 = [[Reload (Wiley song)|Reload]]
| single1 = [[Heatwave (Wiley song)|Heatwave]]
| single1date = 27 July 2012
| single 3 date = 24 February 2013
| single 4 = [[Lights On (Wiley song)|Lights On]]
| single2 = [[Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)]]
| single2date = 28 October 2012
| single 4 date = 7 June 2013
| single3 = [[Reload (Wiley song)|Reload]]
}}}}
| single3date = 24 February 2013
| single4 = [[Lights On (Wiley song)|Lights On]]
| single4date = 7 June 2013
}}
}}
'''''The Ascent''''' is the ninth studio album by English rapper and producer [[Wiley (musician)|Wiley]]. The album was released on 1 April 2013, by [[Warner Music Group]] and [[Boy Better Know]], after being delayed twice.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twitter / EskiDance: #WileyTheAscent...Out Feb 4th....2013. |url=https://twitter.com/EskiDance/status/259930419309453312 |accessdate=2012-10-21 |publisher=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wiley's official website |url=http://wileyofficial.com/ |accessdate=2013-01-13}}</ref> ''The Ascent'' succeeds ''[[Evolve or Be Extinct]]'' which was released in January 2012. The album features a variety of experimental genres, varying from [[dance music|dance pop]] to [[Grime (music)|grime]].


'''''The Ascent''''' is the ninth studio album by UK [[Grime (music)|Grime]] artist [[Wiley (rapper)|Wiley]]. The album was released on 1 April 2013, via [[Warner Music Group]] and [[Boy Better Know]], after originally being slated to be released on 4 February and 11 March, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/EskiDance/status/259930419309453312|title=Twitter / EskiDance: #WileyTheAscent...Out Feb 4th....2013.|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wileyofficial.com/|title=Wiley's official website|accessdate=2013-01-13}}</ref> ''The Ascent'' succeeds ''[[Evolve or Be Extinct]]'' which was released in January 2012. The album features a variety of experimental genres, varying from [[rap (music)|rap]] to [[Grime (music)|grime]]. The lead single "[[Heatwave (Wiley song)|Heatwave]]", featuring [[Ms D]] was released on 27 July 2012, peaking at #1 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] - becoming Wiley's first solo number one. The second single "[[Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)]]" featuring [[Skepta]], [[JME (rapper)|JME]] and [[Ms D]] was released on 28 October 2012. The third single "[[Reload (Wiley song)|Reload]]" featuring [[Chip (rapper)|Chip]] and [[Ms D]], was released on 24 February 2013, a month before the album release.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://thegrimereport.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/wiley-ascent-artwork-tracklist.html|title= Wiley - The Ascent [Artwork & Tracklist] |publisher= The Grime Report|accessdate=2013-01-10}}</ref>
The lead single "[[Heatwave (Wiley song)|Heatwave]]", featuring [[Ms D]], peaking at number 1 on the [[UK Singles Chart]], becoming Wiley's first number 1 as a solo artist. This was followed by "[[Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)]]" featuring [[Skepta]], [[JME (rapper)|JME]] and [[Ms D]], "[[Reload (Wiley song)|Reload]]" featuring [[Chip (rapper)|Chip]] and Ms D, all of which peaked in the top 10.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wiley – The Ascent [Artwork & Track list] |url=http://thegrimereport.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/wiley-ascent-artwork-tracklist.html |accessdate=2013-01-10 |publisher=The Grime Report}}{{dead link|date=March 2016}}</ref>


== Critical reception ==
The album received positive to mixed reviews from music critics, and entered the [[UK Albums Chart]] at number 26 - becoming his highest-charting solo studio album and first top 40 album entry. The album has spawned 4 top ten hits in the [[UK Singles Chart]] including the number one single "Heatwave" which also charted in Australia.
{{Album ratings
|MC=61/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-ascent/wiley|title=The Ascent – Wiley|publisher=[[Metacritic]]. [[CBS Interactive]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev1=[[Allmusic]]
|rev1Score={{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Jeffries |first=David|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-ascent-mw0002485230|title=The Ascent – Wiley|publisher=[[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev2=''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]''
|rev2Score=4/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Felicity|date=2 April 2013|url=http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/wiley-the-ascent|title=Wiley – The Ascent|work=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]|publisher=Music Republic|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev3=''[[Drowned in Sound]]''
|rev3Score=4/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Hamilton|first=Billy|date=3 April 2013|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/17563/reviews/4146255|title=Album Review: Wiley – The Ascent|work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|publisher=Silentway|accessdate=1 January 2015|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713033210/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/17563/reviews/4146255|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev4=''[[The Guardian]]''
|rev4Score={{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=MacInnes|first=Paul|date=28 March 2013 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/mar/28/wiley-the-ascent-review|title=Wiley: The Ascent – review |work=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev5=''[[Hot Press]]''
|rev5Score=3.5/5<ref>{{cite web|last=Heslin|first=Maeve|date=24 April 2013|url=http://www.hotpress.com/Wiley/music/reviews/albums/Wiley-The-Ascent/9786546.html|title=Wiley: The Ascent|work=[[Hot Press]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev6=[[musicOMH]]
|rev6Score={{rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Young|first=Martyn|date=27 March 2013|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/wiley-the-ascent|title=Wiley – The Ascent|publisher=[[musicOMH]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev7=''[[NME]]''
|rev7Score=5/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoban|first=Alex|date=2 April 2013|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/wiley/14261|title=Wiley – 'The Ascent'|work=[[NME]]|publisher=[[Time Inc. UK#Inspire|Inspire]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev8=[[Pitchfork Media]]
|rev8Score=6.2/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Finney|first=Tim|date=2 April 2013|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17772-wiley-the-ascent/|title=Wiley: The Ascent|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev9=''[[The Skinny (magazine)|The Skinny]]''
|rev9Score={{rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=J. Kudos|first=Omar|date=28 March 2013|url=http://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/304388-wiley_ascent|title=Wiley – The Ascent|work=[[The Skinny (magazine)|The Skinny]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
|rev10=''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out London]]''
|rev10Score={{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Duggins|first=Alexi|date=22 March 2013|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/music/wiley-the-ascent-album-review|title=Wiley – 'The Ascent' album review |work=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out London]]|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>
}}
The album received positive to mixed reviews from music critics and entered the [[UK Albums Chart]] at number 26 which became his highest-charting solo studio album until ''[[Godfather (album)|Godfather]]'' (2017) reached the top 10, yet is his first top 40 album entry. The album has spawned four top ten hits in the [[UK Singles Chart]] including the number one single "Heatwave" which also charted in Australia.


==Background==
==Background==
The name of the album was first confirmed by [[Wiley (rapper)|Wiley]] on 27 September 2012, via his official [[Twitter]] account. The album's tracklist was later revealed on 11 October 2012, detailing sixteen tracks - however, in January 2013, the tracklist was revised. "Walking Through Fire", "Stay Here", "Common Ground" (featuring Ryan Keen), and "Drink My Pain Away" (featuring Stacy Barthe) were removed from the album;<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.soulculture.co.uk/music-blog/tracklists/snapshot-wiley-unveils-the-ascent-album-tracklist-featuring-emeli-sande-kano-tulisa-more/|title= Wiley unveils The Ascent album tracklist feat Emeli Sandé, Kano, Tulisa + more|publisher= SoulCulture.co.uk|accessdate=2012-10-09}}</ref> while "Ninja" was demoted to the deluxe edition, and "So Alive", "Tomorrow" and "Humble Pie" were added to the standard edition, and "Rubicon" and "Broken Thoughts" were added to the deluxe edition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://instagram.com/p/QkYIWglJcO/|title=Wiley Instagram: The tracklisting or my new album "The Ascent"|publisher=Instagram|accessdate=2012-10-11}}</ref> The album was originally due to be released on 4 February 2013, but was later delayed until 11 March 2013, in order for a third single to be released prior to the album. The album was once again delayed until 1 April 2013, to allow for final edits to be made on the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/EskiDance/status/251284509696356352|title=Twitter / EskiDance: My new album is called Wiley - The Ascent|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2012-09-27}}</ref> "Ninja" was previously released as an official free download. Wiley collaborated with an extensive amount of artists for the album, with featured guest appearances including [[United States|American]] [[hip hop music|hip hop]] quartet [[Far East Movement]], English rappers [[Kano (rapper)|Kano]], [[Skepta]], [[JME (rapper)|JME]], [[Ghetts]], Griminal, Manga, Frisco, Big Shizz, Double S, [[Chip (rapper)|Chip]], Wrigz, J2K, Ice Kid and Megaman, and English singers [[Tulisa]], [[Angel (musician)|Angel]] and Scottish R&B singer [[Emeli Sandé]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://instagram.com/p/QkYIWglJcO/|title=Wiley Instagram: The tracklisting or my new album "The Ascent"|publisher=Instagram|accessdate=2012-10-11}}</ref> On 19 March 2013, Wiley leaked the album for free temporarily via Twitter after a dispute with iTunes, but has since removed the link.
The name of the album was first confirmed by [[Wiley (musician)|Wiley]] on 27 September 2012, via his official [[Twitter]] account. Wiley also confirmed that his friend [[Meryl Fernandes]], who portrayed [[Afia Masood]] in British soap opera [[EastEnders]] named his album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shortlist.com/news/wiley |title=Wiley|date=25 March 2013|publisher=[[ShortList]]|accessdate=2021-01-02}}</ref> The album's track list was later revealed on 11 October 2012, detailing sixteen tracks. However, in January 2013, the track list was revised. "Walking Through Fire", "Stay Here", "Common Ground" (featuring Ryan Keen), and "Drink My Pain Away" (featuring [[Stacy Barthe]]) were removed from the album;<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.soulculture.co.uk/music-blog/tracklists/snapshot-wiley-unveils-the-ascent-album-tracklist-featuring-emeli-sande-kano-tulisa-more/|title= Wiley unveils The Ascent album tracklist feat Emeli Sandé, Kano, Tulisa + more|publisher= SoulCulture.co.uk|accessdate=2012-10-09}}</ref> while "Ninja" was demoted to the deluxe edition, and "So Alive", "Tomorrow" and "Humble Pie" were added to the standard edition, while "Rubicon" and "Broken Thoughts" were added to the deluxe edition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://instagram.com/p/QkYIWglJcO/|title=Wiley Instagram: The tracklisting for my new album "The Ascent"|publisher=Instagram|accessdate=2012-10-11}}</ref> The album was originally due to be released on 4 February 2013, but was later delayed until 11 March 2013, in order for a third single to be released prior to the album. The album was once again delayed until 1 April 2013, to allow for final edits to be made on the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/EskiDance/status/251284509696356352|title=Twitter / EskiDance: My new album is called Wiley – The Ascent|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=2012-09-27}}</ref> "Ninja" was previously released as an official free download. Wiley collaborated with an extensive number of artists for the album, with featured guest appearances including [[Far East Movement]], [[Kano (rapper)|Kano]], [[Skepta]], [[JME (rapper)|JME]], [[Ghetts]], Griminal, Manga, Frisco, Big Shizz, Double S, [[Chip (rapper)|Chip]], Wrigz, J2K, Ice Kid and Megaman, [[Tulisa (singer)|Tulisa]], [[Angel (British musician)|Angel]] and [[Emeli Sandé]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://instagram.com/p/QkYIWglJcO/|title=Wiley Instagram: The tracklisting for my new album "The Ascent"|publisher=Instagram|accessdate=2012-10-11}}</ref>


==Singles==
==Singles==
"[[Heatwave (Wiley song)|Heatwave]]", featuring [[Ms D]], was released as the album's lead single, debuting at #1 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] on 5 August 2012, selling over 114,000 copies in its first week, becoming Wiley's first ever solo number one. "[[Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)]]", featuring [[Skepta]], [[JME (rapper)|JME]] & [[Ms D]], was released as the album's second single on 28 October 2012. It peaked at #3 on the [[UK Singles Chart]], selling 75,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.taletela.com/news/20008/watch-wiley-skepta-&-jme-premiere-can-you-hear-me-ayayaya-video|title= Wiley, Skepta & JME Premiere 'Can You Hear Me (Ayayaya)' Video|publisher= TalaTela.com|accessdate= 2012-10-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/can-you-hear-me-ayayaya-remixes/id564801246|title= Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)|publisher= iTunes|accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref> "[[Reload (Wiley song)|Reload]]", featuring [[Chipmunk|Chip]] & [[Ms D]], was released as the album's third single on 24 February 2013. It entered the top ten of the [[UK Singles Chart]] on the week ending 3 March 2013 at #9. "[[Lights On (Wiley song)|Lights On]]", featuring [[Angel (musician)|Angel]] & [[Tinchy Stryder]], was released as the album's fourth single on 7 June 2013. It also entered the [[UK Singles Chart]] at #9.
"[[Heatwave (Wiley song)|Heatwave]]", featuring [[Ms D]], was released as the album's lead single, debuting at number 1 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] on 5 August 2012, selling over 114,000 copies in its first week, becoming Wiley's first ever solo number one. "[[Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)]]", featuring [[Skepta]], [[JME (rapper)|JME]] & [[Ms D]], was released as the album's second single on 28 October 2012. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, selling 75,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.taletela.com/news/20008/watch-wiley-skepta-&-jme-premiere-can-you-hear-me-ayayaya-video|title= Wiley, Skepta & JME Premiere 'Can You Hear Me (Ayayaya)' Video|publisher= TalaTela.com|accessdate= 2012-10-05|url-status= dead|archiveurl= https://archive.today/20130203090934/http://www.taletela.com/news/20008/watch-wiley-skepta-&-jme-premiere-can-you-hear-me-ayayaya-video|archivedate= 3 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/can-you-hear-me-ayayaya-remixes/id564801246|title= Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)|publisher= iTunes|accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref> "[[Reload (Wiley song)|Reload]]", featuring [[Chip (rapper)|Chip]] & [[Ms D]], was released as the album's third single on 24 February 2013. It entered the top ten of the [[UK Singles Chart]] on the week ending 3 March 2013 at number 9. "[[Lights On (Wiley song)|Lights On]]", featuring [[Angel (British musician)|Angel]] and [[Tinchy Stryder]], was released as the album's fourth single on 7 June 2013. It also entered the [[UK Singles Chart]] at number 9.


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{track listing
{{track listing
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| collapsed = no
| headline = ''The Ascent''{{nobold|&nbsp;— Standard edition}}
| writing_credits = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| headline = Standard Edition<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00B5JC01C/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1</ref>


| title1 = Ascent Intro
| title1 = Ascent Intro
| writer1 = [[Wiley (rapper)|Richard Cowie]]
| writer1 = [[Wiley (musician)|Richard Cowie]]
| extra1 = [[Wiley (rapper)|Wiley]]
| extra1 = {{flat list|
*Alex Oriet
*Saltwives
}}
| length1 = 3:35
| length1 = 3:35


| title2 = First Class
| title2 = First Class
| note2 = featuring [[Kano (rapper)|Kano]] and [[Lethal Bizzle]]
| note2 = featuring [[Kano (rapper)|Kano]] and [[Lethal Bizzle]]
| writer2 = Richard Cowie, [[Kano (rapper)|Kane Robinson]], [[Lethal Bizzle|Maxwell Ansah]]
| writer2 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
*[[Chiddy Bang|Noah Beresin]]
*[[Kano (rapper)|Kane Robinson]]
*[[Lethal Bizzle|Maxwell Ansah]]
}}
| extra2 = Xaphoon Jones
| extra2 = [[Chiddy Bang|Xaphoon Jones]]
| length2 = 4:01
| length2 = 4:01


| title3 = Skillzone
| title3 = Skillzone
| note3 = featuring [[Ghetts]], Griminal, Manga, Frisco, Double S, Scratchy and Big Shizz
| note3 = featuring [[Ghetts]], Griminal, Manga, Frisco, Double S, Scratchy and Big Shizz
| writer3 = {{flat list|
| writer3 = Richard Cowie, [[Ghetts|Justin Samuel]], Griminal, Manga, Frisco, Scrufizzer, Double S, Scratchy, Big Shizz
*Cowie
*[[Ghetts|Justin Clarke Samuel]]
*Joshua Ramsey
*Matthew Reid
*Bashir Bazanye
*Peter McNulty
*Deshane Cornwall
*Jordan Birch
*Ryan Williams
}}
| extra3 = Wize
| extra3 = Wize
| length3 = 3:47
| length3 = 3:47


| title4 = Hands in the Air
| title4 = Hands in the Air
| note4 = featuring [[Tulisa Contostavlos|Tulisa]] and Ice Kid
| note4 = featuring [[Tulisa Contostavlos|Tulisa]] and Ice Kid
| writer4 = {{flat list|
| writer4 = Richard Cowie, [[Tulisa Contostavlos]], [[Chip (rapper)|Jahmaal Fyffe]], Ice Kid, Ariowa Irosogie
*Cowie
*Rodney Hwingwiri
*[[Ari PenSmith|Ariowa Irosogie]]
*Kian Joshua Roberts
}}
| extra4 = Rymez
| extra4 = Rymez
| length4 = 3:25
| length4 = 3:25


| title5 = [[Reload (Wiley song)|Reload]]
| title5 = [[Reload (Wiley song)|Reload]]
| note5 = featuring [[Chip (rapper)|Chip]] and [[Ms D]]
| note5 = featuring [[Ms D]] and [[Chip (rapper)|Chip]]
| writer5 = Richard Cowie, Jahmaal Fyffe, [[Ms D|Dayo Olatunji]], [[Talay Riley]]
| writer5 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
| extra5 = Scribz
*[[Ms D|Dayo Olatunji]]
*Michael Orabiyi
*[[Talay Riley]]
}}
| extra5 = {{flat list|
*Mike "Scribz" Riley
*The Skeptiks (add.)
}}
| length5 = 3:13
| length5 = 3:13


| title6 = Chainsaw (A-List)
| title6 = Chainsaw
| note6 = featuring Wrigz, J2K and Kevanc
| note6 = featuring Wrigz, J2K and Kivanc
| writer6 = Richard Cowie, Mikey Wrigg, J2K, Kevanc
| writer6 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
*Jason Black
*Daniel Wrigley
*Thomas Mellor
*Kivanc Sezen
}}
| extra6 = Thomas Mellor
| extra6 = Thomas Mellor
| length6 = 3:59
| length6 = 3:59


| title7 = [[Heatwave (Wiley song)|Heatwave]]
| title7 = [[Heatwave (Wiley song)|Heatwave]]
| note7 = featuring Rymez & Ms D
| note7 = featuring Ms D
| writer7 = Richard Cowie, [[Ms D|Dayo Olatunji]]
| writer7 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
*Hwingwiri
*Irosogie
}}
| extra7 = Rymez
| extra7 = Rymez
| length7 = 3:14
| length7 = 3:14
Line 88: Line 157:
| title8 = So Alive
| title8 = So Alive
| note8 = featuring [[Far East Movement]]
| note8 = featuring [[Far East Movement]]
| writer8 = Richard Cowie, [[Far East Movement]]
| writer8 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
| extra8 = Wiley
*Frederick Taylor
*John Gant
*[[Syleena Johnson]]
}}
| extra8 = Toxic
| length8 = 2:54
| length8 = 2:54


| title9 = [[Lights On (Wiley song)|Lights On]]
| title9 = [[Lights On (Wiley song)|Lights On]]
| note9 = featuring [[Angel (musician)|Angel]] and [[Tinchy Stryder]]
| note9 = featuring [[Angel (British musician)|Angel]] and [[Tinchy Stryder]]
| writer9 = Richard Cowie, [[Angel (musician)|Sirach Charles]], [[Tinchy Stryder|Kwasi Danquah]]
| writer9 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
*[[Angel (British musician)|Sirach "Angel" Charles]]
*Kassa Alexander
*[[Tinchy Stryder|Kwasi Danquah]]
}}
| extra9 = Parallel, [[Angel (musician)|Angel]]
| extra9 = {{flat list|
*Charles
*Wez Clarke (add.)
}}
| length9 = 3:25
| length9 = 3:25


| title10 = [[Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)]]
| title10 = [[Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)]]
| note10 = featuring [[Skepta]], [[JME (rapper)|JME]] and Ms D
| note10 = featuring [[Skepta]], [[JME (rapper)|JME]] and Ms D
| writer10 = Richard Cowie, [[Skepta|Joseph Adenuga]], [[JME (rapper)|Jamie Adenuga]], [[Ms D|Dayo Olatunji]]
| writer10 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
*Hwingwiri
*[[Skepta|Joseph Adenuga]]
*[[JME (rapper)|Jamie Adenuga]]
*[[Ms D|Olatunji]]
*Largie
| extra10 = Rymez & Sillkey
}}
| extra10 = {{flat list|
*Rymez
*Sillkey
*Anthony "Krunchie" Bamgboye
}}
| length10 = 3:52
| length10 = 3:52


| title11 = Tomorrow
| title11 = Tomorrow
| note11 = featuring Megaman and Styalz Fuego
| note11 = featuring Megaman and Styalz Fuego
| writer11 = Richard Cowie, Megaman, Styalz Fuego
| writer11 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
| extra11 = Wiley
*Dwayne Vincent
*Kaelyn Bahr
}}
| extra11 = Styalz Fuego
| length11 = 3:40
| length11 = 3:40


| title12 = My Heart
| title12 = My Heart
| note12 = featuring [[Emeli Sandé]] and [[French Montana]]
| note12 = featuring [[Emeli Sandé]] and [[French Montana]]
| writer12 = Richard Cowie, [[Emeli Sandé]], J2K, [[French Montana|Karim Kharbouch]], Chris Loco
| writer12 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
*[[Emeli Sandé|Adele Sandé]]
*Black
}}
| extra12 = Chris Loco
| extra12 = Chris Loco
| length12 = 2:59
| length12 = 2:59


| title13 = Humble Pie
| title13 = Humble Pie
| writer13 = Richard Cowie
| writer13 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
*Dean Robertson
}}
| extra13 = Kid D
| extra13 = Kid D
| length13 = 3:45
| length13 = 3:45
Line 124: Line 228:


{{track listing
{{track listing
| headline = ''The Ascent''{{nobold|&nbsp;— Deluxe edition bonus tracks}}
| collapsed = yes
| headline = ''Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks''<ref>http://www.wileyofficial.com/music,the-ascent_9.htm</ref>
| writing_credits = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)


| title14 = Rubicon
| title14 = Rubicon
| writer14 = Richard Cowie
| writer14 = {{flat list|
*Cowie
*Nathan Gerald
}}
| extra14 = Preditah
| extra14 = Preditah
| length14 = 4:12
| length14 = 4:12


| title15 = Ninja
| title15 = Ninja
| writer15 = Richard Cowie
| writer15 = Cowie
| extra15 = Wiley
| extra15 = Cowie
| length15 = 3:15
| length15 = 3:15


| title16 = Broken Thoughts
| title16 = Broken Thoughts
| writer16 = Richard Cowie
| writer16 = Cowie
| extra16 = Kid D
| extra16 = Kid D
| length16 = 4:05
| length16 = 4:05
Line 148: Line 253:
| length17 = 3:21
| length17 = 3:21


| title18 = Can You Hear Me?
| title18 = Can You Hear Me?
| note18 = Music video
| note18 = Music video
| length18 = 3:53
| length18 = 3:53
Line 170: Line 275:
!Catalogue
!Catalogue
|-
|-
| [[United Kingdom]]
| United Kingdom
| rowspan="2"|1 April 2013
| rowspan="2"|1 April 2013
| rowspan="2"|[[CD]], [[music download|digital download]]
| rowspan="2"|[[Compact disc|CD]], [[music download|digital download]]
| rowspan="2"|[[Warner Music]]
| rowspan="2"|[[Warner Music Group]]
| rowspan="2"|ASC003
| rowspan="2"|ASC003
|-
|-
| [[Ireland]]
| Ireland
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 183: Line 288:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Wiley}}
{{Wiley}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ascent, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ascent, The}}
[[Category:2013 albums]]
[[Category:2013 albums]]
[[Category:Wiley albums]]
[[Category:Wiley (musician) albums]]

Latest revision as of 07:07, 6 February 2024

The Ascent
Studio album by
Wiley
Released1 April 2013[1]
Recorded2012–2013
Genre
Length46:04 (Standard Edition)
59:12 (Deluxe Edition)
LabelWarner Music Group
ProducerWiley, Rymez, Wize, Thomas Mellor, Sillkey, Kid D, Xaphoon Jones
Wiley chronology
Evolve or Be Extinct
(2012) 		The Ascent
(2013) 		Snakes & Ladders
(2014)
Singles from The Ascent
  1. "Heatwave"
    Released: 27 July 2012
  2. "Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)"
    Released: 28 October 2012
  3. "Reload"
    Released: 24 February 2013
  4. "Lights On"
    Released: 7 June 2013

The Ascent is the ninth studio album by English rapper and producer Wiley. The album was released on 1 April 2013, by Warner Music Group and Boy Better Know, after being delayed twice.[2][3] The Ascent succeeds Evolve or Be Extinct which was released in January 2012. The album features a variety of experimental genres, varying from dance pop to grime.

The lead single "Heatwave", featuring Ms D, peaking at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Wiley's first number 1 as a solo artist. This was followed by "Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)" featuring Skepta, JME and Ms D, "Reload" featuring Chip and Ms D, all of which peaked in the top 10.[4]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic61/100[5]
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[6]
Clash4/10[7]
Drowned in Sound4/10[8]
The Guardian[9]
Hot Press3.5/5[10]
musicOMH[11]
NME5/10[12]
Pitchfork Media6.2/10[13]
The Skinny[14]
Time Out London[15]

The album received positive to mixed reviews from music critics and entered the UK Albums Chart at number 26 which became his highest-charting solo studio album until Godfather (2017) reached the top 10, yet is his first top 40 album entry. The album has spawned four top ten hits in the UK Singles Chart including the number one single "Heatwave" which also charted in Australia.

Background

[edit]

The name of the album was first confirmed by Wiley on 27 September 2012, via his official Twitter account. Wiley also confirmed that his friend Meryl Fernandes, who portrayed Afia Masood in British soap opera EastEnders named his album.[16] The album's track list was later revealed on 11 October 2012, detailing sixteen tracks. However, in January 2013, the track list was revised. "Walking Through Fire", "Stay Here", "Common Ground" (featuring Ryan Keen), and "Drink My Pain Away" (featuring Stacy Barthe) were removed from the album;[17] while "Ninja" was demoted to the deluxe edition, and "So Alive", "Tomorrow" and "Humble Pie" were added to the standard edition, while "Rubicon" and "Broken Thoughts" were added to the deluxe edition.[18] The album was originally due to be released on 4 February 2013, but was later delayed until 11 March 2013, in order for a third single to be released prior to the album. The album was once again delayed until 1 April 2013, to allow for final edits to be made on the album.[19] "Ninja" was previously released as an official free download. Wiley collaborated with an extensive number of artists for the album, with featured guest appearances including Far East Movement, Kano, Skepta, JME, Ghetts, Griminal, Manga, Frisco, Big Shizz, Double S, Chip, Wrigz, J2K, Ice Kid and Megaman, Tulisa, Angel and Emeli Sandé.[20]

Singles

[edit]

"Heatwave", featuring Ms D, was released as the album's lead single, debuting at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart on 5 August 2012, selling over 114,000 copies in its first week, becoming Wiley's first ever solo number one. "Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)", featuring Skepta, JME & Ms D, was released as the album's second single on 28 October 2012. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, selling 75,000 copies.[21][22] "Reload", featuring Chip & Ms D, was released as the album's third single on 24 February 2013. It entered the top ten of the UK Singles Chart on the week ending 3 March 2013 at number 9. "Lights On", featuring Angel and Tinchy Stryder, was released as the album's fourth single on 7 June 2013. It also entered the UK Singles Chart at number 9.

Track listing

[edit]
The Ascent — Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Ascent Intro"Richard Cowie
  • Alex Oriet
  • Saltwives
3:35
2."First Class" (featuring Kano and Lethal Bizzle)
Xaphoon Jones4:01
3."Skillzone" (featuring Ghetts, Griminal, Manga, Frisco, Double S, Scratchy and Big Shizz)
  • Cowie
  • Justin Clarke Samuel
  • Joshua Ramsey
  • Matthew Reid
  • Bashir Bazanye
  • Peter McNulty
  • Deshane Cornwall
  • Jordan Birch
  • Ryan Williams
Wize3:47
4."Hands in the Air" (featuring Tulisa and Ice Kid)
Rymez3:25
5."Reload" (featuring Ms D and Chip)
  • Mike "Scribz" Riley
  • The Skeptiks (add.)
3:13
6."Chainsaw" (featuring Wrigz, J2K and Kivanc)
  • Cowie
  • Jason Black
  • Daniel Wrigley
  • Thomas Mellor
  • Kivanc Sezen
Thomas Mellor3:59
7."Heatwave" (featuring Ms D)
  • Cowie
  • Hwingwiri
  • Irosogie
Rymez3:14
8."So Alive" (featuring Far East Movement)
Toxic2:54
9."Lights On" (featuring Angel and Tinchy Stryder)
  • Charles
  • Wez Clarke (add.)
3:25
10."Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)" (featuring Skepta, JME and Ms D)
  • Rymez
  • Sillkey
  • Anthony "Krunchie" Bamgboye
3:52
11."Tomorrow" (featuring Megaman and Styalz Fuego)
  • Cowie
  • Dwayne Vincent
  • Kaelyn Bahr
Styalz Fuego3:40
12."My Heart" (featuring Emeli Sandé and French Montana)
Chris Loco2:59
13."Humble Pie"
  • Cowie
  • Dean Robertson
Kid D3:45
Total length:46:04
The Ascent — Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Rubicon"
  • Cowie
  • Nathan Gerald
Preditah4:12
15."Ninja"CowieCowie3:15
16."Broken Thoughts"CowieKid D4:05
17."Heatwave" (Music video)  3:21
18."Can You Hear Me?" (Music video)  3:53
19."Reload" (Music video)  3:17
20."The Story So Far" (Documentary)  9:55
Total length:59:12

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label Catalogue
United Kingdom 1 April 2013 CD, digital download Warner Music Group ASC003
Ireland

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Ascent". Amazon UK. 2013.
  2. ^ "Twitter / EskiDance: #WileyTheAscent...Out Feb 4th....2013". Twitter. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  3. ^ "Wiley's official website". Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  4. ^ "Wiley – The Ascent [Artwork & Track list]". The Grime Report. Retrieved 10 January 2013.[dead link]
  5. ^ "The Ascent – Wiley". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  6. ^ Jeffries, David. "The Ascent – Wiley". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  7. ^ Martin, Felicity (2 April 2013). "Wiley – The Ascent". Clash. Music Republic. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  8. ^ Hamilton, Billy (3 April 2013). "Album Review: Wiley – The Ascent". Drowned in Sound. Silentway. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  9. ^ MacInnes, Paul (28 March 2013). "Wiley: The Ascent – review". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  10. ^ Heslin, Maeve (24 April 2013). "Wiley: The Ascent". Hot Press. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  11. ^ Young, Martyn (27 March 2013). "Wiley – The Ascent". musicOMH. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  12. ^ Hoban, Alex (2 April 2013). "Wiley – 'The Ascent'". NME. Inspire. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  13. ^ Finney, Tim (2 April 2013). "Wiley: The Ascent". Pitchfork. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  14. ^ J. Kudos, Omar (28 March 2013). "Wiley – The Ascent". The Skinny. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  15. ^ Duggins, Alexi (22 March 2013). "Wiley – 'The Ascent' album review". Time Out London. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  16. ^ "Wiley". ShortList. 25 March 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  17. ^ "Wiley unveils The Ascent album tracklist feat Emeli Sandé, Kano, Tulisa + more". SoulCulture.co.uk. Retrieved 9 October 2012.
  18. ^ "Wiley Instagram: The tracklisting for my new album "The Ascent"". Instagram. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  19. ^ "Twitter / EskiDance: My new album is called Wiley – The Ascent". Twitter. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
  20. ^ "Wiley Instagram: The tracklisting for my new album "The Ascent"". Instagram. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  21. ^ "Wiley, Skepta & JME Premiere 'Can You Hear Me (Ayayaya)' Video". TalaTela.com. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 5 October 2012.
  22. ^ "Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)". iTunes. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
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