Negative Capability (album)

Negative Capability is the 21st studio album by British singer and songwriter Marianne Faithfull, released on 2 November 2018 by BMG Rights Management. The album is considered a deeply personal and introspective work, addressing themes of aging, loss, and mortality.

The album's title is derived from a term coined by the Romantic poet John Keats, referring to the ability to remain in uncertainties, mysteries, and doubts without any irritable reaching after fact and reason. Faithfull saw this concept as relevant to her own life and artistic process, particularly in confronting difficult emotions and accepting the unknown.

Negative Capability features collaborations with a number of artists, including Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, and Mark Lanegan. The lyrics are often stark and unflinching, reflecting on personal experiences and observations with a raw honesty. The musical arrangements are generally sparse and atmospheric, creating a somber and reflective mood.

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising Faithfull's songwriting, vocal performance, and the overall emotional depth of the record. It is regarded as one of the strongest and most significant works in her extensive discography.