Beth Orton’s The Ground Above presents some of her most direct and unguarded work. Moving between stripped-back confession and widescreen songcraft, it captures a voice that shifts from hushed intimacy to full-bodied intensity. Across the album, Orton reflects on survival, motherhood, identity and political unease, grounded by a steady commitment to love, creativity and connection. Self-produced over the course of a year, the record builds on the live spontaneity of its initial sessions, gradually shaped into a fuller, more detailed sound. Collaborators include Shahzad Ismaily, Sam Beste, Chris Vatalaro, Vishal Nayak, Christos Stylianides and Tom Herbert, whose contributions support Orton’s instinctive approach without overshadowing it. The result is a focused and deeply felt collection that highlights her strengths as both songwriter and producer.