ACT ONE

ACT ONE is the debut full-length studio album by American electronic duo Marian Hill. The band had previously released two EPs (Play and Sway), the latter of the two with their current record label.

The album debuted with little success, not charting at all in its first few weeks. However, when the lead single “Down” was featured in Apple’s 2017 AirPod commercial, the album steadily began gaining success, and eventually peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200.

On April 7, 2017, an extended version of the album was released that features all 12 tracks from the album, all 9 tracks from both previously released EPs, and three new tracks.

Singles
”Down” was released as the lead single from the album on March 4, 2016. It peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, being their only single to date to enter that chart as well as being their most successful song. The song was featured in Apple’s 2017 AirPods commercial, where it began to gain public attention. The music video for the song was released on March 14, 2017.

“I Want You” was released as the second single from the album on June 24, 2016. The music video for the song was released on October 13, 2016.

Promotional Singles
“I Know Why” was released as the first promotional single from the album on May 6, 2016.

“Mistaken” was released as the second promotional single from the album on June 2, 2016. The track features saxophonest Steve Davit.

Critical Reception
ACT ONE was generally well-received by critics. Adeel Amini of PressPlayOK gave it 4/5 stars, writing “In an age of identikit pop types led by a female vocal, the curious jazz influences that teem out of simple ballads like ‘sleeping in the wrong bed’ jam I Know Why are a quiet marvel. Of course, the glitch-vocal formula becomes quite apparent towards the end of their Act One, but it certainly remains an entertaining play that doesn’t outstay its welcome. With any luck, Act Two ought to be a doozy.”

Commercial Performance
The album debuted with little success, peaking at number 6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart. However, when the album’s lead single “Down” was featured in Apple’s AirPods commercial in 2017, the album slowly began to climb the Billboard 200, eventually peaking at number 42.

Track Listing
All tracks were written by Jeremy Lloyd and Samantha Gongol, except for “Mistaken,” which has a feature by Steve Davit. All tracks were produced by Jeremy Lloyd.

Personnel
Samantha Gongol - Songwriting, Lead Vocals (All Tracks)

Jeremy Lloyd - Songwriting, Production, Engineering, Mixing (All Tracks)

Steve Davit - Featured Artist; Saxophone (Track 10)