The Lateness of the Hour is Alex Clare’s debut album, released by Island Records. It peaked at 17 on the UK Albums Chart, eight on the German Albums Chart and at 48 on the US Billboard 200. The majority of the songs on the album are about Alex’s personal relationships. When asked about the album’s biggest hit, “Too Close”, he said: We were trying to figure out a concept that would sort of, you know, be feasible for a song that’s based on conflict between two people. And, you know, the way that manifested itself was people fighting.