"James Blake sometimes feels like pop music's arch, ultra-serious older brother, floating above the scene with warbly torch songs that never quite come down to earth. He's left his ghostly prints on artists ranging from Beyoncé to Rosalía to Lil Yachty, and it's a testament to his influence how widespread his once novel, weightless style of production has become."
"Blake often comes off somber, but those who pay attention know he's just as often moony and lovestruck, or just straight-up weird. Trying Times shows off all sides of his personality, and he sounds free, unencumbered by expectations of what he's supposed to do next."
"Maybe it's because, after years of talking about the economics of releasing music, Trying Times is his first self-released album after leaving a major label. The album starts off sufficiently strange with the careening, hectic "Walk Out Music," like "CMYK" all grown up."
James Blake has established himself as pop music's serious, experimental figure, influencing artists across genres with his distinctive weightless production style and confessional songwriting. His career has oscillated between dance music origins and introspective singer-songwriter work. His latest album, Trying Times, positions itself at the intersection of these approaches, incorporating newfound suavity and melodic sensibilities drawn from traditional R&B. The album showcases Blake's multifaceted personality—somber yet romantic, earnest yet unconventional. Released independently after departing from a major label, Trying Times demonstrates creative freedom and lack of external pressure. The album opens with the chaotic "Walk Out Music," featuring the provocative hook "You're not good to anyone dead," establishing central themes of confronting existential anxiety and maintaining love despite difficulties.
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