Album Review: James Blake, Trying Times

James Blake’s latest album is the first to be released on his independent label, Good Boy Records. From that, you might’ve expected the London post-dubstep experimenter to go more leftfield in his approach.

But, perhaps wisely, Blake treads a well-worn path with these 13 tracks. Trying Times offers listeners more of Blake’s characteristically sparse-yet-grand arrangements, with his vocals sounding as sumptuous as ever.

The artist has said the album is a “commentary about the relentlessness of modern life.” His music might well offer the antidote, as the singer focuses on the powerful healing properties of love. Blake beautifully captures the interpersonal details of a relationship on the deeply romantic ‘I Had A Dream She Took My Hand’ where he croons, “You know I’m shredded by the time I’m home, like polystyrene foam” – which proves the jumping off point for a memorable tune about domestic bliss.

He also switches things up as required, with mournful strings providing the lush backdrop for ‘Doesn’t Just Happen’ – featuring the UK’s greatest rapper, Dave – and infectious dance beats propelling ‘Rest Of Your Life’. Terrific stuff.

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