James Blake's 'Trying Times' Album Review: A Mix of Political Commentary and Musical Innovation
In his seventh solo record, Trying Times, James Blake ventures into socio-political commentary, a surprising shift for an artist renowned for his minimalist and melancholic soundscapes. The 37-year-old musician, once the poster boy for London's 2010s indie-electronica scene, aims to address contemporary issues, but his efforts sometimes fall flat with preachy and banal sentiments.
Stylistic Shifts and Unexpected Collaborations
Amid the album's ethereal melancholia, Blake incorporates syrupy old-school soul samples and abrupt stylistic changes, possibly influenced by his collaborations with hip-hop giants like Kanye West. One track, Through the High Wire, appears to defend West, with Blake crooning about how "whispers change" and lead to falls from glory, reflecting on their unreleased 2022 recordings.
Despite the unconvincing political lyrics, Trying Times excels musically. The hooks are strikingly fresh yet distantly familiar, creating an addictive combination that captivates listeners. Blake's tendency towards sickliness is cleverly balanced by inventive dissonance throughout the album.
Notable Tracks and Samples
- Days Go By repurposes Dizzee Rascal's grime classic I Luv U, adding a sour edge to the track.
- Make Something Up features grungy guitars that smother the melody, offering a raw contrast.
- Rest of Your Life uses a hauntological Dusty Springfield sample that morphs into dancefloor euphoria, showcasing Blake's creative sampling skills.
While Trying Times may not have profound insights into our age, the tunes are undoubtedly worth hearing, making it a consistently excellent album that blends gripping distractions with moments of brilliance.
