The artist’s latest album is an intriguing concept from start to finish, very fluid in tone but is it enough to hold the listener’s attention?
From the very get go, James Blake’s new album is not a straight forwrd record to listen to. It is filled with a diverse range of music that is always intriguing and haunting to listen to but there is a feeling that it doesn’t delve as deeply emotionally as it could.
Whether it is the haunting and occasionally bleak ‘Death of Love’ or the deep profoundness of ‘Just a Little Higher’, it is clear that much care and attention to detail has been given to every aspect of the way in which this album has been put together.
However, it does have to be said that for this writer there is something lacking lyrically to give the record an emotional depth and proper exploration of love, particularly in the way in which the world has changed due to more of a reliance on technology from an interesting and refreshing perspective. It just feels slightly lacking in passion.
This being said, the minimalism that Blake has applied to this album means that there is is still plenty to intrigue and captivate. Songs such as ‘I Had a Dream She Took My Hand’ for example is one of the delicate songs and one that you can get a sense of below the surface of the emotions. There is a lovely sense of comfort to it.
It is also hard to resist ‘Rest of Your Life’ which has more of a dance vibe to it, while having slightly romantic undertones is actually also very introspective of evaluating what we most want out of life. This is certainly one of the strongest tracks on the album.
There are so many contrasting tones musically on this album that it really does take the listener on an unexpected musical journey from start to finish. Songs such as ‘Make Something Up’ which has a lovely rise and fall to it add a lovely contrast to the unhurried nature of ‘Didn’t Care to Argue’ .If it does start to wane slightly towards the end of the album, it is only because it feels as though Blake has seemed to have pushed the ideas and themes to the limit.
Never straightforward, but fascinating musically, ‘Trying Times’ as a record embraces its minimalism but at the cost of emotional depth. There is still plenty to be enjoyed and is certainly an album that perhaps requires several listens before its full impact can be truly appreciated.
Trying Times is available to buy now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️