Recommended Tracks: “Walk Out Music,” “I Had a Dream She Took My Hand,” ”Trying Times,” “Just A Little Higher”
Artists You May Like: Olivia Dean, Bon Iver, Moses Sumney
No one puts you in your feelings like James Blake.
Best known for crafting iconic 808 basslines behind hip-hop’s biggest names in music, Blake meshes his personal favorite genres into the solo records he creates. From alternative R&B to electronic and soul elements, his distinct sound brings feelings of serendipity and vulnerability into the limelight.
His previous album Playing Robots Into Heaven (2023) blends electronica and house music, and his new album Trying Times brings a similar ambience. Composed of harmonic notes and buoyant bliss, listeners encounter a 48-minute journey of internal conflict, love, and reflection on the common obstacles of life.
“Walk Out Music” introduces us to distinct synths that branch out into Blake’s beginning vocals. Almost like he’s further away from you rather than hear, the chorus opens with “You’re no good to anyone / Anyone / To anyone, anyone / Dead, dead, dead, dead / Dead.”
As the song continuously loops with these background vocals, the interlude intentionally sticks out with reminders that resonate with the listener: “Threat and opportunity / Threat and opportunity / To think critically about the world / And it was all unexpected.” This quote can be interpreted according to the listener’s perception. Although Blake’s explanation is unknown, he leaves a simple yet subtle reminder that his music is not only experimental, but also leaves room for the creative and philosophical analyses of music enthusiasts.
Following is “I Had A Dream She Took My Hand.” One of the most heartwrenching songs on the album, the song pulls us into a lucid dream Blake had about a nonexistent lover. Enamored by her monumental bliss and alluring presence, Blake craves emotional intimacy and escapism: “I had a dream she took my hand / I felt higher than storms, lighter than sand (It was only a dream) / I had a dream she took my hand / Deeper than whirlpools, but safer than land / Oh, this is love / Let’s stay up / Can we stay here? / She didn’t know.” In spite of the love interest knowing the underlying truth of their moment being a fantasy, Blake feels bliss in this dreamlike state.
The music video is a direct aesthetic contrast to the song itself. In the Trying Times era, Blake’s visuals are set in a corporate office, known to be bleak, bland, and sterile. However, his “coworkers” are the accompanying choir that carries his falsettos to the forefront; mirroring the lucid dream that eerily embraces him. As they are seen in the break room sitting at a table, James’ drummer (Ben Assister) and bassist (Dom Maker) are captured in a split diopter shot, with Blake at the epicenter.
Adjacent to this notable cinematography technique comes the turning point: “Oh, I had a dream she took my hand //She began to dissolve along with her soul / I couldn’t remember her face, remember her name / As I was losing control, she motioned to say, oh / Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go, le–….Let’s go, last call, last call, le–.” Without delay, the lyrical notion of the nonexistent lover fading away mirrors James slowly walking backwards as the camera’s primary focus. Eventually, the outro showcases Blake’s final acceptance while also needing closure, begging her to come back: “I just wanna know (I had a dream) / What it means (She took my hand) / I just wanna know (It was only a dream).”
Waking up from this state of elation brings us to the title track “Trying Times.” Almost like splashing your face with cold water, “Trying Times” brings the listener to reality with the growing pains of going through a rough patch in a relationship.
In the verses, the listener is placed in Blake’s shoes: “You know I’m shredded by the time I’m home / Like polystyrene foam / And the jealous end up alone / ‘Cause there are things that they can never know / I’m an eyesore (As we go through) / You’re a sight for (Trying times) / Sore eyes (As we go through) / You’re the life force (As we go through) / You’re the life force (Trying times) / I would die for (As we go through).”
These lyrics display feelings of uncertainty and internal guilt. Whether jealousy or anxiety, both emotions override the ability to make rational decisions within a relationship. In an interview with Apple Music, James Blake elaborated:
“Will our relationships with those we love be enough to save us? The title track ‘Trying Times’, a space-rock love song at the end of the world, seems to think so. ‘Trying Times’ is also the biggest understatement of where we’re at possibly, and that comes with an English sort of sarcasm to it as well. You know, in the way of, like, the absolute worst thing can be happening in England and you go, ‘Trying times.’”
Despite this heartrending tune, Blake adds humor in light of this scenario. “Trying Times” is a testament of affirmation; acknowledging the normalcy of complicated hardships. In spite of trials and tribulations, love conquers all.
“Just A Little Higher” concludes the album on a somber note. As the embodiment of soul, Blake’s lyrics reveal his stance on current political events: “Something’s wrong in the city I was born in / Something’s wrong in the countryside / Everyone’s getting different information / So how can we get on the same side?.” From lack of faith in the government to being a bystander of tragedies that are out of our control, Blake sings our quiet thoughts out loud of feeling helpless about these current events.
The second verse carries on this point: “People hiding ties to the cities they were born in / They only left ‘cause we set it on fire? / Well who am I to tell you what to believe in? / Just be sure only to believe your eyes / Believe your eyes, believe your eyes.” This specifically highlights the dishonorable tactics law enforcement officials have used to deal with immigrants, regardless of their legal status. As the chorus and refrain repeat “Just a little higher,” the outro serves as a reminder to listeners: “Adjust your sights / ‘Cause they’re playing us / From a great height / From a great height / From a great height.”
Trying Times serves as not only a momentous journey, but also as a testimony to James Blake’s character as a creative. Defying all odds in the midst of unpredictability, art will prevail as a safe space for people to confront their innermost truths.
Blake concludes his take on the completion of Trying Times with Apple Music: “I’m obsessed with this album; it is my favorite album I’ve ever made,” Blake says.
“I know every artist says that, but I think this is, it’s the strongest possible foot I could have put forward. It’s what I get up in the morning to really do. And I can do that with confidence because I spent 25 years doing it.”
James Blake will go on tour throughout North America, the UK and Europe this year. Tickets are available to purchase here.
US Dates (tickets here):
05/27 – The Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
05/29 – Brooklyn Paramount – New York, NY
05/30 – Brooklyn Paramount – New York, NY
05/31 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA
06/02 – The Anthem – Washington, D.C.
06/04 – Franklin Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA
06/06 – History – Toronto, ON
06/08 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL
06/11 – Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA
06/12 – The Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
EU/UK Dates (tickets here):
09/30 – 02 Academy Brixton – London, UK
10/05 – Tivolivredenburg – Utrecht, NL
10/08 – Cirque Royal – Brussels, BE
10/12 – Le Grand Rex – Paris, FR
10/15 – Astra Kulturhaus – Berlin, DE
10/18 – E-Werk – Cologne, DE
10/21 – Swg3 Galvanizers – Glasgow, UK
10/25 – New Century – Manchester, UK
10/28 – 02 Academy – Bristol, UK
Keep up with James Blake: Instagram // X // Facebook // Youtube // Spotify // Apple Music // Soundcloud // Website
