Album of the Week: James Blake, 'Assume Form'
by David Safar
January 28, 2019
James Blake has emerged as one of the most forward-thinking songwriters and producers coming out of the UK in the past 10 years. His brand of sparse R&B has been mimicked by his peers since "Limit to Your Love" and "The Wilhelm Scream" drew massive critical praise. The spotlight on the then-young talent led him to work with some of the most recognized names in music.
After collaborating with artists like Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, Beyonce, and Kendrick Lamar - James Blake has become known as a musician's musician. Assume Form is Blake's fourth studio album that pulls in even more star power than his previous work. The release features guest appearances by Travis Scott, Rosalia, Moses Sumney, and Andre 3000 - giving the album a new depth to Blake's signature downtempo, minimal R&B sound.
In an era of big singles, Assume Form as an album is a complete body of work that is only truly appreciated after hearing the different sides of his songwriting, lyrics, and production. The album builds on his last two albums, Overgrown and The Color in Anything, but like the title says, assumes the form of Blake's artistry. There are subtle but sweeping musical changes, dense dark layers of sound, and moments that feel like deafening silence all interwoven into the twelve songs that make up the album. Assume Form builds on Blake's foundation as an electropop savant but with added sophistication and maturity in his songwriting.
James Blake's new album "Assume Form" is out now and is The Current's album of the week.
Resources
James Blake - Official Site