Exploring Trying Times
Amid the stylistic shifts of James Blake’s seventh solo album, Trying Times, listeners encounter samples from Dusty Springfield and Dizzee Rascal, which serve as engaging diversions from some of the record’s more didactic moments.
Of all the elements one might anticipate from a James Blake album—exquisite minimalism, plaintive vocal distortion, and collaborations with notable hip-hop artists—contemplative socio-political commentary is likely not foremost. Yet, as the album’s title implies, the 37-year-old artist directly addresses contemporary challenges on this record. Unfortunately, some of the lyrics come across as preachy and banal, such as the lines:
"Everyone’s getting different information / So how can we get on the same side?"
These sentiments feel somewhat out of place amid the ethereal melancholia that Blake has long mastered, which originally established him as a leading figure in London’s 2010s indie-electronica scene.
Collaborations and Influences
Following his initial acclaim, Blake became better known for collaborations with prominent US rappers, including Kanye West. In 2022, the pair recorded several tracks that remain unreleased. One track on Trying Times, "Through the High Wire," appears to be a repurposed version of one such song and functions as a bold defense of West, who has faced public disgrace. Blake sings:
"People love a story,"
explaining how
"whispers change" until "we all fall from glory."
Coincidentally, Kanye West’s influence is perceptible throughout Trying Times, particularly through its use of syrupy old-school soul samples and sudden, thrilling stylistic shifts.
Musicality and Reception
Despite some unconvincing lyrics, Trying Times stands as a consistently excellent album. The hooks are both strikingly fresh and yet distantly familiar, creating an addictive listening experience. Blake’s occasional tendency toward a sickly tone is counterbalanced by inventive dissonance and diverse musical elements. For example, "Days Go By" repurposes Dizzee Rascal’s sour grime classic, while "Make Something Up" is enveloped by grungy guitars. Additionally, a hauntological Dusty Springfield sample transforms into dancefloor euphoria on "Rest of Your Life."
While Trying Times may not offer profound insights into our current era, its musical qualities make it a record worth hearing.
