James Blake leans into emotional storytelling and minimal soundscapes on ‘Trying Times’.

James Blake isn’t necessarily the artist I run to the most, but I still view him as one of the most unique musicians working today. I’ve always respected how he blends a stunning voice with complex production choices that force me to really pay attention. Whenever I listen to his music, I feel like my brain has to stay engaged because there’s always something layered beneath the surface. With his newest album, Trying Times, he once again taps into the elements that set his artistry apart.

Sonically, Trying Times delivers the kind of instrumentals you’d expect from Blake. There are minimalist electronic textures, subtle piano arrangements, and atmospheric elements that slowly build emotional depth. His singing style remains one of the best parts of his music. He often floats through falsetto notes and soft melodic phrases that make his performances feel fragile and deeply personal.

The album begins with “Walk Out Music,” and right away, you’ll feel pulled into its quiet, reflective mood. As the album continues, tracks like “I Had a Dream She Took My Head” will keep your attention with their dreamy sound and slightly surreal lyrical direction. When I reached the title track, “Trying Times,” I felt like Blake was putting his emotions right at the center of the record.

Blake kept the guest list extremely short for this project. Dave appears on “Doesn’t Just Happen,” while Monica Martin shows up on “Didn’t Come To Argue.” Even with those features, I still felt like the album belonged entirely to Blake’s creative vision. By the time you’re finished listening, you’ll come away feeling like Trying Times is a beautiful and emotionally rich project.

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TRACKLIST

Death of Love

I Had a Dream She Took My Hand

Trying Times

Make Something Up

Didn’t Come To Argue (feat. Monica Martin)

Days Go By

Doesn’t Just Happen (feat. Dave)

Obsession

Rest Of Your Life

Through The High Wire

Feel It Again

Just A Little Higher

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.