James Blake, Assume Form | Album Review 💿

Following a three-year hiatus, Mercury Prize-winning electronic standout James Blake returns with a marvelous fourth album, Assume Form.

One of the hippest musicians in the game is none other than British electronic artist, James Blake. Blake is hip thanks to his unique style of production, not to mention his distinct voice, particularly his sweet falsetto.  In addition to great production and vocal skills, Blake is versatile when it comes to genre – he fits just about wherever he needs to.  His own albums tend to be experimental and exemplify innovative spirit.  His marvelous fourth studio LP, Assume Form is no exception.

“Assume Form” 

✓ “Assume Form” kicks things off enigmatically and experimentally – we’d expect no less from James Blake.  Notably, the lush piano shines brightly. The strings that appear later are none too shabby either.  “Assume Form” has plenty of soulful cues, including Blake’s instantly recognizable vocals, the underlying groove, and later, the unique looped vocals with have a hint of gospel/R&B sensibility.  Perhaps “Assume Form” isn’t the most accessible opener or title track, but over the course of five minutes, Blake does a number of beautiful and unique things.

“We just be mile high clubbin’ / I’m on a thousand miles runnin’ / Hit it, go downtown Sunday / Then move it uptown Monday.” ✓ “Mile High” is a change of pace from “Assume Form,” featuring unique Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott and producer extraordinaire, Metro Boomin.  Naturally, there’s hip-hop sensibilities throughout. Among the best moments is the refrain, where both Scott and Blake join forces.  Both are also superb separately, with Scott dropping two verses, as well as the aforementioned chorus. Blake also drops two strong verses, remaining true to self.

“Tell Them” marks a second consecutive number featuring Metro Boomin, and welcoming Moses Sumney to the fold.  Sumney performs the first verse and refrain, while also contributing to the pre-chorus and outro.  As for Blake, he performs the majority of the pre-chorus and chorus – there is only one verse.  Three songs in, Assume Form gets off to a strong start.

“Into the Red” 

James Blake is grateful on “Into the Red,” singing an ode to his girlfriend, who he asserts, “But for me, she goes way in, way in, way into the red.” The dedication is real, as he adoringly sings her praises, particularly as “Into the Red” progresses.  His falsetto is absolutely gorgeous. “Barefoot in the Park” welcomes another featured guest, ROSALÍA.  ROSALÍA serves up smooth, silky smooth Spanish vocals on the first and second verse.  The vibes are sexy to the nth degree without being risqué or naughty.  As always, when Blake joins alongside, the results are breathtaking, particularly the chorus.

“Barefoot in the park
You start rubbing off on me
Barefoot in the park
You start rubbing off on me.”

As awesome as “Intro the Red” and “Barefoot in the Park” are, the ultra-soulful ✓ “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow” ranks among the crowning achievements of Assume Form. Notably “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow” samples the The Manhattans’ 1977 soul record, “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad”.  The lyrics are simple, while the love and romance are at an all-time high.

“I can’t believe the way we flow
I can’t believe the way we live together
I can’t believe the way we flow
I can’t believe the way we flow.”

“Are You in Love?”

Love continues to dominate Blake’s mind on the radiant ✓ “Are You in Love?” Clearly, he’s ‘in his feelings,’ asking on the chorus, “Are you in love? / Do your best impression for me / I try my hardest for you / Are you in love?” Things that stand out about this particular record are the vocal effects, harmonies, and production, as well as the synths, and high-flying soaring moments.  ✓ “Where’s the Catch” featuring André 3000 reinstates a hip-hop sensibility,’ something that had been absent since the two Metro Boomin features (“Mile High” and “Tell Them”).  The production is moody, ‘alternative’ and enigmatic.  This is perfect fuel for the fire of Blake (verse one), not to mention André 3000, who delivers a captivating second verse that only he could deliver.

“Come with me, come with me, calming me down
Be chamomile, calamine lotion
Camel motion, humpin’ on the flo’
Tumbleweed, tumbleweed…”

Keeping things innovative, the bridge is one of the most interesting sections of this tour de force. 

“I’ll Come Too” 

Following up “Where’s the Catch” is no easy feat.  Luckily, “I’ll Come Too” is a compelling following. “I’ll Come Too” samples Italian film composer Bruno Nicolai brilliantly, giving off ‘warm and fuzzy’ vibes from the onset. The key word – romance. Blake’s falsetto is exquisite once more, anchored by some fabulous, rhythmic drum programming and a lushly conceived backdrop. On “Power On,” Blake seems to receive ‘an education’ in regard to how a successful relationship works.  Throughout, he lists a number of examples where he thought he was in control or entitled to things (“I thought sex was at my pace, but was wrong”), but essentially learns and becomes a better person and lover.

The piano haunts on the stunning penultimate gem, ✓ “Don’t Miss It.”  It’s not only the piano of course, as James Blake gives one of his best performances yet, generally relying on simplicity.  Adding to the greatness is the unique vocal production, effects, and well, Blake playing true to himself. Simplicity is his best friend here – he never overdoes things. Assume Form concludes in slow, mysterious, and lush fashion with “Lullaby for my Insomniac.”  Like the majority of Assume Form, Blake’s vocals and the respective effects standout, as does the production.  

 Final Thoughts 

James Blake delivers the goods once more on his fourth studio album, Assume Form. Even when things get a bit indulgent, there are no outright misses or deal breaking miscues to be found.  Blake sounds like a champ throughout, with some thoughtful writing and top-notch production work.  January 2019 has been officially warmed up thanks to the genius of Assume Form. 

✓ Gems: “Assume Form,” “Mile High,” “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow,” “Are You in Love?” & “Don’t Miss It” 

James Blake • Assume Form • Polydor • Release: 1.18.19

Photo Credit: Polydor