James Blake, You’re Too Precious | Track Review 🎵

Grammy and Mercury Prize winning British musician James Blake delivers another intriguing record with “You’re Too Precious.”

James Blake is a giant – he’s 6’5”! Yes, there are taller people in the world, but only a select few are 6’5”.  What I’m actually more interested in is Blake’s ‘giant status’ when it comes to music.  He always manages to keep his music fresh and quite unique. His 2019 album, Assume Form, marked another brilliant addition to his musical catalogue. Blake returns with a hot new single, “You’re Too Precious,” which could only be composed and performed by Blake – well, with Dominic Maker writing and producing alongside him.

As always is the case with James Blake records, “You’re Too Precious” delivers quite a ‘vibe.’ From the start, it’s quite enigmatic, distinguishing itself from everything else currently released. The sound is a key, with a number of minimalist ideas working together marvelously within the production.  There are unique vocal from Blake, piano, keyboards, hand claps – it’s a very intriguing listening experience.  This all occurs during the chorus, before Blake delivers clearer, more standard vocals on the verse.  Focusing on the chorus, it’s built on minimalism, repetition, and, as aforementioned, a vibe:

“So, so, now, now, so now, so now
…You’re too, you’re too precious, precious
… It looks, it looks like-like-like…”

Interesting.  More clarity comes on the first verse, as Blake describes her preciousness essentially:

“I don’t think they deserve you
I don’t think anyone could
I’d take the calls you don’t want to
I’d take the hair in your food.”

There are two more verses, both a bit odder, in addition to a bridge, which is more minimal.

Final Thoughts

Yes, “You’re Too Precious” is odd.  That said, it’s also quite alluring and beautiful.  James Blake is true to self, and that’s always a win in my book.  While the songwriting and lyrics are interesting, it’s the sound of this particular record that makes it pretty incredible.

James Blake • “You’re Too Precious” • Polydor • Release: 4.24.20

Photo Credit: Polydor