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NEW MUSIC WE LOVE: James Blake’s “Say What You Will”

July 23, 2021 Albumism Staff
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It’s tough to fathom that nearly five years have passed since we named James Blake’s The Colour in Anything as our first-ever Album-of-the-Year in our inaugural year back in 2016. In the half-decade since his wonderful third studio affair blessed our ears, the London born-and-bred songwriter & soundsmith has continued to solidify his well-earned reputation as one of music’s most visionary and vital figures. Aside from releasing his excellent, GRAMMY Award-nominated fourth LP Assume Form (2019), Blake has collaborated with the likes of Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott and slowthai, among other esteemed colleagues.

The next chapter of Blake’s ever-intriguing career evolution is now on the near-horizon, as he has announced that his much-anticipated fifth album Friends That Break Your Heart will make landfall September 10th. Another showcase for his versatile vocal range, the project’s lead single “Say What You Will” and accompanying video finds him in noticeably introspective mode. “Well, I've been normal, I've been ostracized,” he reflects in the song’s opening verse. “I've watched through a window / As my young self died / I've been popular with all the popular guys / I gave them punchlines / They gave me warning signs / I look okay in the magic hour / In the right light with the right amount of power / And I'm okay with the life of the sunflower / And I'm okay with the life of a meteor shower.”

In conjunction with the album’s arrival, Blake will set out on 15-date US tour commencing September 16th in San Diego and concluding October 15th in Atlanta.

PRE-ORDER Friends That Break Your Heart via James Blake’s Official Store

SEE James Blake on tour | Dates

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