James Blake’s Trying Times: An Atmospheric Inspiring Journey

James Blake has had a big year. While putting together his latest record, he also featured on music for The Odyssey. His latest single, Trying Times, is the title track to his new record and sees the artist go on his own journey through an atmospheric wonderland. So, let’s take a closer look.

Even though this has some of the vast synth textured landscapes you’re used to with James Blake, this is one of his more grounded tracks. The synth is dialled down low enough to not be the centrepiece of the track, but present enough to give the track space and texture. Your classic James Blake sound is there, but not dominating the track…just enough to be a comfortable reminder but not overbearing. This is probably one of Blake’s more grounded tracks. There is lilting electric guitar punctuated by smooth drums and woodwinds…sounds like flute to me…but its probably keyboard. Whatever is going on, it’s the mix of organic live instruments with his classic synth sound that really makes this track. The fusion of the two keeps his more futuristic sound, but grounds it with some emotional depth.

This emotional depth is carried through with the vocals. Blake’s combination of emotional fragility and vocal power has been his greatest gift. On Trying Times Blake uses his unique vocal to document the emotional cost of working through difficult times with people you love. He sings about not being able to keep up his shell and how he needs to connect with people in order to stay strong. In the track he sings about how loneliness leads to anxiety and destruction. Even though he is trying to keep up a shell and a mask, he knows he is probably doing a terrible job at it and needs others to help him on his journey. Since COVID a lot of artists have focussed on the importance of connection and Blake sings about it as necessary for life.

I love the fusion of musical styles on this track and Blake’s vocal has never been better. Between his albums, soundtracks and featuring on other records, James Blake is putting out music at an astonishing pace. It’s great to see him keep experimenting with his sound and coming up with something new and fresh. I’m excited to see where he goes next.

Listen to Trying Times