The sign of a good artist is their ability to speak to the times we’re living in: James Blake isn’t making the most politically-charged music of the decade, but his knack for subdued arrangements and longing lyrical themes continues to soundtrack the 21st century well. His newest record— 2026’s ‘Trying Times’— has earned itself quite the swell of support from all corners of the music community. We’re not here to disagree.

Blake’s latest work is certainly emotional, but never in a bombastic or dramatic fashion: his is a voice best appreciated in its soft falsettos, and the washed-out synths of opener ‘Walk Out Music’ go a long way towards demonstrating how lush and aesthetically pleasing ‘Trying Times’ will go on to be. These thirteen tracks exist in a delicate balance between the singer’s affinity for electronic twists and tried-and-true singer-songwriter essentials, gifting us with a host of songs that feel extremely well-crafted. The album blends together a vast array of interesting sounds— just look at the extreme progression between the ominous trap drums and hazy choirs of ‘Death of Love’ and the sentimental piano balladry of closer ‘Just A Little Higher’— but still feels entirely comfortable and steady in its execution. Blake doesn’t put a foot wrong in terms of presenting his latest record: the project shrouds itself in darkness and mystery, continually letting the odd moment of light and hope shine through.

The record really hits its stride towards the middle, wherein Blake pens some of his most romantic material to date (even as he acknowledges the worrying state of the world all the while). ‘I Had a Dream She Took My Hand’ is a sweet piece of vintage pop, but it’s the delicate guitar arpeggios and subtle brass swells of the title track that captures an intoxicating mixture of optimism and anxiety so well. So much of the album exists in this fascinating mood, like ‘Trying Times’ is always attempting to break through it own hazy textures to deliver a hopeful and uplifting message— on ‘Make Something Up,’ Blake takes on an anthemic indie rock number, yet still manages to make that catchy sing-along chorus feel distant and dusty. The complex atmosphere that swallows this LP certainly stems from its lead vocalist, who’s falsettos are truly breathtaking on ‘Didn’t Come To Argue,’ but also from the warm, vintage sound being toyed with on a number of cuts. Even when Blake is indulging in his most modern sensibilities, his songs still manage to feel nostalgic: this is a comforting listen, despite its darkest moments.

Even if the album does wander in some haphazard directions in its second half, that sense of gentle momentum still remains— the writing on ‘Trying Times’ always feels pristine, though it can be devoted to song concepts that feel a little out of place. Dave’s verse on ‘Doesn’t Just Happen’ is a sharp contrast to the bright tones of ‘Days Go By,’ sure, but he’s a reliable feature, and the string samples and crackling synths Blake layers underneath do wonders to bolster the sense of dread and unease in the lyrics. ‘Rest Of Your Life’ is, similarly, another cut that succeeds on its own merits, but feels a little out of place as part of this album in particular: the song’s pulsing dance beats are less overblown and intense than what another producer might’ve opted for, but compared to the rest of ‘Trying Times,’ it does feel like Blake is forcing sugar down your throat. Even still, the experience winds down well with ‘Just A Little Higher,’ which allows those sweet sweet lead vocals to round out the record on a truly angelic note.

James Blake is a man of many talents, and each and every one is on full display on his newest album: this is a project full of sample flips, soft ballads, dreamy pop tunes and rap verses, yet the finished product is entirely comfortable and confident in its own sound. ‘Trying Times’ is the perfect soundtrack to the modern day, celebrating love and earnestness in the face of a world that seems to move much too fast. Blake has outdone himself here.