James Blake’s Next Chapter
Lawrence, R. (2026) Trying Times album cover. photograph.
Two-time Grammy award winner James Blake has recently announced the upcoming release of his seventh studio album, Trying Times, which is set to come out on March 13th, 2026. This marks a massive turning point in his career as his first album separate from Republic Records, following his decision a couple of years ago to part from the company due to a lack of creative control and what he described as unfair financial structures. By moving toward independence, Blake is taking back his story, and the lead singles “Death of Love” and “I Had a Dream She Took My Hand” already suggest a record that will deeply address themes of love and feeling alone during a period of global uncertainty. He has always been a master of creating moody, atmospheric tracks, the kind that stay with you because of the lyrics and the sound, and this new era seems to lean even further into that honest, raw feeling.
I personally became a fan of James Blake after the release of his 2019 studio album Assume Form, which he wrote for his partner, the activist and actress Jameela Jamil. It serves as a beautiful tribute to her and their relationship, standing out as one of the most unique and powerful albums I have ever found. What makes Blake so special is that he does not overcomplicate his songs with too many instruments or fast beats, instead, he is very careful in how he builds his tracks, leaving room for the listener to think and appreciate the space within the music.
Beyond his solo work, Blake never fails to impress me with the huge variety of songs he can make. He moves easily between different worlds, working with famous rappers like Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and Dave, while still being the voice behind quiet, delicate songs like Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed.” He is truly a multi-talented artist with years of experience, and he isn't afraid to use his voice to speak on serious topics. Whether he is talking about the pressure of social media and mental health struggles in songs like "Don't Miss It," or reacting to big political changes like he did with "Like The End" after the re-election of Donald Trump in 2024, Blake proves he is a key observer of the world around him.
Trying Times is the next step for an artist who has finally gained the freedom to release music on his own terms. Given his track record for being both a great songwriter and a talented producer, there is no doubt this album will be another solid addition to his discography.