James Blake Announces New Album 'Trying Times,' Drops Haunting 'Death Of Love'

Three days ago James Blake launched a cryptic website, tryingtimes.info. Fans who cracked the password (apparently, cybersecurity isn't Blake's forte) were greeted with an exciting message:

> Hi everyone. As a thank you for your support on here, I wanted to share some news with you first. I’ve finished my next record and will be releasing it soon. I’m going to share a song with you and also offer a special first press vinyl edition of the album. The listen & purchase link will be live for 72 hours.

> I can’t wait for you the hear the new record, it’s incredibly special.

Accompanying this announcement were pre-save/pre-order links and a stream of a new track seemingly featuring Dave. For those familiar with Dave's The Boy Who Played The Harp (which Blake significantly contributed to), the sonic landscape will feel familiar. The track showcased a dark, elegant, and subtly powerful production, acting as a fitting backdrop for Dave's raw lyricism. It almost felt like a Dave track featuring a James Blake hook, rather than the other way around.

The 72-hour countdown has concluded, and we can now officially confirm that Blake's new album, Trying Times, is slated for release on March 13th. The album includes a collaboration with Dave titled "Doesn’t Just Happen", confirming the earlier speculation. Simultaneously, another James Blake track has emerged: "Death Of Love". This song, which Blake has performed live since 2022, is a haunting, slow-burning piece characterized by deep bass, lush synths, and Blake's signature vocals. It's a welcome return to form and the most excited I’ve been about a new James Blake song in a minute.

Below, check out the studio recording of "Death Of Love" and a live performance video by Harrison Adair, featuring the London Welsh Men's Choir.

TRACKLIST:
01 "Walk Out Music"
02 "Death Of Love"
03 "I Had A Dream She Took My Hand"
04 "Trying Times"
05 "Make Something Up"
06 "Didn’t Come To Argue" (Feat. Monica Martin)
07 "Days Go By"
08 "Doesn’t Just Happen" (Feat. Dave)
09 "Obsession"
10 "Rest Of Your Life"
11 "Through The High Wire"
12 "Feel It Again"
13 "Just A Little Higher"

Trying Times is out 3/13 via Good Boy Records.

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