The acclaimed British singer and producer’s fifth studio album! Recorded over the course of the pandemic at his home in LA and Electric Lady Studios in NYC, Friends That Break Your Heart is both James Blake’s most personal and subdued work to date. While his earlier EPs and LPs were noted for their brooding dubstep sections, Blake’s latest album follows the previous album Assume Form in a more upbeat and hip-hop influenced sound, with a heavy focus on lyricism and collaboration. On Friends That Break Your Heart, Blake enlists SZA, JID, SwaVay, and Monica Martin on guest features, as well as Joji and Metro Boomin’ on production. The best tracks on the album, such as the titular track or the single "Say What You Will," showcase a solo Blake at his most vulnerable.

• black vinyl pressing
• housed in embossed sleeve w/ alternate cover art
• printed lyric insert
• music label: Polydor 2021

reviewed by SHH! 10/2021