Album of the Month – January

WIKICOMMONS | PHOTO COURTESY James Blake performing at Roskilde Festival 2011.

Oh, the suspense building up to what won Album of the Month for the start of 2019. The album I chose represents a different genre of music than my past choices. You usually see me recognize some hip-hop or rap album that everyone knows of and likes. I did a little more digging this time and am truly satisfied with my choice. I’m giving it to James Blake and his album “Assume Form.”

I didn’t listen to James Blake that much prior to this album, but “Assume Form” definitely steered my attention in his direction, slightly. Some of the songs are a little too soft, and they are more of an “in the feels” kind of songs. Despite this, it’s worth giving this album a listen.

This album is categorized in the electronic genre, according to Apple Music. That’s the kind of music you play on a dance floor at a wedding or something. I usually can roll with any song in that genre because they seem to be happier and party mode songs with not a care in the world. They apply to everyone.

I’m giving it to James Blake and his album “Assume Form.” 

However, that didn’t seem to be the case for this album. Blake released a series of soft songs and a tremendous feature from Travis Scott in the song “Mile High.” Metro Boomin creates a powerful, engaging, almost touristic type beat that makes me want to listen to the song even more. The beat, combined with the melodies of Travis Scott and James Blake, creates one of the better songs I’ve heard. It really does give you that “mile high” feeling in a way. Sitting atop the Rocky Mountains with a Coors Light jamming to this song would be the right thing to do. Easier said than done, but that could be considered paradise for some people, myself included.

“Mile High” is my favorite song on the album, and it’s really not even close, but it’s not the only good one by any means. “Tell Them” is also a really quality listen. This is an example of one his softer songs on the album, and Metro Boomin makes another great beat for this song. “Assume Form” is another soft song with a bliss melody. Usually, songs that are named after the album are made to be good. In this case, it backs up that line of thinking.

I could have taken the easy way out here and chose Future’s album “The Wizrd.” Believe me, I really wanted to. I just thought his album sounded very similar to his other albums, and I couldn’t go through with it. Consider it an honorable mention at this point. Do yourself a favor and listen to “Assume Form.”

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