James Blake's latest album, 'Trying Times', represents a new direction for the artist, combining elements from diverse musical influences including sampling Leonard Cohen and the nostalgic trip-hop sound of the 90s. According to DN's music critic Mattias Dahlström, the album presents an unpredictable array of songs that showcase Blake's evolution as an artist, moving away from his earlier, more formulaic approaches. While Blake's unique falsetto remains a central feature, its application has reached new levels of experimentation and collaboration.

Dahlström notes that while the album's ambition is commendable, it sometimes feels like the songs are less cohesive than they could be, suggesting a need for stricter editing. Exploiting various styles and a wider range of collaborations could have strengthened the project's’ narrative flow. The inclusion of Cohen’s influence underscores Blake's ability to bridge generations and genres, reflecting a desire to carve out space in a contemporary musical landscape.

Ultimately, 'Trying Times' positions James Blake as an artist willing to take risks, incorporating historical influences while pushing toward innovative sounds. As the audience responds to this newfound unpredictability, it will be interesting to see how this artistic leap influences his future work and the broader musical scene.