Assume Form
by James Blake
  • Record Label: !K7
  • Release Date: Jan 18, 2019
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 230 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 201 out of 230
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 230
  3. Negative: 12 out of 230
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  1. m_sawyer
    Jan 18, 2019
    10
    'Assume Form' is a triumphant, crowning glory of James Blake. His pop genius has evolved so much over the course of almost 10 years. From a distant and chilly first album, he went through the overgrown dark corridors, adding colour as he went along. And now, he is in love, happy. He learned how to share.

    The album is a tight piece of art, produced brilliantly, bearing the signature    'Assume Form' is a triumphant, crowning glory of James Blake. His pop genius has evolved so much over the course of almost 10 years. From a distant and chilly first album, he went through the overgrown dark corridors, adding colour as he went along. And now, he is in love, happy. He learned how to share.

    The album is a tight piece of art, produced brilliantly, bearing the signature James Blake approach, but with many twists. His pop sensibilities really shine here and he never gets lost. The only danger for a casual listener is that the more subtle Blake songs get overshadowed by the immense tracks such as 'Can't Believe The Way We Flow', 'Where's The Catch', 'Barefoot in the Park' and 'Mile High'. But it's all there. The Blake of the Distant Past, the Evolved Blake, and the Blake of the Present Love.    … Expand
  2. MrHonesty
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    Assume Form is an enjoyable album with surprising features, such as Travis Scott and André 3000. This album has highs and lows, but the highs are extremely good. My favorite tracks are Barefoot In The Park, Can't Believe The Way We Flow and Where's The Catch?
  3. sammyanthony
    Jan 21, 2019
    9
    From the first listen, I conclude the departure of Rick Rubin really set James Blake free. From the hell of a life, he lifts us to heaven.
  4. hldmylqr
    Jan 18, 2019
    10
    This newest Album of Blake shows a clear departure from his old style in terms of production & themes. It is not as anxiety-riddled as previous records, and less experimental. It bridges the gap betweeen the James Blake from his Albums & the James Blake featured on pop records like "Stop Trying to Be God". The Title 'Assume Form' is a perfect fit for the project, as James Blake has indeedThis newest Album of Blake shows a clear departure from his old style in terms of production & themes. It is not as anxiety-riddled as previous records, and less experimental. It bridges the gap betweeen the James Blake from his Albums & the James Blake featured on pop records like "Stop Trying to Be God". The Title 'Assume Form' is a perfect fit for the project, as James Blake has indeed found himself and presents every facette of his skill & personality on this project. The Movement on the Album from Hard Trap Beats in the Beginning to the minimalist 'Lullaby For My Insomniac' is beautifully excecuted and just leaves one asking 'How can James Blake improve even more??'
    The only flaw on this Album is the missing inclusion of the gorgeous 'If The Car Beside You Moves Ahead' and various Live Performances, which I hope will be released as an Side-Ep or even as a full length Album someday.

    Best Tracks: Can't Believe The Way We Flow, Where's The Catch, I'll Come Too, Don't Miss It, Power On
    Worst Track: /    … Expand
  5. gustavolsb
    Jan 18, 2019
    10
    This album is love in its purest form. His evolution from the minimalistic dubstep to a whole new range of sonic layers defines what being in love feels like in a precise way. Beautiful work.
  6. conorcd
    Feb 27, 2019
    8
    Although arguably less experimental, this album is a perfect example of an artist comfortably and uniquely adapting their style of music. I see a lot of people looking at this album as if he is slightly selling out for the purpose of more recognition or attention, but this album is just as unique and intricate as his self titled, if not more so. His real fans wouldn't be deterred by anAlthough arguably less experimental, this album is a perfect example of an artist comfortably and uniquely adapting their style of music. I see a lot of people looking at this album as if he is slightly selling out for the purpose of more recognition or attention, but this album is just as unique and intricate as his self titled, if not more so. His real fans wouldn't be deterred by an album that beautifully combines his electronic skill and the relevant trends in music today. Every feature on this album accomplishes its task, and not a single one feels forced. James Blake doesn't lose his signature style; he expands it and creates his second best album to date.… Expand
  7. DeadTedJ
    Jan 18, 2019
    10
    Blake has always been a gifted producer, writer, and vocalist. On this album, however, he combines all three into a palatable package that can be enjoyed in any environment. He has somehow managed to broaden his audience while not losing his creativity or personal touch that makes his music so distinct. Blake has the ability to self analyze without seeming jaded while also conveying rawBlake has always been a gifted producer, writer, and vocalist. On this album, however, he combines all three into a palatable package that can be enjoyed in any environment. He has somehow managed to broaden his audience while not losing his creativity or personal touch that makes his music so distinct. Blake has the ability to self analyze without seeming jaded while also conveying raw emotion. The only other album that has ever achieved this, while also maintaining such tight production, to my knowledge, is Pet Sounds. And I do not say that lightly. Albums like this don't come out every year, or even every few years. There's only a select few people who could have made an album like this; even fewer actually do.… Expand
  8. Saszka
    Jan 18, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An unusual and not necessary proof of being a genius. Love, love, love... a song with Rosalia is a real masterpiece.… Expand
  9. Wael
    Jan 24, 2019
    8
    James Blake has always given the world good albums, and "Assume Form" is no different, and even though it will not help him reach a wider audience, it will definitely appeal to his fans. His vocals are great, as they've always been, throughout the whole thing, and the productions are stellar.

    After his work on Travis Scott's "ASTROWORLD", LaFlame returns the favor to Blake, and features    James Blake has always given the world good albums, and "Assume Form" is no different, and even though it will not help him reach a wider audience, it will definitely appeal to his fans. His vocals are great, as they've always been, throughout the whole thing, and the productions are stellar.

    After his work on Travis Scott's "ASTROWORLD", LaFlame returns the favor to Blake, and features on one of the album's chillest tracks (even though we thought Blake couldn't get any chiller), 'Mile High', with Metro Boomin. There's a wide variety of sounds on the record, and the lo-fi quality of 'Into the Red', an ode to his girlfriend, makes it more sentimental before Blake soars, singing repetitively "she's the gold rush" in a beautiful Bon Iver-esqe way.

    Another dazzling feature is Rosalia on 'Barefoot in the Park', whose vocals mix well with Blake's, making a tender, relaxing lovesong. 'Can't Believe the Way we Float' almost feels like a song on a Justin Timberlake album, and the intro comes back in the middle of the song, sounding like a sample Kanye West would use, while 'Where's the Catch?' has an interesting chorus, and an even more interesting arrangement, as it sees Blake and Andre 3000 spitting verses at each other over a dark beat.

    'Power On' is the closest thing on this record that would appeal to the mainstream ear, with a catchy reflective pre-chorus on which he repeats "i was wrong, i was wrong", coming closer to the outro, 'Lullaby for my Insomniac', a song, like its name suggests, guaranteed to make you fall asleep.

    "Assume Form" is a dizzying effort, that uses a wide variety of productions and styles that combine with each other so well, making up a solid record.    … Expand
  10. Sseliger
    Jan 20, 2019
    10
    James Blake's latest album is amazing. Beautiful atmospheres are perfectly laid out as backdrops for Blake's rich voice, and his melodies add another level of emotion to the lyrics. While the collaborations with Metro Boomin and Travis Scott were overhyped, they were still very good, but Andre 3000 delivers what is easily the album's best guest performance.
  11. marspotting
    Jan 24, 2019
    10
    'Assume Form' is maybe the best electro-pop album in the last two years, that actually sounds like new music. Some of the choruses have a clear '90s vibe, which sounds surprisingly good mixed with the trap beats. The flow on the album is simply brilliant and the production is as expected, A+. He has really managed to get out of his head and gone into the world.
    Favorite tracks: Power On,    'Assume Form' is maybe the best electro-pop album in the last two years, that actually sounds like new music. Some of the choruses have a clear '90s vibe, which sounds surprisingly good mixed with the trap beats. The flow on the album is simply brilliant and the production is as expected, A+. He has really managed to get out of his head and gone into the world.
    Favorite tracks: Power On, Tell Them, Barefoot In The Park, Can't Believe The Way We Flow, Where's The Catch, Assume Form.    … Expand
  12. ffabiansoto
    Feb 11, 2019
    8
    Un album con la esencia del Británico, James Blake, el cuál nos entrega un album con puntos altos y bajos, no usual dentro de su corta discografía, pero que se atreve a jugar con colaboraciones ambiciosas a lo largo de su reciente LP, en las cuales logra cuajar algunas canciones de forma maravillosa, y otras no tanto...
  13. stanley834
    Jan 18, 2019
    9
    James Blake's fourth album goes to show how amazing his artistry is when it comes to collaborating with other artists. While his previous efforts are somber and downtempo post-dubstep and ambient tracks, this LP is more brilliantly upbeat whilst maintaining his true essence.
  14. timsentz1
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    With Assume Form, Blake moves closer to the accessibility that his peers have moved towards. It's a welcome change, but I can see a lot of fans being deterred by this more direct record. The Travis Scott guest spot is the only weak moment on the album.
  15. Ana_Paula007
    Apr 28, 2019
    8
    O album é muito bom, gostei da sonoridade, os arranjos são bem interessantes
  16. Joeizzle
    Feb 4, 2019
    10
    His best yet IMO. Some people may need more some more avantgarde and super complex music that is not as easy on the ears just to be indifferent. And good for you guys, you dont wanna be boxed in as mere mortals with puny human ears. You wanna feel special with your godlike ears. And how dull is a happy love song am i right, music should not be about human emotions, it should just be aHis best yet IMO. Some people may need more some more avantgarde and super complex music that is not as easy on the ears just to be indifferent. And good for you guys, you dont wanna be boxed in as mere mortals with puny human ears. You wanna feel special with your godlike ears. And how dull is a happy love song am i right, music should not be about human emotions, it should just be a random order of words that have bever been said before.

    Example: im a tooly fooly wooly tool.

    And no sound should ever be recognisable, because that means that its unoriginal and inspired by SOMETHING. All sound should just be opposite sounds, so silence where there was music and music where there is silence, and those sounds should be played backwards.

    And still then it might still only get a 4, because the smell and sound of your own farts are just that much better.    … Expand
  17. PretentiousGeek
    Apr 24, 2019
    8
    With musicians in love comes love songs, and James Blake has always been nothing if not sincere. While sometimes the expressionism of the music does not lie evenly with lyrical and entertainment value, veering sporadically into the saccharine, it's an admirable and heart-warming chronicle of a human ready to experience living in colour.
  18. spenceryang8
    Feb 3, 2019
    7
    Despite being bookended by a few awkward detours, Assume Form contains James Blake's best writing and production since the earlier part of this decade.

    FAV TRACKS: INTO THE RED, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, CAN'T BELIEVE THE WAY WE FLOW, WHERE'S THE CATCH?, I'LL COME TOO, POWER ON, DON'T MISS IT

    LEAST FAV TRACK: ASSUME FORM
  19. edgarr
    Jul 25, 2019
    8
    El álbum está bien, aunque demasiado pretencioso hay canciones buenas y otras normales, tendría que destacar a "I'll come too" y "Are you in love".
    Para ser una evolución en su estilo está muy bien y el álbum es muy auténtico, algo que no creí que necesitaría para este año y aún así me encanta
  20. clem666
    Aug 18, 2020
    9
    After three long years of silence James Blake makes his great comeback with 'Assume Form'. The big news is that he has chosen to explore a fresh artistic direction by collaborating with (t)rap artists, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott and André 3000. They clearly contribute to the magnificence of the start of the project. All along we balance between rhythmed and extroverted songs and more calmAfter three long years of silence James Blake makes his great comeback with 'Assume Form'. The big news is that he has chosen to explore a fresh artistic direction by collaborating with (t)rap artists, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott and André 3000. They clearly contribute to the magnificence of the start of the project. All along we balance between rhythmed and extroverted songs and more calm and deeper ones. Wisely-chosen samples do bring even more depth to the album, in the rap-oriented tracks as in the soft ones. Blake's voice is a its perfection, continuously oscilliating between being strength and soothing. Production during the whole project is also at its best. We never get tired of it. An unforgettable must-listen to.… Expand
  21. rosawpark
    May 29, 2019
    8
    Assume Form sets an atmosphere full of love in the air throughout. It has a mix of Pop, R/B, and Trap into all of the songs. Most of the features are good, such as Travis Scott, Andre 3000, and Rosalia. Best tracks are Where's The Catch?; I'll Come Too; Mile High; Barefoot In The Park; and Into The Red.

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Most Discussed Album of 2019
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 4, 2019
    78
    Buoyed by intimacy and sincerity, Assume Form channels Blake at his happiest as each song plays out like a sentimental billet-doux.
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  2. Uncut
    Feb 22, 2019
    50
    Attempts to blend leftfield electronica, Broadway balladeering and voguish trap beats are technically impressive but stretch his minimal melodies to [the] breaking point. [Apr 2019, p.26]
  3. No Ripcord
    Feb 12, 2019
    70
    It’s the first time he’s willingly given up a little of his signature panache in order to achieve a more palatable sound. Still, Blake’s ability to both appease and innovate makes for an always transfixing, if occasionally frustrating, album experience.
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