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Assume Form
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Assume Form Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 230 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the British electronic producer features guest appearances from André 3000, Metro Boomin, Rosalía, Travis Scott, and Moses Sumney.
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The world has shut me out If I give everything I'll lose everything Everything is about me I am the most important thing And you really haven't... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 18, 2019
    100
    The good news is that the perma-brilliant James Blake has flooded his fourth album--Assume Form--with euphoric sepia soul and loved-up doo-wop. His trademark intelligence, honesty and pin-drop production remain intact.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Jan 18, 2019
    91
    Though Blake’s music has a history of pulling you into a beautiful abyss of moody falsettos and dreary narratives, he had a point. The public’s reasoning behind “sad boy” subscribed to an old-fashioned way of thinking. On his new album Assume Form, Blake abandons that piercing despair--though not his emotional vulnerability--by choosing romance over sorrow. ... Concerned, happy, smitten--no matter the feeling, Blake is still willing to broadcast them all.
  3. Resident Advisor
    Jan 18, 2019
    84
    The collaborators seem to have more influence than they did on Blake's previous albums. There's little here that could be anyone else, but the tone—less heavy, more hopeful, brighter colours—is different, even as he deals directly with despair. Overall, many more things are gained than lost in this development.
  4. The Guardian
    Jan 17, 2019
    80
    Assume Form feels like Blake opening out, adding fresh, noticeably brighter colours to his palette. Whether or not a smidge more commerciality turns this album into the kind of hit he was predicted to have at the start of the decade, it is immensely pleasing to witness an artist who seemed to be at a dead end now moving forward.
  5. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jan 22, 2019
    75
    Assume Form is at its best, unsurprisingly, when he works at the periphery of his formulae.
  6. 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.
  7. 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]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  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'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. 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
  4. 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 inThis 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.… Expand
  5. 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 ofWith 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.… Expand
  6. 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 highsAssume 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?… Expand
  7. 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 cortaUn 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...… Expand
  8. Vincent
    Jan 22, 2019
    3
    Contrived. Pretentious. Dull. I think that pretty much covers what went wrong here. The celebrity influence on his music has painted all hisContrived. Pretentious. Dull. I think that pretty much covers what went wrong here. The celebrity influence on his music has painted all his edges grey. This music feels dead on arrival.… Expand

See all 23 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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