The Colour In Anything
by James Blake
  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Release Date: May 5, 2016
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 251 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 222 out of 251
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 251
  3. Negative: 11 out of 251

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  1. thompson_hamish
    May 6, 2016
    10
    Right away, from Radio Silence, you know you're in for an experience. Those familiar with Blake know what it's like. Powerful, emotive and sometimes intense. He brings the same effect, but thanks to a more open approach (collaborations with Rick Rubin, Frank Ocean and Justin Vernon), it isn't just a repeat of his self titled and Retrograde. Moments likes 'Radio Silence', 'Timeless' and 'IRight away, from Radio Silence, you know you're in for an experience. Those familiar with Blake know what it's like. Powerful, emotive and sometimes intense. He brings the same effect, but thanks to a more open approach (collaborations with Rick Rubin, Frank Ocean and Justin Vernon), it isn't just a repeat of his self titled and Retrograde. Moments likes 'Radio Silence', 'Timeless' and 'I Need a Forest Fire' reaffirm James Blake as one of the most unique artists of the 2010s.… Expand
  2. ojohn123
    May 7, 2016
    10
    I admittedly have never heard a James Blake album before this one, and I'm very VERY impressed. My two highlights are F.O.R.E.V.E.R. and The Colour in anything. There are some songs that go past the standard 4-minute radio song, but that really shouldn't deter you. Every song holds your attention from start to finish, and the level of relatability in these songs is incredible. Everyone canI admittedly have never heard a James Blake album before this one, and I'm very VERY impressed. My two highlights are F.O.R.E.V.E.R. and The Colour in anything. There are some songs that go past the standard 4-minute radio song, but that really shouldn't deter you. Every song holds your attention from start to finish, and the level of relatability in these songs is incredible. Everyone can find something to like in these songs, whether it's the deeply sentimental lyricism or the interesting and groundbreaking integration of hiphop influence.… Expand
  3. davidsdepriest
    May 7, 2016
    10
    One of the most immersive and cinematic sonic experiences 2016 has to offer. Every track is immensely well written, and the production is next level. If you thought Overgrown was the best Blake had to offer, this album makes that album look pithy by comparison. "I Need A Forest Fire" with Bon Iver is one of Blake's best and most immediate songs, besting Retrograde as Blake's best popOne of the most immersive and cinematic sonic experiences 2016 has to offer. Every track is immensely well written, and the production is next level. If you thought Overgrown was the best Blake had to offer, this album makes that album look pithy by comparison. "I Need A Forest Fire" with Bon Iver is one of Blake's best and most immediate songs, besting Retrograde as Blake's best pop overture. Other tracks like "Radio Silence" and "Noise Above Our Heads" showcase Blake's tremendous vocal ability, and other tracks like "Points" and "Timeless" show just how great a producer he really is. As it stands, The Colour in Anything bests Lemonade to be my album of the year. We'll see if anything changes, but it probably won't.… Expand
  4. ChrisMiller35
    May 9, 2016
    10
    what a beautiful album. Not a single weak song on the entire record, gets better and better with each listen. Memorizing production. REALLY wish kanye made the Timeless track but James Blake showed up 2 hours late to the studio bc his GPS took him to another location. lol. They never used Kanye's verse...
  5. Muddsjr
    May 8, 2016
    10
    personally, I was much a fan of Blake's first album, I really enjoyed these strange, unique and different sounds. Overgrown, despite its success (it won the Mercury Award) was an album regularly beautiful but with moments I wasn't all too fussed by at the same time, but I felt as well Blake was seriously using those vocals to great effect with his music. This new album for me is his truepersonally, I was much a fan of Blake's first album, I really enjoyed these strange, unique and different sounds. Overgrown, despite its success (it won the Mercury Award) was an album regularly beautiful but with moments I wasn't all too fussed by at the same time, but I felt as well Blake was seriously using those vocals to great effect with his music. This new album for me is his true masterpiece. Here he combines the oddness of his self-titled first with the melodic beauty of Overgrown among gentle, gorgeous piano pieces - there are no naff moments here, just regular tear jerking, heart-wrenching, exciting ones. Enjoy one of the best albums of this year.… Expand
  6. UnderCurfew
    May 7, 2016
    9
    Almost all of it is ridiculously gorgeous. Blake's craftsmanship is more mature, his voice warmer and his palette richer. The sounds take one deeper into Blake to reveal a bleak but colorful world, complete with deserts of ice, warm sands, deep woods and meadows. There is tremendous replay value here.
  7. jotaeseche
    May 7, 2016
    7
    His voice proves more beautiful than ever before, and it surely stands as the center of the album, but as James Blake expands the use of macro-ballads, he also loses the amazing tremors of post-dubstep that made his music as danceable as thought-provoking and deep. In the end, if his previous records evoked a sense of winter cold and its subsequent fire comfort, I feel this is his springHis voice proves more beautiful than ever before, and it surely stands as the center of the album, but as James Blake expands the use of macro-ballads, he also loses the amazing tremors of post-dubstep that made his music as danceable as thought-provoking and deep. In the end, if his previous records evoked a sense of winter cold and its subsequent fire comfort, I feel this is his spring album: not as painstakingly freezing and not as chillingly warm.… Expand
  8. jesseurbancsik
    May 11, 2016
    10
    Another great album by James Blake. After being featuring on Beyonce's surprise Lemonade, Blake dropped this beautiful gem a few days later out of no where. This album has numerous unique sounds and vocals with great guest additions by Vernon and Ocean which make the album great. Blake is truly at the top of the electronic genre and puts his heart and soul into ALL of this music.Another great album by James Blake. After being featuring on Beyonce's surprise Lemonade, Blake dropped this beautiful gem a few days later out of no where. This album has numerous unique sounds and vocals with great guest additions by Vernon and Ocean which make the album great. Blake is truly at the top of the electronic genre and puts his heart and soul into ALL of this music.

    Highlights: f.o.r.e.v.e.r., A Colour in Anything, Love Me in Whatever Way    … Expand
  9. proterospongia
    May 8, 2016
    8
    Even though a little overlong, The Colour In Anything is the most acessible album that James Blake did so far. Blake's abilities as a songwriter make some cuts from The Colour almost universal. While the self-titled album and Overgrown are intense burst of feelings being opened up, The Colour In Anything feels more like a long night talk full of secrets with a friend.

    Best Tracks: Radio    Even though a little overlong, The Colour In Anything is the most acessible album that James Blake did so far. Blake's abilities as a songwriter make some cuts from The Colour almost universal. While the self-titled album and Overgrown are intense burst of feelings being opened up, The Colour In Anything feels more like a long night talk full of secrets with a friend.

    Best Tracks: Radio Silence, Timeless, I Need a Forest Fire (ft. Bon Iver)    … Expand
  10. Kalenclayton
    May 21, 2016
    9
    James Blake is an ever-evolving artist who is always shaping his own sound, which has led to him releasing this amazing experience. It's tough to put this album into a genre because it crosses so many. It has influences spanning from dubstep, R&B, Pop, contemporary, and alternative. One thing I didn't know that I needed in my life until I listened to this album was a collaboration betweenJames Blake is an ever-evolving artist who is always shaping his own sound, which has led to him releasing this amazing experience. It's tough to put this album into a genre because it crosses so many. It has influences spanning from dubstep, R&B, Pop, contemporary, and alternative. One thing I didn't know that I needed in my life until I listened to this album was a collaboration between Blake and Bon Iver. The track that they do together ("I Need a Forest Fire") is easily the highlight of the album and has become my favorite track of 2016. The composition is delicate, but so powerful. Blake and Bon Iver harmonize beautifully, suggesting that it is best to tear yourself down to become better.

    My favorite tracks: Gosh! There are so many great tracks here, but my top three are: "I Need a Forest Fire", "Noise Above Our Heads", and "Put That Away and Talk to Me".    … Expand
  11. Twisty
    May 11, 2016
    9
    The least surprising/shocking but the best album from James Blake. This seems to me like his definitve piece of work. He shows here again the minimalist and clean production style that has made him famous but with more vocals and at some points (for example on "Always") more lightful and colourful vibes, a result of his perspective on getting out of his bedroom and the rainy UK weather toThe least surprising/shocking but the best album from James Blake. This seems to me like his definitve piece of work. He shows here again the minimalist and clean production style that has made him famous but with more vocals and at some points (for example on "Always") more lightful and colourful vibes, a result of his perspective on getting out of his bedroom and the rainy UK weather to go the sunny L.A. and be more opened to collaborate with other artists. There are a few more 'experimental' moments here that grabbed my attention, like the stunning techno synths on "I Hope My Life", that reminds how much I love the experimental side of Blake (take a look at the 200 Press EP). "Radio Silence", "Timeless" and "I Need A Forest Fire" are songs that at this point don't surprise us coming from this amazingly talented guy, but they are still really captivating. The subtle bass drops on "Points" are amazing as well. With this been said, I think this is a really long project, and I think that around 4 tracks could have been ignored since they are not especially relevant or really impressive, like "Put That Away And Talk To Me", "Waves Know Shores" or "Noise Above Our Head". But I think James Blake in any way did deceive with his third studio album.… Expand
  12. longjetty7
    Jun 18, 2016
    8
    I've always been intrigued by James Blake, but I had never considered myself a fan. With this album, however, he's definitely won me over. As a producer, he is extremely gifted. His productions are experimental, nuanced, and intricate, while still being highly accessible. And as a singer, he has a lovely, smooth voice that is such a pleasure to listen to. The only criticism by critics thatI've always been intrigued by James Blake, but I had never considered myself a fan. With this album, however, he's definitely won me over. As a producer, he is extremely gifted. His productions are experimental, nuanced, and intricate, while still being highly accessible. And as a singer, he has a lovely, smooth voice that is such a pleasure to listen to. The only criticism by critics that I agree with is that this album is rather long and could benefit from a fair amount of editing, but the songs are varied and flow together pretty well, and there's enough good stuff on here to constitute a fantastic normal-length album. This is an album that definitely warrants repeated listens, and though I've listened to it several times already, I feel like there's still a lot more to take in.

    Standout tracks: Timeless, Noise Above Our Heads, Two Men Down    … Expand
  13. mhenton17
    Jul 30, 2016
    10
    James Blake's The Colour in Anything evokes a transcendent melancholia that actually brought me to tears. The production is incredibly rich, layered, and lush. Nearly every song on this 17 track album is perfectly conceived and occupies a space of its own. Blake's lyrics are often overt, but it works. The music is raw and no holds barred. It is an expression of a repressed sadness in allJames Blake's The Colour in Anything evokes a transcendent melancholia that actually brought me to tears. The production is incredibly rich, layered, and lush. Nearly every song on this 17 track album is perfectly conceived and occupies a space of its own. Blake's lyrics are often overt, but it works. The music is raw and no holds barred. It is an expression of a repressed sadness in all of us that ultimately ends on an uplifting note ("it's me who makes the peace in me").

    This album marks the first time I've cried in 3 years. It is a cathartic and rewarding tour de force. Do it justice with quality headphones; it's a masterpiece.    … Expand
  14. PretentiousGeek
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Infinitely complex and deceptively simple, The Colour In Anything is the kind of paradoxically genius work that the industry needs more of - raw emotional content boiled down to sonic expression through experimentation rather than Swift-style pop records. In turns both abrasive as Radiohead's The King Of Limbs (only this time, it's a good thing), and as accessible as Adele's 25 (only thisInfinitely complex and deceptively simple, The Colour In Anything is the kind of paradoxically genius work that the industry needs more of - raw emotional content boiled down to sonic expression through experimentation rather than Swift-style pop records. In turns both abrasive as Radiohead's The King Of Limbs (only this time, it's a good thing), and as accessible as Adele's 25 (only this time, this is also a good thing), it succeeds at telling a deeply personal narrative in so many different ways that there's something for everyone. It rewards multiple listens in a way I haven't truly experienced since my first few listens through of Kid A, and as you realise that the abrasiveness holds an emotional core behind it, you realise how human of an album this is, as if to juxtapose the humanity referred to lyrically (assisted in writing by the ever brilliant Frank Ocean) with the sterile beats throughout. Actually, are they sterile at this point to me? Or are they too possessing a human quality, telling the story as much as Blake's crooning itself does? I'm too deep into my pretension to be able to tell these days.

    Favourite tracks: all of them.    … Expand
  15. superindian25
    May 6, 2016
    10
    Incredibly thats all i have to a say. A perfect synthesis of his sounds while at the same time expanding and maturing as an artist. Truly a masterpiece
  16. MorningLiang
    May 6, 2016
    10
    Since I've listened his music from the very beginning of his career, I'm again and again amazed by his progress. He apparently became a more open person and is dare to explore something that is so progressive, which no one has entered before. Feel absolutely blessed to live in the same era with him!!
  17. fieri
    May 5, 2016
    10
    I have absolutely no words. This album is beautifully crafted and definitely going to be one of the best of this year. It's a must for anyone who can appreciate the electronic genre.
  18. listener
    May 6, 2016
    7
    Honestly it's kind of bloated and WAY too long...to listen to all of its 76 minutes in one go is border to impossible.Would benefit from trimming some fat but make no mistake,the great album is hiding in there somewhere.
  19. GRCamden
    May 9, 2016
    6
    Too long, a couple of the piano ballads could be taken out, handful of other tracks could be cut down a minute or two aswell. Some of his best work yet is here though (I Need a Forest Fire, Timeless, Radio Silence), the body of work as a whole needs some of the fat trimmed, too much of this album bored me.
  20. JotaBrasil
    Aug 27, 2016
    7
    Qual o maior pecado para um artista: arriscar demais ou permanecer sempre na zona de conforto? Se for muito longe pode acabar com a cara quebrada ao não conseguir encontrar o caminho certo. Se permanecer no mesmo lugar, corre o risco de se tornar monótono e ultrapassado. A decisão é complicada, mas, felizmente, muitos artistas estão tomando a decisão correta como é o caso do britânicoQual o maior pecado para um artista: arriscar demais ou permanecer sempre na zona de conforto? Se for muito longe pode acabar com a cara quebrada ao não conseguir encontrar o caminho certo. Se permanecer no mesmo lugar, corre o risco de se tornar monótono e ultrapassado. A decisão é complicada, mas, felizmente, muitos artistas estão tomando a decisão correta como é o caso do britânico James Blake e o seu álbum, o interessante The Colour in Anything. Isso não quer dizer, porém, que o trabalho não tenha defeito, mas, na verdade, que consegue entregar o que promete.

    Terceiro álbum da carreira do cantor, The Colour in Anything continua a mostrar a visão única e poderosa que o cantor tem sobre o R&B e a música eletrônica. Depois do ótimo e sombrio Overgrown, o artista parece buscar uma atmosfera mais leve e romântica. Todavia, quando se trata do cantor, não ache que essa sonoridade seja envernizada de sentimentos felizes e doces. Em sua sonoridade etérea que funde dezenas de influências do soul com outras dezenas de música eletrônica, especialmente as de origem underground, James tem o intuito de expressar um leque de emoções de uma maneira contemplativa, melancólica e com uma profundidade impressionante. Todas as inserções, nuances, ideias, texturas, batidas e qualquer som que o artista adiciona em cada faixa tem a função de expressarem esses sentimentos tão complexos e intricados. Infelizmente, nem sempre James acerta nessa jornada criada em The Colour in Anything.

    Produzindo o álbum quase inteiramente sozinho, o lendário Rick Rubin entra como co-produtor, James Blake erra ao arriscar demais em algumas faixas. Batidas que parecem que não combinam com o intuito da faixa, inclusões de efeitos sonoros ou/e vocais que tiram a força de momentos que poderiam ser avassaladores e durações exageradas criam "buracos" em The Colour in Anything. São tropeços que, infelizmente, comprometem o resultado final do trabalho, mas que de maneira alguma tiram o brilho da genialidade de James que quando acerta consegue entregar momentos magníficos e poderosos. Além disso, o cantor também aposta em faixas mais simples e "econômicas" em instrumentalização. Esse é o caso da dramática e bela Waves Know Shores sobre conhecer melhor uma pessoa. Dono de uma linguagem enxuta, precisa e metafórica, James é um compositor único e de uma escrita avassaladora. Sentimentos em seus versos são transformados em poesia que não teme em se apoiar no recursos da repetição para criar o seu ponto de apoio, deixando bem claro a sua intenção de fixar as suas crônicas no público. Talvez, essa sua característica seja um ponto questionável, pois seria muito interessante ver composições mais elaboradas em questão de tamanho. Entretanto, o poder emocional presente já é suficiente para alcançar o objetivo de transcender. Dessa vez, James tem dois parceiros que co-escreveram quatro faixas: duas com Justin Vernon, da banda Bon Iver, e duas com Frank Ocean. Dessas parcerias surgem dois grandes momentos: My Willing Heart (Ocean) e I Need A Forest Fire (com participação de fato de Bon Iver). Mesmo com alguns erros na produção vocal, James Blake continua a mostrar o poder da sua voz. Dono de um timbre completamente distinto que mistura uma fragilidade tocante com uma atmosfera sobriamente angelical capaz de embalar os sonhos de uma criança ou assombrar os piores dos pesadelos. The Colour in Anything termina como uma longa, densa, poderosa e envolvente, apesar de alguns tropeços, mostrando o imenso talento e coragem de James Blake.    … Expand
  21. Eragon20
    Aug 6, 2018
    10
    Despite the obvious brilliance of tracks like "Radio Silence" and "I Need a Forest Fire", what really defines this album are those moments of intimacy, of quiet, an intricate landscape where the world slows down and colours melt into each other...tracks like "F.O.R.E.V.E.R" and "Meet You in the Maze" prove that Blake sees music as defined not only by sound, but by silence. That's whatDespite the obvious brilliance of tracks like "Radio Silence" and "I Need a Forest Fire", what really defines this album are those moments of intimacy, of quiet, an intricate landscape where the world slows down and colours melt into each other...tracks like "F.O.R.E.V.E.R" and "Meet You in the Maze" prove that Blake sees music as defined not only by sound, but by silence. That's what makes "The Colour in Anything" a true masterpiece.… Expand
  22. All_ButTrU4
    Jul 2, 2021
    8
    Dense,heartful and necessary are just few of the descriptive words you could attach to the British electronic producer/singer greatest output yet. At 17 songs and 76minutes it is a challenge listen but one handled by an expert musician like James it hardly retreats into indulgence. Bloated with grey coulors and sollen soundscapes, Blake's voice becomes the narrator in a journey throughDense,heartful and necessary are just few of the descriptive words you could attach to the British electronic producer/singer greatest output yet. At 17 songs and 76minutes it is a challenge listen but one handled by an expert musician like James it hardly retreats into indulgence. Bloated with grey coulors and sollen soundscapes, Blake's voice becomes the narrator in a journey through love's loss,ache and beginning. It's a refinement of James's skill and doesn't attempt any experiments. His ability as a lyricist improve as shown in the groovy existential "I Hope My Life (1-800 mix)" where he expresses doubt and anxiety eloquently and the dread filled title track .From the opening "Radio Scilence " which beautifully uses repetition as a device to stress the abandonment . As the song goes in it gets more desperate, a theme that would further haunt the record. This exercise in form seems to justify the length but appears in unfortunate ways in which songs overstay their welcome or fillers mark the sonic pallet with a bland mod song. But the parts that are refined and seem intentional come in creative bursts in the form of the collaborative longing of "I Need A Forrest Fire" and the psychedelia of "put that away and talk to me". Overall although heavily nucleated it manages to enthral,impress and satisfy. Favourites:i need a forest fire,the coulor in anything, i hope i might, radio scilence.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Most Discussed Album of 2016
78
#78 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Record Collector
    Jul 15, 2016
    80
    The Colour In Anything is wall-to-wall longing for old flames and tales of relationships in freefall. It’s also infinitely beautiful; a meshing of gloomy piano and club-ready sounds that show Blake still can’t quite be pinned down.
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  2. Mojo
    Jun 28, 2016
    80
    A challenging listen. But such is Blake's sonic invention and flair for extricating beauty from the murk, it's well worth sticking with. [Aug 2016, p.92]
  3. No Ripcord
    Jun 22, 2016
    90
    The effect is stark, and intensely compelling. At 17 tracks long, this is a listen that plumbs substantial depths, but in Blake’s world, time ceases to be a constraint.
    Read full review
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