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James Blake: More Than An Artist

A personal review on my favorite Londoner.

Hannah Cross

Aug 14, 2016

Millennials of Iowa

Consequence of Sound

If I mentioned the name James Blake to you, more than likely you’re not going to know who I’m talking about. If you’re a fan of tennis, you’ll probably think I’m talking about the retired American tennis player. The James Blake I’ve grown fond of, though, is a singer, songwriter, musician and record producer from London. Though he’s been around for some time, here in the United States he hadn’t grown to much popularity until he released his most recent album "The Colour in Anything"and did a collaboration with Beyoncé on her album "Lemonade."

I first heard James Blake when I was listening to a Pandora station and his song “Retrograde” started playing. I immediately was hooked: the beats and his vocals drew me in and I wanted more. I soon searched him on YouTube, watched his videos, and listened to all of his songs. When I play his music for my friends, they describe him as a “more soft/dark Sam Smith.” Blake’s music could be categorized as electronic, indie, or experimental.

So what is so great about him? Why should you be interested? James Blake’s vocals, rhythms, harmonies, etc, make you feel something. He's commented that some of his songs on "Overgrown" he wrote when he was angry or happy. He is not one of those singers that only sounds good on an album. His live performances have just as much gusto and pureness to them.

James Blake is a wonderful artist to get hooked onto or just to listen to when you want to chill after a long day. Since I do not have an absolute favorite song by him (I love so many), here are my recommendations of songs to listen if you are listening for the first time:

“My Willing Heart" - The Colour In Anything
"A Case of You” - Enough Thunder
“Limit to Your Love” - James Blake
“Radio Silence” - The Colour In Anything
“Retrograde” - Overgrown
“f.o.r.e.v.e.r” - The Colour In Anything
“Life Round Here” - Overgrown
“The Wilhelm Scream” - James Blake
“I Need A Forest Fire (ft. Bon Iver)” - The Colour In Anything
“Enough Thunder” - Enough Thunder

I know that if you give him a chance, you'll grow to love him as much as I do.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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James Blake: More Than An Artist

A personal review on my favorite Londoner.

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The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

1. Figuring out when to start

2. Searching through list after list to get everything you need

3. Shopping for deals

4. Getting bins to put everything in

5. Figuring what you can’t live without

6. Going through clothes to find what you need

7. Finding out your siblings took something from you

8. Fighting with your parents.

9. Trying to plan things with your roommate

10. The fear of forgetting something

11. Move in day

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

1. When you fail that midterm you studied so hard for.

2. When your crush finally texts back.

3. When payday comes around.

4. When you accidentally like someone's picture from 108 weeks ago.

5. When someone takes your unassigned assigned seat.

6. When your favorite character in your favorite TV series dies.

7. When that guy/girl you’ve been crushing on agrees to go on a date with you.

8. When you have so much to do, and such little motivation to do it.

9. When someone asks for your last fry.

10. When you try a new health-food craze.

11. When you get new clothing.

12. When you check your bank account.

13. When they're serving good food in the dining hall.

14. When someone tries to tell you what to do.

15. Or just your thoughts about life in general.

We all have that "I don't care" attitude.

1. Most students just take life day by day.

2. That means procrastinating, one day at a time.

3. College students don't mind dressing like crap sometimes.

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10. But hey, we're getting a somewhat high-quality education, right?

11. We all really just want to pet dogs all day.

12. And eat pizza for every meal.

13. And stab the next person who asks us what we want to do with our life.

14. However, despite the stress and student loans, college is amazing and there's plenty of reasons to smile.

Thank you, April, for inspiring us with your wicked relatability.

Life is full of twists and turns, but you have to keep going.

1. Wallow.

2. Cry.

3. Get Angry.

4. Tell Someone You Love Them.

5. Forgive.

6. Let go of the negative people in your life.

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8. Swallow Your Pride.

9. Stop Freaking Out Over Your Body.

10. Say No.

11. Accept Love.

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