Assume Form
by James Blake
  • Record Label: !K7
  • Release Date: Jan 18, 2019
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
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  1. Under The Radar
    Jan 23, 2019
    60
    Assume Form is surely a shift toward a more optimistic Blake, but occasionally at the cost of song quality and his expected moments of spicy originality. It's a good, sometimes excellent, yet quite uneven record.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 22, 2019
    60
    This album is, without a doubt, a big, glitchy, swooning, hyper-modern declaration of love.
  3. Pitchfork
    Jan 22, 2019
    58
    Assume Form is aggressively pastel and suffocatingly serious. He has lost the playful sense of surprise that guided his falsetto’s agile twists and turns on his debut.
  5. 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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Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  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.    … Full Review »
  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 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?… Full Review »
  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.
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