Perfection is a hard concept to grasp. What makes something perfect? It seems that in today’s world people are striving to achieve this ultimate goal of perfection, however, in my mind, it is the entities that contain imperfections that measure the most character. James Blake’s riveting debut full length is a perfect example of what I see as true character in imperfection. 

If there is one thing this album bears, it is the prolific amount of soul. Blake’s haunting vocals and astonishing lyrics are extremely complimentary to the soulful flow of the record, and are somewhat familiar to that of Antony Hegarty and Bon Iver. The minimalist elements in the music are in no way minimal in the overall sound and feel of the album, and it unfolds into a wonderland of  electronic beeps and soulful piano movements. It is an ideal album to relax to and is an album designed much like a labyrinth, where something new can always be found even after multiple listens.  As you delve further into the music of the record you can only see a familiar silhouette but not the whole picture, this speaks to the fact that this album is not an orthodox album, however, much like the album cover, it is perfectly imperfect. 

Each song has its own distinct personality, dancing between moments of sheer beauty and moments of bizarre. Among the bizarre are the tracks “Unluck” and “To Care (Like You)” which use auto-tune for its proper purpose, to manipulate sound to complement the movements around it. The rose among the edgeless thorns is the elegant “Limit To Your Love”, which transcends all other songs on the record when it comes to the aspect of beauty. The mixture between the piano, Blake’s voice, and the minimalist dub-step, develops something truly remarkable, a soulful journey that you don’t want to end. The great thing about this album is that it can be played depending on any mood or situation, it can be comforting to the sad, and reassuring to the content.

It is a record to lose your thoughts and yourself in. It is a piece of art that allows you to reflect.