Trying Times Lyrics & Tracklist – James Blake, Monica Martin, Dave, London Welsh Male Voice Choir

Album Overview

Trying Times is the seventh studio album by English singer-songwriter and producer James Blake, scheduled for release on 13 March 2026. This project marks Blake’s first fully independent album under his own label Good Boy Records, following his departure from Republic Records. It follows his 2023 album Playing Robots Into Heaven and builds on his career-long exploration of emotional depth, genre fusion, and textured soundscapes. The album has been described as a reflective and atmospheric body of work dealing with intimacy, connection, and the pressures of contemporary life. The lead single from the album, “Death of Love,” features the London Welsh Male Voice Choir, showcasing a blend of choral elements with Blake’s signature production sensibilities.

Musical Style and Themes

Trying Times continues James Blake’s trajectory of melding electronic, soul, and alternative influences into a cohesive, introspective whole. Across its tracks, the album is expected to lean into ambient textures, layered vocal performance, and emotional lyricism that addresses modern-day anxieties and relational complexities. The involvement of guest artists like UK rapper Dave and Los Angeles-based vocalist Monica Martin adds diverse vocal flavors and dynamic interplay, highlighting Blake’s collaborative breadth. With its release strategy rooted in independent artistic control, this album underscores Blake’s commitment to creative autonomy and thematic depth.

Release Information

The album is confirmed to release on 13 March 2026 via Good Boy Records, available across major physical and digital formats including CD, vinyl, and streaming platforms. Pre-release promotion has included singles and live performance visuals that emphasize the conceptual angles of the record. This release is a continuation of Blake’s evolution as a self-directed artist in both sonic experimentation and career direction.

Tracklist

Walk Out Music
Death of Love
I Had a Dream She Took My Hand
Trying Times
Make Something Up
Didn’t Come to Argue (feat. Monica Martin)
Doesn’t Just Happen (feat. Dave)
Obsession
Rest of Your Life
Through the High Wire
Feel It Again
Just a Little Higher

Credits

Primary Artist: James Blake
Featured Vocals: Monica Martin (on “Didn’t Come to Argue”), Dave (on “Doesn’t Just Happen”)
Choral Contributors: London Welsh Male Voice Choir (featured on “Death of Love”)
Label: Good Boy Records
Producer: James Blake
Genre: Indie/Alternative, Electronic, Soul