Jamie xx Unveils His Fresh Perspective on Life with In Waves, His Sophomore Album
Amid the tracks of Jamie xx’s latest album, In Waves, Robyn passionately declares, “You’re giving me life / Shitty, pretty, wild, you’re giving me life.” While this powerful admission may initially seem like a slight, it’s actually a heartfelt tribute directed not at the listener, but at the universe itself.
Over the past few years, Jamie xx’s musical style has shifted towards a more vibrant and celebratory tone. His single “LET’S DO IT AGAIN,” released just before the first post-COVID edition of Coachella, captured the joy of reuniting on the dancefloor. Following that, “KILL DEM,” launched in late 2022, embodied the explosion of pent-up energy felt in our everyday experiences. Then there’s “It’s So Good,” released in January, which encapsulates the hopeful spirit we embrace at the start of a new year.
These tracks provide a glimpse into Jamie xx’s evolution post-pandemic, revealing a journey that embraces acceptance and the celebration of life’s diverse experiences. The essence of Jamie xx’s refreshed outlook is expressed throughout the 12 tracks of In Waves.
The 45-minute album opens with “Wanna,” a contemplative ballad featuring swaying vocals enhanced by grand piano chords, gradually shifting from introspection to a captivating anthem that leads into the genre-defying “Treat Each Other Right.” This second track works like a radio receiver, blending retro funk with cutting-edge UK garage. Despite the varying sounds, the lyrics deliver a comforting message—“I’ll be there” and “All we got to do is treat each other right”—echoing the universal theme of acceptance found across various music genres.
In “Waited All Night,” Jamie xx collaborates with his The xx bandmates, Romy and Oliver Sim, over an upbeat club-ready rhythm. Challenging the tranquil themes typically associated with his band, Jamie xx provides the vocalists the freedom to express their heartfelt emotions while layering their performances with dynamic samples, intricate textures, and ethereal synths.
A few tracks later, “Breather” bombards the listener with a whirlwind of electronic chaos. Synthetic distortions, eerie flanger effects, and intense modulators craft an intense experience, yet as the song progresses, the frenetic pace calms, transforming the once-aggressive elements into a soothing release, liberating the listener from the earlier turmoil.
The provocative elements woven into this album create a raw and honest representation of life. They highlight the unpredictable challenges that arise, while also showcasing our capacity to endure and recover from tough times. From vibing on the dance floor (“Baddy On the Floor feat. Honey Dijon”) to embracing your environment (“Still Summer”) and finding solace with loved ones (“The Feeling I Get From You”), the album encourages listeners to ride the waves of life. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, there’s always a wave worth riding.
Check out In Waves on Spotify or your favorite streaming service, and stay updated on Jamie xx’s latest releases and tour dates.
Listen to Jamie xx – In Waves on Spotify:
Tracklist for Jamie xx – In Waves:
- Wanna
- Treat Each Other Right
- Waited All Night (featuring Romy and Oliver Sim)
- Baddy on the Floor (featuring Honey Dijon)
- Dafodil (featuring Kelsey Lu, John Glacier, and Panda Bear)
- Still Summer
- Life (with Robyn)
- The Feeling I Get from You
- Breather
- All You Children (featuring the Avalanches)
- Every Single Weekend (Interlude)
- Falling Together (featuring Oona Doherty)
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