Stream James Blake's New Album 'Friends That Break Your Heart'

It's the full-length follow-up to 2019's 'Assume Form'

BY Megan LaPierrePublished Oct 8, 2021

A decade after the release of his debut self-titled album, English producer, singer-songwriter and musical shapeshifter James Blake is back today with Friends That Break Your Heart — his first full-length offering since 2019's Grammy-nominated Assume Form.

Following 2020's pair of EPs — Before and Covers — and a delayed release date, the album has finally landed today via Universal. The multi-hyphenate artist has also recently collaborated with Mustafa, slowthai and Flatbush Zombies, and adds SZA, Monica Martin, JID and SwaVay to that list with his own release.

Led by the singles "Say What You Will," "Life is not the Same" and "Famous Last Words," Friends that Break Your Heart is a concept album that revolves around the heartbreaking dissolution of platonic relationships, which are seldom given as much attention as their romantic counterparts.

Blake navigates the messy terrain of self-doubt and losing formative friendships across 12 tracks with his trademark delicate-touch production and ethereal vocals.

Listen to the album on your streaming platform of choice below.



Read Exclaim!'s review of the album.

Latest Coverage