Wiki
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Release Date
8 September 2023
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Length
11 tracks
Playing Robots into Heaven is the sixth studio album by English singer-songwriter and producer James Blake. It was released on 8 September 2023 through Republic and Polydor Records.
Blake released his fifth studio album Friends That Break Your Heart on 8 October 2021, following a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A mostly stylistically traditional release, the record was followed-up by an ambient album titled Wind Down on 18 March 2022, created with German artificial intelligence media company Endel to help listeners fall asleep. The following year saw the musician collaborate with several hip hop artists, including Kanye West, Flatbush Zombies, JID and Don Toliver.
First previews of new music were teased on his social media accounts in early 2022. Blake announced the album on 28 June 2023. His sixth studio record sees him "return to the electronic roots of his Hessle, Hemlock and R&S records days". Unlike his previous releases, the album does not feature any guest appearances. To support the album, Blake will embark on an international 14-date tour with stops in Europe and North America.
The artist released the lead single "Big Hammer" the same day. The "trap-inspired "instrumental club track" features sample loops of "chopped-up dancehall" vocals by Ragga Twins. A heist-themed music video was directed by Oscar Hudson and follows around four robbers in white tracksuits.
A second single, "Loading" followed on 26 July 2023. According to Surej Singh at NME, the song featured "rhythmic drum patters, cascading synths and layered vocals that give the tender and delicate track an emotional touch."
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