A whirlwind of emotions and rhythms for the dance floor.
Nine years after the release of his acclaimed In Colour (2015)and after a series of singles, collaborations and international presentations, Jamie xx finally presents us with his second studio album: In Waves. This work not only leaves a great taste in the mouth, but also awakens an irresistible need to dance, something that will be experienced on October 2 at the Pepsi Center at WTC in CDMX.
The album begins with “Wanna”a calm and subtle beginning that evokes the minimalist and playful sound of her debut. The song acts as a perfect welcome, with a crescendo which prepares us for the intensity to come. The real party starts with “Treat Each Other Right”an elegant track that speeds up the pace of the album, making it a dance-inducing proposition from start to finish. Its message of unity —”The only thing we have to do is treat ourselves well.“— resonates deeply, adding an emotional layer to the rhythm it envelops.
One of the album's high points is “Waited All Night”where Jamie joins his companions The xx, Romy and Oliver SimTogether they capture the longing to live the night eternally, exploring the emotions that the night and its mysteries awaken, while following a highly catchy rhythm. This track It also reinforces the album's introspective theme, largely developed during the pandemic, reflecting the desire to reconnect with the world's dance floors. It's also a clear nod to the long-awaited return of The xxwhich seems to be getting closer and closer.
Then, “Baddy On The Floor” bursts in with a contagious energy that forces you to move, fusing funk and disco in a journey that evokes the euphoria of the disco nights of the 70s. These sensations are repeated with “Still Summer” and “Life”two themes with a similar tone that also promise to become must-have pieces in the future shows of Jamie.
“Dafodil” and “All Your Children” reflect the creative freedom of Jamie in producing this new material, showcasing the album's eclectic nature by featuring two diverse tracks that incorporate the talents of other producers such as John Glacier, Panda Bear and The AvalanchesThese pieces are highlights of the album, each with a different energy that heightens the emotion of this second work, thanking the end of a wait of more than nine years.
One of the most satisfying moments when listening to the album is the brief pause at the beginning of “Breathe”which initially appears to be a transition towards the intensity of “All Your Children”However, as it progresses, a euphoria dominated by a dark proposition is revealed, reminding us to breathe with each beat of the theme. Darkness takes control and guides us towards a tide of deep and dreamlike sounds that do not let us go until the end, not for nothing is the track longest on the album.
Finally, “Falling Together” closes the album in a forceful way, showing all the exploration both sonically and introspectively that Jamie lived during the pandemic. This is the second track longest on the album and takes a tour of the complete essence of the same, between its energy and eclecticism, making it clear that this album is made to be fully enjoyed on the dance floor.
In Waves It's not just a collection of songs; it's an immersive experience that reflects the emotional and creative journey of Jamie xx during a period of global introspection. From the subtle opening of “Wanna” until the vibrant closing of “Falling Together”the album reveals itself as a celebration of life, dance and human connection. Each track, with its unique energy, contributes to a sonic tapestry that invites both reflection and celebration. Jamie xx reminds us that music has the power to unite us, uplift us and transport us to moments of pure joy. In Waves It is a compelling testament to his ability to fuse emotion and rhythm, delivering an album that will undoubtedly have the dance floor lighting up on October 2nd at the Pepsi Center WTC.
