James Blake was one of the big buzz names for new artists this year, and, I admit, he was hard for me to get into. But, I do love to be challenged as a fan of music. And, when it turns out the challenge is worth it, when the music finally clicks with me, the payoff is that much sweeter.

His self-titled debut isn’t exactly a party-starter or a people-pleaser. He’s kind of a minimalist electronic artist. While everyone else seems to be adding bigger drums and more intricate musical arrangements, his music is stripped to the core and essence of the song. I guess an alternative title for his self-titled album could have been “Zen and the Art of Electronic Music”.

After all, “I Never Learnt To Share” is just one line repeated ad nauseum, each time with a new layer of instrumentation added. And “Unluck” features a very off-kilter percussive clicking 

But, eventually, each track unfolds into something beautiful.

And I recommend a good set of speakers or headphones for this one. That is, if you want the full bass-rattling, floor-shaking effect of his cover of Feist’s “Limit To Your Love”.