JAMIE XX - IN WAVES (REVIEW) VIA XL RECORDINGS/REMOTE CONTROL
Nine years after the release of his Grammy, Brit, Ivor Novello, and Mercury Music Prize-nominated debut album In Colour, Jamie is set to deliver his next chapter with In Waves. Spanning 12 tracks, this new album captures the emotional highs and dynamic energy of a near-mystical night out, featuring collaborations with The Avalanches, Honey Dijon, Robyn, Kelsey Lu, John Glacier, Panda Bear, Oona Doherty, and his The xx bandmate, Romy and long-time colaborator Oliver Sim. Crafted over four years, marked by personal reflection, a global pandemic, a return to nightlife, and a newfound love of surfing as a form of escape, In Waves is poised to surpass the acclaim of its predecessor.
As one of the most sought-after producers of his generation, Jamie has remixed legends like Radiohead and Adele, and even reimagined an entire album by jazz icon Gil Scott-Heron. His work with The XX on their sophomore album Coexist defied expectations, dominating critics’ lists and charts.
In 2015, In Colour became a cultural touchstone, with Pitchfork awarding it a 9.3, hailing it as a "dazzling culmination" of six years of meticulous production. That summer, the album’s infectious grooves, blending rare soul, jazz, and psychedelic influences, gave rise to anthems like “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” featuring Young Thug and Popcaan, redefining the mainstream with its fresh take on dance music
In Waves, the highly anticipated 12-track album from Jamie xx, features standout singles like "Treat Each Other Right," "Baddy on the Floor" (ft. Honey Dijon), "Life" (ft. Robyn), "All The Children" (ft. The Avalanches), and "Daffodil" (ft. Kelsey Lu, Panda Bear, and John Glacier). These tracks have already set the bar high, showcasing the English producer's signature sound.
I've enjoyed most of the singles from this album, which fans have been waiting over a decade for. Stay tuned as I dive deeper into my full review—special thanks to XL and Remote Control Records!
The album opens with "Wanna," an immersive soundscape that sets the tone for what promises to be a standout dance record from Jamie xx, the artist behind In Colour—an album that soundtracked countless cherished moments since its release in 2015. Though it feels like a lifetime ago, In Colour established Jamie xx as a master of emotionally resonant, genre-defying electronic music.
Next up is "Treat Each Other Right," co-produced with Rodiadh McDonald (known for his work with The xx, King Krule, and Hot Chip). The track kicks off with breakbeats and a powerful drop, driven by a sample of Almeta Lattimore’s 1975 soul classic, "Oh My Love." The repeated vocal line, “I’ll be there, and all we gotta do is treat each other right,” sets the soulful, reflective tone of this 12-track album, showcasing Jamie xx's creative mastery at every turn.
Third is "Waited All Night," a collaboration with Romy and Oliver Sim. A Jamie xx album wouldn’t be complete without Romy’s vocals, accompanied here by Sim’s haunting, layered harmonies. Their vocals float over intricate breakbeats and atmospheric production, leading seamlessly into "Baddy on the Floor," featuring Honey Dijon. This track brings a soulful 80s funk vibe that feels like a summer rooftop party in London, capturing the essence of celebration and reflection.
"Daffodil," a standout single featuring Panda Bear, John Glacier, and Kelsey Lu, strikes deep from the first beat drop, reverberating through the listener’s mind and soul. It’s been on repeat since its release, with layered samples and delicate vocal sections creating a dreamlike state before flowing into "Still Summer." Although it’s not summer where I am right now, this track conjures warmth through its analog Moog synth sounds, setting the stage for "Life" featuring Robyn. The disco-driven anthem pulses with Robyn’s echoing refrain, “You’re giving me life,” adding another vibrant layer to the album.
By Track 8, "The Feeling I Get From You," the beauty of vocal sampling in modern electronic music is on full display, with each sound crafting a space for introspection. "There’s No Tonight" flows into "Breather," one of the album’s longer tracks, sampling a yoga instructor Jamie and his neighbor followed during pandemic mornings on YouTube. It’s a gentle reminder to pause, surrender, and breathe—leading into another Moog-driven buildup.
Then comes "All The Children," featuring The Avalanches, one of Australia’s most iconic production groups. This track highlights Jamie xx's unrestrained creativity, with youth choir call-and-response moments blending into lush Moog synth arrangements. The album continues to evolve with "Every Single Weekend" before the closing track, "Falling Together." Here, Jamie xx offers a reflective final moment, with the words, “You’re surrounded by space, such a small thing, almost nothing, shrouded in darkness,” before an ethereal synth beat carries you to the album’s close.
In Waves is a record made to be played on repeat, with the final moments circling back to "Wanna," as you're swept once again into Jamie xx’s world—whether you're on a rooftop in London or Brooklyn, savoring a quiet night in, or dancing in a packed club.
