Playing Robots into Heaven

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.[1] The following year saw the musician collaborate with several hip hop artists, including Kanye West,[2] Flatbush Zombies,[3] JID[4] and Don Toliver.[5]

First previews of new music were teased on his social media accounts in early 2022.[6] Blake announced the album on 28 June 2023.[7] His sixth studio record sees him "return to the electronic roots of his Hessle, Hemlock and R&S records days".[8] Unlike his previous releases, the album does not feature any guest appearances.[9] To support the album, Blake will embark on an international 14-date tour with stops in Europe and North America.[10]

The artist released the lead single "Big Hammer" the same day. The "trap-inspired"[11] "instrumental club track"[9] features sample loops of "chopped-up dancehall" vocals by Ragga Twins.[12] A heist-themed music video was directed by Oscar Hudson and follows around four robbers in white tracksuits.[11]

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."[13]

Professional ratings

Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	79/100[14]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[15]
Clash	7/10[16]
DIY	[17]
The Independent	[18]
The Line of Best Fit	6/10[19]
Pitchfork	7.8/10[20]

Playing Robots into Heaven received a score of 79 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on sixteen critics' reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception.[14]

Reviewing the album for AllMusic, Paul Simpson proclaimed that in, "Recapturing the creativity that made his work stand out in the U.K. club scene around the turn of the 2010s, Playing Robots into Heaven is some of the most honest work of Blake's career".[15] In Clash, Ben Rigotti stated that, "‘Playing Robots’ finds Blake not quite knowing how to juggle all these facets of his personality and throwing them all at the wall. There are flashes of gorgeous phrasing, incredible textures, and welcome experimentation, but the album is also completely all over the place. Still, Blake remains undeniably talented as a singer, songwriter and producer."[16] Ben Tipple of DIY wrote that the album "presents James as he currently stands; at once nostalgic and forward-thinking, and firmly back behind the decks", describing it as having "newfound frenetic energy".[17]

Writing for the The Independent, Ben Tipple claimed that, " Blake clearly revels in the invention and freedom of the exploit. “Fall Back” comes across as a very organic, found-sound kind of ambient concoction, as if someone has worked out how to recycle DJ software out of firewood and hemp."[18] At The Line of Best Fit, Elliot Burr felt that, "With skills and interests cemented across various styles, [Blake's] figuring out in real time exactly what he does best – providing floor fillers to club crowds or elevating his performances through complex production. Perhaps when he sings, “Where are my wings? / they’re loading”, the artist is acknowledging that he’s still to assume his most resolute form yet."[19] For Pitchfork, Dash Lewis concluded, "The results make for an inspired evolution of his sound, with Blake occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror as he moves in a new direction."[20]

Notes

• ^{^[c]} signifies a co-producer.
• ^{^[a]} signifies an additional producer.
• "I Want You to Know" interpolates "Beautiful", performed by Snoop Dogg, and featuring vocals by Pharrell and Charlie Wilson.

• James Blake – vocals, mixing, engineering, recording
• Matt Colton – mastering, immersive mix engineering
• Rob McAndrews – mixing (track 3), recording (8)
• Joshua Smith – engineering (3, 10), recording (10)
• Vic Wainstein – recording (7)
• Scott Garrett Graham – engineering assistance (3)
• Yaw Evans – drum programming (4, 7)
• The Ragga Twins – vocals (6)