Jamie xx: In Waves [YOUNG]

Why you'll love it

In Waves is Jamie xx's first album in nine years, the follow-up to In Colour, on Young. It scored 84 on Metacritic, which counts as universal acclaim.

About the album

Jamie xx spent four years on this one and compared the time since In Colour to waves that we have all experienced together and alone. He wanted something fun, joyful and introspective all at once, which, he pointed out, is what the best moments on a dance floor usually are.

"Baddy on the Floor" with Honey Dijon is a sweaty, joyous house workout, "Treat Each Other Right" bounces on a breakbeat, and "Life" pairs him with Robyn. His xx bandmates Romy and Oliver Sim both turn up, along with Kelsey Lu, John Glacier, Panda Bear and The Avalanches on "All You Children," while "Wanna" borrows from Double 99's "RipGroove" and "Still Summer" nods to The Moody Blues. "Falling Together" with Oliver Sim closes things on a warm, hazy comedown, and Matt Colton mastered the record so the low end hits properly.

He launched it with The Floor, ten straight nights of parties at a London club, then took it to Glastonbury with Romy, Oliver Sim and Robyn on stage. The Guardian called it music for big speakers at 3am; we've had to settle for the shop speakers at 3pm, and they're coping admirably.

Also at Kops: more Jamie xx on vinyl · browse Electronic

Tracklist

Listen

On Young (cat# YO356LP), the 2024 album.