- An elegant and hopeful song about self-acceptance.
- James Blake has talked at length about depression and self-doubt. On the first single from his new album, though, he sounds peaceful and quietly confident. His delivery is droll and almost deadpan as he catalogues his ups-and-downs, landing in the same place each chorus: "Say what you will / You're gonna do it anyway." While I tend to prefer Blake in his weirdo post-club mode, "Say What You Will" represents a new focus and clarity, even in the light of 2019's mainstream crossover album. Listen to how the tone of his voice changes as the song becomes more self-assured, culminating in one melismatic note that feels impressive (and affecting) even for a singer already revered for the heights his voice can reach. "Say What You Will," with its stirring strings and subtle vocal layering, strikes oil somewhere between the introspective quietude of his earlier pop work and the glimmering confections of Assume Form.