James Blake album 'Trying Times' special edition: illustrated by Quentin Blake
Friday 13th March 2026
Producer and singer-songwriter James Blake's new album has been released on a special edition vinyl pressing, featuring bespoke illustrations by Quentin Blake.
Quentin's original drawings are worked in black oil pastel, and feature imaginary sculpted heads in barren landscapes - alongside an imagining of the singer himself on a very bad hair day. The textured nature of the original materials comes through in the printing of the works ion the vinyl sleeve, which has been produced in a special edition for fans who enjoy the experience of a vinyl pressing over downloads. The records are 180 gram EcoSonic, manufactured by Good Neighbor, meaning that they are 100% recyclable and made without PVC, though still providing the highest audio quality; making a very real step towards eco-friendly record manufacture.
'Trying Times' is the second album by James Blake to be given the Quentin Blake touch: the Blakes collaborated on James' third studio album, 'The Colour in Anything' in 2016.
Quentin's original drawings are worked in black oil pastel, and feature imaginary sculpted heads in barren landscapes - alongside an imagining of the singer himself on a very bad hair day. The textured nature of the original materials comes through in the printing of the works ion the vinyl sleeve, which has been produced in a special edition for fans who enjoy the experience of a vinyl pressing over downloads. The records are 180 gram EcoSonic, manufactured by Good Neighbor, meaning that they are 100% recyclable and made without PVC, though still providing the highest audio quality; making a very real step towards eco-friendly record manufacture.
'Trying Times' is the second album by James Blake to be given the Quentin Blake touch: the Blakes collaborated on James' third studio album, 'The Colour in Anything' in 2016.
