Album Review: Jamie XX- In Waves
3 min read
James Thomas Smith commonly known as Jamie xx has inspired and lifted the spirits of the masses with In Waves, another beautiful album of intricate samples, banging bass lines and pure elation. The former XX member’s last record In Colour came out in 2015 and this album release hiatus has been deeply felt among the dance rave scene. His return will inject immense passion into clubbers and festival goers, giving rise to an eruption of obsessive and addictive listening.
Right from the get go, he blends the sounds of the past with futuristic beats in Wanna. His sampling of Tina Moores’ garage hit Never Gonna Let You Go takes you back in time. At the same time it is layered with modern production techniques which feel innovative even for the 2020s. Treat Each Other Right also plays around with that garage beat but blends it with that futuristic electronic beat popularised by artists like Overmono. These tracks evoke the past but point unmistakably toward the future, showing that nostalgia doesn’t have to be stagnant—it can evolve.
The album reclaims the simplicity and joys of the dance floor which is pertinent at a time when the club scene is somewhat falling apart. Baddy on the Floor is a direct statement that dance music is fun and not overly intellectual or pretentious. Still Summer carries the same vibe, with unapologetically joyous, house-inspired beats that radiate warmth. Jamie xx encourages listeners to dance as if life were a perpetual summer.
Jamie xx digs into the deeper purpose of the dance floor with tracks like Falling Together which speaks to the idea of clubs as spaces of human connection, where love and relationships, whether fleeting or long-lasting, are formed through music. The samples on this track tell two very different stories, but when blended, they convey an overarching theme of togetherness. Meanwhile, All You Children Gather Round invokes The Avalanches’ playful, sample-driven approach, reminding us of the childlike innocence and wonder that music can evoke. There’s a certain nostalgia here too, but it’s less about the past and more about the simplicity of joy and how a beat can unite people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.
This album showcases Smith’s unmatched skill in blending intricate elements into something that feels effortlessly simple. Daffodil juxtaposes soulful samples from JJ Barnes and Astrud Gilberto, combining contrasting sounds that, in Jamie’s hands, feel cohesive and fresh. The Feeling I Get From You channels the spirit of modern-day Nile Rodgers, with its funky hooks and irresistible groove. Yet, beneath the catchy surface, there’s meticulous craftsmanship that makes every layer feel purposeful and intentional.
In Waves encapsulates everything that makes Jamie xx a master of his craft: a deep understanding of dance music’s past, a vision for its future, and an ability to balance intricate production with simple, infectious joy. By weaving themes of nostalgia, connection, and catharsis, Jamie has crafted an album that’s not only groundbreaking but also deeply human. In Waves is a reminder that, even in uncertain times, music can bring us together on the dance floor—and beyond.
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