James Blake hails Frank Ocean's "better, more mature" new album

Another update on the AWOL Ocean from his collaborator James Blake.

James Blake has praised Frank Ocean’s “better” new album, explaining: “You grow, you improve, you nail a new message to the board. He’s had time to mature. It’s really cool to watch.”

The Channel Orange singer has a writing credit on the post-dubstep trailblazer’s new LP The Colour in Anything. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Blake said that Ocean’s music had a “huge influence” on the way he was “writing melodies” for the record.

Earlier this month, Blake also revealed he had written “extensively” for Frank Ocean’s highly-anticipated new album, which is yet to be confirmed. Channel Orange producer Malay revealed in March that Frank Ocean is “exploring different vibes completely” on the forthcoming record.

Blake also described what it was like working with Rick Rubin, having met the Def Jam co-founder at Coachella. “I didn’t know who he was,” he recalled. “He was side stage; at first I was like, ‘Wow, that’s an amazing beard.'” Blake mimed a double-take: “Then I was like, ‘Oh, wow, he doesn’t have any shoes on. That’s unique.'”

He began recording The Colour in Anything in England before retreating to Rubin’s studio Shangri La in Malibu. “I would do this 45-minute improv, and then I would be able to just sit down,” he said, before remembering how the producer would lie down and analyse the recording, while he stroked his beard.

Watch the video for ‘I Need a Forest Fire’, featuring vocals from album collaborator Bon Iver.