In Waves: A kaleidoscope of sonic humanity in Jamie xx's new album

Jamie xx’s new album, In Waves, is a masterwork — a breathtaking journey that defies the typical structure of dance music while maintaining its core. It’s a visceral, existential dance album that refuses to bore, weaving intricate layers of sound that push listeners to reflect, groove, and transcend all at once. This isn’t just a collection of tracks; it’s a thoughtful, cohesive narrative, a testament to the ebb and flow of human experience, seamlessly interwoven with unpredictable tempo changes, breakbeat drops, and hauntingly beautiful melodies.

Wanna

The album opens with “Wanna,” a track that cleverly serves as a bridge to Jamie xx’s previous In Colour album, much like the recap segment of a TV series reminding the audience where the last episode left off. It’s as if Jamie is inviting us to reflect on where we’ve been before plunging into the unknown of what lies ahead. This familiar yet fresh introduction sets the tone for the album’s exploration, grounding us in the past while hinting at the coming sonic adventure.

Treat Each Other Right

From there, “Treat Each Other Right” shatters the nostalgia with street soul vocals that erupt into a wild, exhilarating ride. The track oscillates between intense, grooving club beats and unpredictable tempo shifts, capturing the essence of life’s unplanned, chaotic beauty.

Waited All Night (Ft. Oliver Sim & Romy)

"Waited All Night" ventures into fresh The xx territory. Featuring the familiar voices of Romy and Oliver Sim, it's a bit more dance-forward, with a bright, sing-songy chorus that shimmers with optimism. This track hints at a potential new direction for any future The xx album.

Baddy on the Floor (Ft. Honey Dijon)

“Baddy On The Floor," fueled by Honey Dijon's infectious energy, is a retro fever dream with luscious beats, playful horns, and angelic strings. Perfect for breaking battles. It's a theatrical track that captures the excess and playfulness of the dance floor, where rules are bent and boundaries blurred.

Dafodil (Ft. John Glacier, Kelsey Lu & Panda Bear)

“Daffodil,” featuring Kelsey Lu, John Glacier, and Panda Bear, creates an intimate and sultry atmosphere. Liquid synths intertwine with synchronized vocals over a softly bouncing bassline. It's a dreamy, submerged soundscape, evoking the feeling of love at first sight, but underwater.

Still Summer

"Still Summer" feels distinctly contemporary despite its retro influences. It's an energetic, undulating track that captures the carefree joy of dancing. With a cinematic quality, it soundtracks life's high points, each beat urging us forward.

Life by Jamie xx & Robyn

With “Life,” featuring Robyn, Jamie xx delivers a full-on banger — a joyous celebration that combines disco exuberance with lyrical cheekiness. It’s playful, groovy, and life-affirming, punctuated by Robyn’s infectious refrain, “You’re giving me life / Shitty, pretty, wild.” There’s even a playful, tongue-in-cheek moment when she sings, including laughs, “You’re giving me / Strong torso,” an absurdly delightful lyric that embodies the album’s refusal to take itself too seriously.

The Feeling I Get From You

“The Feeling I Get From You” is a soulful blending of images of flirtation intertwined with a sensitive piano. It’s got the vibe of a lively summer block party, complete with sweet, soulful piano and crashing vocals that tug at the heartstrings. It’s as if Jamie xx is offering a love letter to the moments that make us feel most alive, most human. It's beautiful.

Breather

The album doesn’t take a breather, offering a three-part track that shifts from rave to grounded energy. It’s like a sonic spiritual awakening, moving from external chaos to inner calm, from wild choices to self-affirming decisions, empowerment, and perhaps culminating in a kundalini high. It’s a moment of clarity amidst the turmoil, naturally guiding us back to ourselves.

All You Children (Ft. The Avalanches) / Every Single Weekend (Interlude)

"All You Children," featuring The Avalanches, is a neo-tribal anthem, juxtaposing Nikki Giovanni's poetry with Moroder-esque synths. It's a call to unity, reminding us of our shared humanity. The track feels both ancient and modern, like an earth mother's lullaby. "Every Single Weekend" serves as an extended outro, easing us into a reflective space before the album's introspective close. The dance metaphor continues in "Falling Together," shifting from celebrating nature to contemplating human connection.

Falling Together (Ft. Oona Doherty)

The final track, “Falling Together,” is a profound metaphorical thought poem that explores the rhythm that connects us all. Oona Doherty’s evocative vocal performance deepens the album’s tone, steering it toward a place of introspection and emotional resonance. This concluding preaching piece encapsulates the journey of the album — a thoughtful exploration of connection and unity, urging us to acknowledge the interconnected dance of life. The clock's ticking, which punctuates the track, serves as a poignant reminder of time’s unrelenting flow, leaving us with a sense of closure that lingers long after the abrupt silence.

In Waves is more than just a collection of tracks — it’s a meticulously crafted experience, a 44-minute set that encapsulates what it means to be human. It bounces between hedonistic fun and thoughtful introspection, ultimately leaving us with the sense that life, like the ocean, is a series of waves we learn to ride through living. Jamie xx has created a transcendent work that speaks to both the dance floor and the soul, reminding us that life is, indeed, a continuous flow.