“I called the album In Colour,” Jamie xx told us, “as a reference to the fact that everyone thinks the xx is very dark, because we all wear black, and we’re very melancholy. But actually, this is quite a colorful record.”
His debut solo album truly is fun, a stunning collection of songs that blends dance music styles like rave, house, and U.K. garage with a pop sensibility. There are anthemic choruses ("Loud Places"), steel drums ("Obvs"), and even a surprising summer smash with Young Thug and dancehall artist Popcaan ("I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)").
Already well known for crafting the xx’s gloomy, spare pop sound, Jamie xx steps out into the spotlight with In Colour. This is the music that moves him.
Alex Gardner is the managing editor of Pigeons and Planes. Follow him @TheConstant_G.