How Jamie xx's In Waves Proved Patience Pays Off
2024-10-19 · 5 min read
Jamie xx released his debut solo album In Colour in 2015 to universal acclaim. Then he essentially disappeared for nine years. No solo releases. Minimal public presence. In Waves arrived in 2024 and justified every day of that wait with an album that refined and expanded his sonic vision.
In Colour was a landmark in electronic music, fusing UK rave nostalgia with Caribbean rhythms and digital-age emotion. Loud Places with Romy became a modern classic. The album defined a particular mid-2010s feeling of euphoria tinged with melancholy. Following it was a high-pressure proposition.
In Waves doesn't repeat In Colour's formula. Instead, it pushes deeper into the dance floor while maintaining emotional resonance. Tracks like Treat Each Other Right and Baddy on the Floor are more explicitly club-oriented, while Life and Still Summer show he can still build atmosphere with minimalist restraint.
The collaborator list reflects his taste: Robyn, The Avalanches, Honey Dijon, Kelsey Lu, and Panda Bear all appear. Each feature serves the song rather than the brand, with Jamie's production maintaining cohesion across diverse vocal styles.
The nine-year gap matters because it demonstrates a rare commitment to quality over content cycles. In an era where artists release constantly to maintain algorithmic relevance, Jamie xx's patience is a statement. The album sounds like it took nine years because the artist refused to release anything that wasn't right.
In Waves is the rare album that satisfies high expectations while surprising the listener. It proves that the emotional sincerity of In Colour wasn't a moment but a disposition, that Jamie xx's ability to make electronic music feel personal and communal is a permanent gift.
