Blood Orange – ‘Essex Honey’ Review: A Stunning Reflection on the Meaning of Home

Explore Blood Orange’s ‘Essex Honey,’ a heartfelt journey into identity, loss, and the search for belonging through lush sounds and evocative storytelling.

The Return to Roots: Blood Orange’s Emotional Homecoming

If you’ve ever found yourself tangled in the bittersweet threads of nostalgia and identity, then Blood Orange’s latest album, Essex Honey, might just feel like a warm, familiar embrace. Dev Hynes, the creative force behind Blood Orange, has long been a master at weaving intricate stories through his music, and after a six-year hiatus, he’s back with an album that grounds itself in the very soil that shaped him: his hometown in Essex.

Hynes has always used his Blood Orange persona to channel his worldview, blending personal history with broader cultural narratives. His 2016 masterpiece Freetown Sound celebrated his father’s roots in Sierra Leone with unforgettable lines like, “Black can get you over, black can sit you down.” Later, Negro Swan delved into the complexities of queer Black identity, inspired by Janet Mock’s reflections on “doing too much.” Now, Essex Honey takes us closer to home—literally and figuratively—offering a rich, evocative meditation on growing up, leaving, and ultimately finding sanctuary in music.

A Star-Studded Ensemble for a Personal Story

What’s immediately striking about Essex Honey is the dazzling lineup of collaborators Hynes gathered to help paint his emotional landscape. Featuring guest appearances from Lorde, Caroline Polachek, Daniel Caesar, Mustafa, and even author Zadie Smith, the album feels like a private concert featuring some of the brightest voices in modern sad pop and soul.

Returning collaborators Ian Isiah and Tirzah also add their signature touch, creating a beautifully layered sound that never tips into chaos. It’s as if Hynes is conducting an intimate orchestra where every voice adds a unique shade without overshadowing the core narrative of the album.

The Lead Single: ‘The Field’ – Perfectly Poised Poetry in Sound

The album’s first single, The Field, is classic Blood Orange—effortlessly blending R&B, pop, and electronica. Hynes’s soft, almost whispered vocals are soothing yet heartfelt, singing:

“Feel it every day, and the sun keeps you warm / Hard to let you go, see you when I know why it’s always grey.”

Backing him are the delicate harmonies of Tariq Al-Sabir, Daniel Caesar, and Caroline Polachek, whose ethereal voice has been a beloved addition since her 2013 feature on Chamakay. The result is a track that feels like a warm afternoon haze, nostalgic yet hopeful.

Watch the official video for The Field here:
Blood Orange - The Field (Official Video)

Delicate Orchestration and Subtle Surprises

Essex Honey rewards patient listening. Tracks like Thinking Clean unfold slowly: from a delicate piano solo, it blossoms into jazz-infused drumbeats before fading to a haunting cello solo. The vibe echoes Arthur Russell’s experimental spirit, blending classical instrumentation with modern production.

Hynes peppers the album with uncredited guest appearances that feel like Easter eggs for keen-eared fans. Rumors swirl that Lorde may be lending her voice on I Listened (Every Night)—though Hynes smartly leaves it ambiguous, focusing instead on how these voices weave seamlessly through his vision.

Mustafa’s Soulful Echoes of Loss

A standout collaborator is Mustafa, a former cover star whose work deeply explores themes of loss. His tender, uncredited vocals on Vivid Light complement Hynes’s staccato delivery, creating a duet soaked in melancholy and hope:

“He has seen the vivid light, thievish in his disdain as a life of honour falls, I find myself in rage.”

Their voices entwine, turning pain into something almost sacred—a shared lament that resonates through the album.

Exploring British Black Identity and Personal History

One of the album’s most poignant moments comes with The Last of England, where the complexities of British Black identity take center stage. Soundbites of everyday life blend with Hynes’s intimate lyrics:

“Elizabeth, it travels through… and Ilford is the place that I hold dear amongst / All the things that we had to do, my sister understands just how it feels.”

This track, along with others, captures the lived reality of growing up as a Black British man in an Essex suburb, layering personal anecdotes with the texture of street sounds and past memories. It’s this careful balance that turns Essex Honey into a vivid, organized sketchbook—a snapshot of a moment in time that feels both deeply personal and universal.

Album Details

• Record Label: RCA Records
• Release Date: August 29, 2025

Closing Thoughts

Blood Orange’s Essex Honey is a poignant, lush, and thoughtful album that digs deep into themes of home, identity, and loss. It’s a graceful return for Dev Hynes, combining his signature sonic sophistication with the warmth of intimate storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, this album invites you to reflect on your own roots and the places that shape us.

FAQ

• What genres does Essex Honey explore?
  The album blends R&B, pop, electronica, and subtle jazz influences, creating a rich, textured soundscape.
• Who are some notable collaborators on Essex Honey?
  Guest artists include Lorde, Caroline Polachek, Daniel Caesar, Mustafa, Brendan Yates from Turnstile, and author Zadie Smith, among others.
• What themes does the album tackle?
  It reflects on British Black identity, loss, growing up in Essex, and finding solace in music.
• Is Essex Honey similar to Blood Orange’s previous albums?
  While it continues Hynes’s tradition of deeply personal storytelling and genre fusion, this album is more grounded in his hometown’s cultural and personal history.
• When was Essex Honey released?
  The album dropped on August 29, 2025.

If you’re inspired by the soulful reflections and evocative artwork of Essex Honey, consider decorating your space with your favorite album cover poster from our store. It’s a beautiful way to keep the music close and the memories vivid.

Shop your favorite album cover poster here.