Album Review: Essex Honey by Blood Orange

by Stephanie Trunk

Released August 29th, 2025

An Album Caught Between Mourning and Memory: A Review of “Essex Honey” by

Blood Orange

Devonte Hynes, more famously known as Blood Orange, released his fifth studio album,

“Essex Honey” on August 29th, 2025. Known for his songs “Champagne Coast” and “CharcoalBaby”, Blood Orange’s music has been a pivotal force in the Alternative/Indie scene.

His latest album, “Essex Honey” draws on the grief of his nostalgia, his mother’s death

and life in England.

Throughout “Essex Honey”, the melancholic melodies in various tracks, incorporates

sounds that have a tinge of hope, showing Blood Orange’s emotional process of his grieving. The third track on the album, “Somewhere in Between” blends his sorrow with longing for optimism through guitars and ephemeral synths. A bluesy saxophone bridge gives off the feeling, like you’re going through darkness, but ultimately fades out when the cello provides a hopefulmelody at the end of the song. Ever since this was released as a single, “Somewhere in Between” has been a standout track for me. As an avid Blood Orange fan and Devonte Hynes enthusiast, the song invites me to reflect on my own tribulations while reminding me that I have overcome my obstacles.

Tracklist

Blood Orange’s discography has always been defined by its fusion of synths and acoustic instruments to create a transient, nostalgic moment in time. “Essex Honey” is no exception. The album features artists such as Lorde, Caroline Polachek, Eva Tolkin, and all who enhanced the listening experience of the album. Blood Orange’s theme of grief and nostalgia was shown through their harmonies on tracks like “Mind Loaded” and “Vivid Light”.

Not only do the instrumentals throughout the album showcase the emotional turmoil of

grief and nostalgia, but also the lyrics add vulnerability, revealing how volatile grief can be. The tenth track titled “Westerberg” illustrates how Devonte Hynes is grappling with the loss of his mother, and the fading of his youth. “When the tar floats down your stream/And you squint to see the truth/That there’s no longer your youth” perfectly encapsulates the emptiness he feels when you’re changing as an individual. Experiences mold who we become, and through his mother’s death, he attempts to reminisce on his past, even as his perception changed.

Although the melody provides an optimistic tone and a shift in emotions, it’s clear that

Blood Orange is trying to trek through the pain.

The grieving process isn’t linear; it’s messy, volatile and raw. “Essex Honey”

exemplifies how grief transforms an individual, for better or worse. Across the album, the

listeners can hear Devonte Hynes’ shifting emotional responses as he learns to cope with loss. Grief is a part of the human experience, and how we deal with it determines who we are as an individual. I leave you with words from the thirteenth track “I Listened (Every Night)”: “Time will change you."

Blood Orange for "Essex Honey" promo photographed by Adam Powell