Process

Sampha’s debut album, Process, is nothing short of a masterpiece. Seriously, this record hits deep. Sampha, with his signature soothing, soulful voice, created something that feels both incredibly personal and universally relatable. Process is a beautiful journey through grief, love, loss, and self-discovery, all delivered by his vulnerable, emotional, and soothing vocals accompanied by delicate production.

The album kicks off with Plastic 100°C, and right from the start, you know you're in for something special. The track is haunting, atmospheric, and filled with this deep sense of vulnerability. Sampha’s voice is smooth as silk, but there’s a weight to it—with the lyrics he shoes he’s wrestling with impermanence and the emotional baggage he carries. That vulnerability runs throughout the entire album, pulling you into his world as he processes personal struggles, especially the loss of his mother, which lingers in the background of so many tracks.

And then there’s No One Knows Me (Like the Piano)—easily one of the most emotional moments on the album to me. It’s just Sampha and a piano, and somehow, that’s just all it needs. The simplicity makes it hit even more beautiful. It’s a heartbreaking tribute to his late mother and the piano that was a part of his childhood. It’s just pure, raw emotion.

But Process isn’t just quiet and introspective, there are also tracks like Blood on Me and Reverse Faults that showcase a completely different side of Sampha. He weaves together electronic beats, R&B, and soul so effortlessly that it just works.

What makes Process so special is how personal it is while still feeling incredibly relatable. Sampha pours so much of himself into these songs, but instead of creating distance, he pulls you closer and takes you on his emotional journey. The production also plays a large role in creating this emotional atmosphere. It’s rich, detailed, and layered, but also very delicate. The tracks really require multiple listens to catch all the details.

At the end of the day, Process is an absolutely stunning piece of art. It’s an album about pain and healing, light and darkness, strength and vulnerability—all wrapped up in one deeply personal and unforgettable experience. Sampha proves that he’s really one of the most important artists of this generation. Hands downt, Process is one of my favourite albums of all time.