Jamie Lidell is a bit of a symphonic chameleon. He experimented with kaleidoscopic synthpop and itchy post-disco on his self-titled 2013 album and fashioned a blaring trap contribution for the refurbished Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack last year. Just a few weeks ago, we got to hear his silvery, soulful voice on Big Data’s latest electro stomp. But Lidell is consistently at his emotional best when he sticks to personal, evocative songwriting. On new single “Believe In Me,” he composes what’s essentially a sonic cousin to “Cry Me A River” — a rainy-day ballad built on boom bap and dramatic choral undertones that crack and spread. The song’s emptiness hangs between its cold handclaps and the breaks between Lidell’s doleful vocal melody. It’s rooted in reality, too, as Lidell told us via email: “”It’s an honest admission of self doubt. I even feel vulnerable releasing this song which is why I know it’s important.” Listen below.

“Believe In Me” is the first solo track Lidell has shared since leaving Warp Records. More new music is promised later this year.

[Photo by Lindsey Rome.]