My second concert this year is RAYE at the end of April. I want to say… Like most folks, I found out about her when Escapism. took off. Her voice and vibe are so elegant and cool—a jazz-y, soulful voice, with a touch of electronic, hip-hop, and R&B.
After I hopped on the bandwagon, I listened to a few songs on this album, but not all. I was familiar with Black Mascara., Oscar Winning Tears., and Worth It.. And of course, from her upcoming album, WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!. Her album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. will be dropping a month before the concert, so I may be doing a download on that as well. For now, we’re going to start with her studio debut album, My 21st Century Blues.
The Stats
- Release Date: February 3, 2023
- 15 Tracks, 2 features
- Run Time: 47 minutes
First Impressions
Introduction. Feels like I’m transported to an intimate jazz venue, getting ready to have a fantastic concert – such a great way to start an album like this.
Oscar Winning Tears. I was already familiar with this track, but I loved the song’s setup. It flowed so well from the intro. Solid storytelling, in an elegant and cool way. Doing a bit of research and found out this song was about a man RAYE knew and trusted spiking her drink and then flipping the script, playing victim. One of the many songs where she takes back the power after awful situations.
Hard Out Here. Another one of those tracks of her finding the way back after dealing with hard circumstances. I believe this track is aimed at the music industry folks and showing them she can indeed bounce back and be successful without them. This song has a hip-hop feel to it. A showcase of how she started from the bottom and will always make it work, regardless of the people and circumstances in her way. There’s no denying it’s hard out here.
Black Mascara. A very moody, electronic feel. Another track I had heard before. It’s an interesting track and kind of catchy, not my particular favorite.
Escapism. (ft. 070 Shake) This song is such a banger. I absolutely love how extra it is. It feels like you are literally in her inner consciousness after a broken heart and witnessing the recklessness that follows. I read that this was a track that came together rather quickly once she started writing. Proof that the best work is often when you don’t overthink and overprocess things.
Mary Jane. A raw, blues feel. This song is clearly about addiction and how you can get so tangled with it. The song to me emotes like you are on a trip or high, making it kind of haunting. That feeling makes me uncomfortable, which leads me to believe this song hits the spot. Also means it’s not a song I repeat much.
The Thrill Is Gone. This song is so fun. I mean, I get the lyrics aren’t ‘fun’, but the arrangement and production. Something about it reminds me of an old-school detective movie or show. You know how shows used to have those random episodes, and almost all of them had a black-and-white/noir episode? I’m thinking of Boy Meets World (aren’t I always?). Anyways, all to say, this is a song I expect to be sung at the club they always wind up at.
Ice Cream Man. I appreciate that some of her songs feel like we’re in her thoughts or reading a journal entry. This song is simple, raw, and still so powerful. Unfortunately, I think so many women have experiences like this, and it’s so easy to feel that something is wrong with us or that we are to blame. I love that this song acknowledges these thoughts and feelings, while also accepting the strength and bravery to continue forth. Amazing song.
Flip A Switch. After such an emotional song, I love that she indeed flips a switch and dives right into such a hard track. I love rap and hip-hop so much. I think it’s because of the confidence those genres exude. I can feel it while I listen, even if I don’t have it in real life. This track is basically getting the upper hand after someone changes up on you. There’s clearly a throughline in this album with reclaiming the narrative.
Body Dysmorphia. This song should be so much bigger than it is. I get it’s not like a ‘pop hit’, but it’s how we all feel. I always wonder if this really goes back to the dawn of time or when in history we started overthinking everything. As she says, ‘I don’t really like my body, but I know it’s my only body.” I don’t remember a time I was comfortable or loved my body. I know it’s gone through so much and is still kicking. The other part that hits is talking about the discomfort of having a romantic partner. It’s something I think about a lot, which I think has frozen me from exploring romantic relationships. And at the end of the song, a little girl is talking about her body. The idea of beauty is distilled so young. It’s so sad. A track that could be easily overlooked, but is so important.
Environmental Anxiety. The beginning of this song reminds me of the Indian song Bumbro. It’s the main thing I think when I listen. A lot is going on in this song, and effectively, as the title hits, it makes me feel kind of anxious. The satirical commentary at the end makes me laugh. It’s not my favorite listen, but similar to Mary Jane, I think that’s the point. And I appreciate the layers of sounds that contribute to one’s environmental anxiety. Her production is incredibly well thought out.
Five Star Hotels. (ft. Mahalia) I wasn’t familiar with this track. It’s become one of my most repeated songs. Similar to listening to Rap/Hip-Hop for the confidence, I listen to those genres and R&B for the sensual vibes that I also wish I had. This track is just sexy and fun. I’d love a fine man standing in position for me in Mauritius.
Worth It. I did know this song, and after listening to the album, it’s remained my favorite. It has a joyous and hopeful feel. And I love that it sounds so classic and modern at the same time. I get a mood boost every time this song comes on. It’s so worth it.
Buss It Down. LOL. This little gem makes me laugh. Here’s what I wrote on my first listen: The modern feminist anthem. I stand by it.
Fin. A very simple outro of acknowledgements. She tied it all together. The album started as though you were in the venue with them. Exactly how a real concert would end. A full story completed.
The Rewind Recap
Of course, I knew some of the songs, but not in the context of the full album. The first time I sat down and listened, it didn’t feel like it flowed. However, I think I was listening too hard. I was also sitting in the car dealership while my car was being serviced. Not really the time or place. I played it on my drive to work a few times, and I thought it was put together really well. There is a good balance of heavy-hitting emotional tracks tackling really difficult topics and fun, hot tracks. Under an hour, it’s a great album for the drive into work.
My favorite song on the album is indeed Worth It. But there are some solid songs on this album. Let’s boil it down to a top 3, minus Worth It. The heavy hitters are top-notch. The way she tackles difficult topics is amazing and relatable with Ice Cream Man. and Body Dysmorphia. And I can’t deny, I love the more hip-hop/R&B leaning tracks. Five Star Hotels. rounds out my top 3. Honorable mentions are Flip A Switch and The Thrill Is Gone.
What really draws me to RAYE’s music is how effortlessly she genre-bends. It’s showcased so well in this album, and I can’t wait to hear what she puts together for her next album.
Leave your album suggestions in the comments!
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