While not a new artist in the British music scene but rather having a fresh slate, musical genius and independent artist RAYE has released her sophomore album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. A collection of songs revolving around her life story in London and beyond, the body of works covers themes of sadness, life, choices, love and most importantly (as in the title), hope.
Following a seasonal pattern in reference to Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’, each track feels like a cinematic masterpiece, all collating into one showstopping series of gut-wrenching films that follow the four seasons. The album begins autumnal, with songs like ‘Girl Under the Grey Cloud’ seamlessly blending through into the operatic ‘I Will Overcome’, themes of ‘dark times ahead’ approaching. One thing I adore about this record is that we are almost following RAYE from behind, seeing her journey throughout with our own eyes, or rather ears. Tracks ‘Beware… The South London Lover Boy’ and ‘The WhatsApp Shakespeare’ provide a witty, experimental jazz and almost comic relief from the first two tracks yet still revolve in themes of worry.
The then ‘winter era’ of the album follows with deep and heavy emotion. Tracks such as ‘Winter Woman’, ‘Click Clack Symphony’ (which, having Hans Zimmer on your album is just insane…) and ‘Life Boat’ all carry themes of loss, giving up, but also standing back up and fighting on. Finally, we move into spring and summer, with inspiring pieces such as ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’ and ‘Joy’ being the resolution to the story arc. Using the seasonal narrative gave this album an incredible skeleton to follow and understand.
Where RAYE also shines in this album is her use of genre blending. This stands out with house track ‘Life Boat’ moving into a swingy and punchy jazz performance in ‘I Hate The Way I Look Today’. Her ability to use two completely different ends of the genre spectrum yet make them sound cohesive is outstanding, and a key part to understanding this record. She uses the genres of this album to push emotional messages in such a unique way. Track ‘Goodbye Henry’ starts with ‘This is a sad song, though it feels happy’. And this is true: a yearning and emotional love song to a retro-soul and blues rhythm.
However, where I think this album may show its weaknesses is its maximalist aesthetic. There is a lot of content in this record, a lot of production and a lot to consider. Even when writing this review, I found it hard to identify what to talk about, and how to talk about it, to really do the album some justice. While I think all the tracks were necessary for the story of the album, I do think that some tracks are quite simply too long, such as ‘I Know You’re Hurting’ and ‘Goodbye Henry’.
With a core message of hope, with sun existing ‘behind the clouds’, as mentioned in track ‘Happier Times Ahead’ , this record was a true blessing to receive for this year. It has been a long time since we have received something so thought out, so conceptual and so precious feeling. An absolute joy to witness. Does this music REALLY contain hope? Yes, and it could contain many awards as well.
9/10
