Since this website has transitioned from strictly a music review platform to more of a space where just I post whatever I want, there haven’t been any album reviews 😕! Obviously this is an issue because my music taste is supreme and should be considered factual despite it being an opinion (jk) (sorta). Truthfully, the scarcity is due simply to a lack of motivation, and the lack of motivation is due to none of your business. But I will say, a key determining factor was based on this statement I said to myself: “Dang I haven’t done an album review in a while. Well, that makes sense cuz I haven’t heard an album worthy of review in a while.” Thus, I told myself that I when I heard a masterpiece album, I would do a review. Since then, I’ve heard three, which will be coming out in three separate posts, and I’m very excited to share them with you.
Disclaimer: From a Christian perspective, I really shouldn’t have been listening to any of these projects, let alone recommending them, as they all glorify ungodly things. That seems whack, but in my experience, things of this nature have a tendency of getting in the way of my relationship with God, ultimately making it not worth it. Sacrifice is a part of the Christian journey, but it’s all in effort to attain something the world can’t give. However, secular and vile music is something I grew up with and have always loved and it’s difficult to completely discard that so here we are 🤷🏽♂️.
My 21st Century Blues
When I first heard this album it was on REPEAT, and even on first listen it made a case for one of my favorite albums of all time. Without actually thinking about it, it’s probably in my top 15, which is huge when you consider she didn’t have the added benefit of already being on of my favorite artists.
In analyzing albums and artists there’s a (not so) subconscious checklist I go through to determine their tier level. A few example questions would be: Do I like the timbre of their voice? Are they unique? Are they versatile? Does their music make me smile or even give me goosebumps? Etc. Check, check, check, and check ✅ for RAYE and her most recent album making her without a doubt, S tier.
The first song I heard off the album was Escapism and what immediately struck me was the production, song structure, her array of tones, and the overall sonic pleasantry. This was something she was able to accomplish throughout the entirety of the album, leaving my first impression to be, “This girl is mad talented as a lead vocalist, but also as an overall musician.” Truthfully, that’s a conclusion that I’m giving to very few artists 🫡, and I think it’s really displayed though the multitude of genres she covers effectively.
After listening to album several times I’ve also come to greatly respect her lyricism. There are 13 actual songs on the track and more or less each song covers a different topic or emotion with an overarching theme of feminine empowerment. The album transitions from “men ain’t sh*t” songs, to “I’m that “b*tch” songs, to personal issue songs such as bodily insecurity and abuse, to global issue songs as well. Having such a wide variety of lyrics on track is extremely rare especially today and I would venture to say that it’s the most lyrically diverse out of my favorite albums.
My final insert on what seems to be a RAYE fanboy post is simple but overlooked. I believe that a separating factor for artists is if they can sing, rap, and even do both at the same time. Gotta give Drake his flowers on this cuz I don’t think people were really doin this before him. RAYE does all three and sometimes does it on the same song, adding even more to her rarity.
“My 21st Century Blues” is certainly a something for everyone type of album with the underlying foundation of a very talented vocalist in the middle. I’d be confident to say that every woman would love at least one song on the track and hopefully the fellas can recognize as well. She also fine too… lowkey my celebrity crush 🤭. Shamefully I find appearance to be important in music, and I know it’s wrong but idc what you think crazy man. I could never be a judge on the voice smh lol. Make sure to check out parts two and three of this triple album review.
Favorite songs:
Black Mascara.
Escapism.
Flip A Switch.
Five Star Hotels. (feat. Mahalia)