British singer and songwriter RAYE released her new album titled “This Music May Contain Hope” on Friday, March 27. Before listening to the album, I wondered whether it would be truly cheerful or not. After listening, I determined that it’s indeed optimistic — but not always in obvious ways.
The album begins with “Intro: Girl Under the Grey Cloud,” a monologue with violin music. In the monologue, RAYE describes the story of a woman running to a hotel during a rainstorm, who feels a gaping hole. While listening to the monologue, I began to suspect the album wouldn’t be as upbeat as the title suggested.
The second song, “I Will Overcome,” changed my assumption. The song shifts the mood from desperation to elation. It begins with classical music and distant background voices. The music later changes to pop with heavenly vocals that are full of determination. Throughout the song, RAYE declares that she’ll never give up, presenting a feeling of bravery and perseverance within her listeners.
“Beware… The South London Lover Boy.” is an interesting tune that has a swift tempo and bold vocals. The tune is about being cautious of the South London lover boy, a guy who consistently seduces women. RAYE tells listeners tostay safe and remain prepared, which I interpreted as an advocation of sexual assault awareness and the ability of women to defend themselves.
“The WhatsApp Shakespeare” doesn’t contribute to joy. However, it’s a compelling allusion to “Romeo and Juliet,” which is constantly referenced throughout the song.
“Winter Woman,” however, has some uplifting elements. Containing a mixture of pop and rap, the tune is mostly about crying in private. However, at one point it discusses praying for better days and not giving up even when you’refeeling down.
“Click Clack Symphony” is one of my favorite songs on the album. It features Hans Zimmer, a film score artist, and it’s full of swift tempos and energetic orchestral music that make the song motivating. The song has its own music video, where in the beginning, RAYE is alone in her house, feeling isolated from everyone. Eventually, her friends free her from that isolation, and they dance together in the street. Towards the end of the video, RAYE grabs a music note and flies around England. I interpreted that as happiness since RAYE is now able to go wherever she wants.
The next two songs continue the motivation provided by “Click Clack Symphony.” Containing powerful vocals and uplifting piano music, “I Know You’re Hurting” portrays RAYE recognizing someone’s pain and supporting themby telling them that everything’s going to be okay. “Life Boat” contains a similar message. Featuring spirited electronic music and distinct voices, the song tells listeners not to give up.
“I Hate the Way I Look Today,” “Goodbye Henry.” (feat. Al Green) and “Nightingale Lane” change the mood from motivation to anguish. They talk about breakups and loneliness.
“Skin & Bones” shifts the tone from feelings of heartbreak to groovy ones. The song’s a little too swift to determine its main message. However, its mixture of rap and pop music makes it catchy.
“Where is My Husband!” is another one of my favorite tunes from the album. Even though she receives no luck searching for her ideal man, she continues to look for him, symbolizing grit and perseverance.
“Fields (feat. Grandad Michael),” “Joy (feat. Amma and Absolutely)” and “Happier Times Ahead” all portray a combination of bliss and misery.
Full of beautiful guitar music and elegant backup singers, “Fields” depicts RAYE writing a letter to her grandfather about how she feels lonely. “Joy” features swift tempos and enthusiastic melodies that last throughout the song. In the song, RAYE discusses that while she cries at night, she knows joy will come in the morning. And “Happier Times Ahead” portrays the story of a girl who is learning to overcome her pain and recognize that better times will come.
The final song, “Fin” adds nothing to hope. However, in it, RAYE acknowledges the people who contributed to her album’s production, which I find unique since it symbolizes RAYE’s passion for her album and the support she had for those who helped her compose it.
“This Music May Contain Hope” is an interesting masterpiece. While some of the songs contain sad themes like breakups, they also let listeners know that they’re not alone in this world. Regardless, all the songs’ messages were powerful, so powerful that they’ll serve as an influence for my college journey.
Rating: 4.5/5