When looking at the world in the state it is in right now, for many, it’s hard for there to be a silver lining, a path forward that leads to a happy ending. There’s so much pain, suffering, confusion and aggression everywhere that it’s hard to find the beauty and love that is present, even if buried underneath all the mess and grime. Raye, on her most recent project titled “This Music May Contain Hope” urges us to look for that hidden beauty, giving us a stern reminder to never give up and to continue fighting through hardship and adversity. It’s beautiful, powerful and overwhelming.
Raye’s album is split into four sections: The first four tracks represent autumn, the next four represent winter, the next four spring and the last tracks summer. This progression throughout the album is noticeable and moving. The autumn tracks, for example, are cinematic and clever, setting the album’s haunting yet clever tone.
I particularly like the track “The WhatsApp Shakespeare,” as it captures Raye’s quirky imagination with her poignant lyrics about the modern day dating scene and a possible romantic manipulation she felt. She expertly ties myths and analogies into her lyrics to convey messages in not just this song, but throughout the album.
My absolute favorite section of the album is the winter section. Every one of these four tracks is gutting, raw and deeply resonated with me. “Click Clack Symphony” is one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time, as it features the infamous film score legend Hans Zimmer who brings soaring strings to a song about overcoming depression and isolation through friendship. The song made me feel as if I was flying, and I wished it would never end.
Then, the song “Life Boat” made me completely fall in love with this album. Raye sings the phrase “I’m not giving up yet” over and over again atop a synth beat that radiates power and strength. Intertwined with Raye’s powerful vocals are voicemails of people proclaiming that they also will not be giving up, and it’s the emotional peak of the album, bringing tears to my eyes on first listen. I cannot thank Raye enough for this powerful anthem.
The spring section is probably my least favorite, and not because any of the songs are bad by any means. It’s just the section where Raye has the most fun. In the storyline of the album, she has just come off the intensity of winter and now lets herself loose during the spring, with tracks like “I Hate the Way I Look Today” and “Skin & Bones.” “Nightingale Lane” is probably the most serious of the songs and is a highlight of the record.
The summer songs are also a lot of fun and bring home Raye’s message of perseverance. The biggest and most popular song on the album “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” feels completely out of place on the album, but is a welcome addition regardless, as it’s an infectious, upbeat hit. The summer section does a wonderful job of rounding off this incredible and ambitious album.
Overall, Raye has created a masterpiece. This concept album speaks so loudly and is completely in its own lane, knowing exactly what it wants to be. I cannot recommend this album enough, and hopefully it can provide others with as much hope as it gives me.
