“I’m A Culture Writer, This Is My Honest Review Of Raye’s New Album”
I have been a ride-or-die Raye fan long before her Where The Hell Is My Husband! era, following the singer’s journey from the neon-soaked club-anthem years to the jazzy powerhouse she is today. To say this record was highly anticipated is a massive understatement, and I can officially confirm that my first listen did not disappoint.
Spanning 17 tracks, This Album May Contain Hope, reimagines genre and style in a way that is sonically mesmerising. From cry-in-the-car songs to numbers that you will want to belt with your friends, here is my breakdown of the year’s most exciting release yet:
Initial thoughts
Following the unparalleled success of her single releases, Where The Hell Is My Husband!, Nightingale Lane, and most recently, Click Clack Symphony, this concept record documents Raye’s lessons on love and heartbreak, friendship, family, perseverance, and above all, hope.
Scanning the tracklist alone, I knew I would need to brace for a whirlwind of melodrama, grit and even comedy. Tracks like The Whatsapp Shakespeare and Beware.. The South London Lover Boy satirically reference lime bikes, voice notes, and toxic men, which make for an incredibly entertaining listen.
Raye then has the unique ability to completely shift the tone in ballads like I Know You’re Hurting, which offer intimate looks into the singer’s personal life and the challenges she faces.
This Album May Contain Hope, reimagines genre and style in a way that is sonically mesmerising. From cry-in-the-car songs to numbers that you will want to belt with your friends, it doesn’t miss a beat.
Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
In addition to the tracklist’s witty titles, it also comes complete with an impressive lineup of featured artists, including Hans Zimmer and Al Green. However, Raye takes it a step further, making it a family affair, with Joy featuring her sisters, Absolutely and Amma, while track 14 includes a voicemail from her Grandad, whom she declares a “true poet.”
Album highlights
Beyond Raye’s chameleonic ability to shift tone, her use of genre is also something to marvel. Over the course of the 17 numbers, she blends jazz, operatic soul, pop, orchestral ballads, and gospel music into one cohesive record. It sounds chaotic, and as if it shouldn’t work, however, coupled with Raye’s emotive and heartfelt lyricism, it really does.
The album blends jazz, operatic soul, pop, orchestral ballads, and gospel music into one cohesive record. It sounds chaotic and as if it shoudn’t work, but it really does.
While I would declare this a “no skip album” my favourite tracks include Goodbye Henry (feat. Al Green), Beware.. The South London Lover Boy, and Life Boat. Each of these three are wildly different, but, for me, standouts in their own right. From the first note, Goodbye Henry immediately had me hooked. Its soulful, bluesy tone, coupled with the iconic Al Green feature, makes for an instant hit for me.
Shifting the tone, in true Raye fashion, Life Boat, is another highlight that could perhaps be overlooked. I found its messaging, paired with a return to the singer’s older, more poppy style and spoken word sections featuring various friends and family, to be incredibly moving and powerful.
Beware.. The South London Lover Boy, is a track that I knew would be a personal favourite after seeing snippets of it performed live on tour, and as expected, it is an album standout. I particularly enjoy the ways in which it echoes the rhythm and style of Where The Hell Is My Husband!
However, while one wards off men entirely, the other pleads for the swift arrival of her soulmate. While the messaging is clearly different in the respective tracks, both offer Raye’s insights into the challenging and often emotionally conflicting reality of modern dating, as the singer offers a masterclass in sonic storytelling.
The team’s favourite tracks
Raye’s new album also has the rest of The Handbook team hooked, and it seems my affliction for Beware.. The South London Lover Boy, is one that is unanimously shared, with many billing it as their favourite track. Here is a breakdown of the team’s favourite tracks:
This isn’t just a great album, at times, it transcends music to feel like a piece of art. With ‘Beware.. The South London Lover Boy,’ she strikes the balance, it’s perfect for the dance floor, but is also so funny, relatable, and witty. Channelling the comedy of early Lily Allen and the brilliance of Amy Winehouse, she is fast becoming the voice of our generation.
Kitty, Social Media Director
I really love the song Beware.. The South London Lover Boy.” – it’s theatrical, vibey, and exactly the kind of song I’d love to see Raye perform live.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Raye’s creative direction is truly unmatched. I just watched the visuals for ‘Click Clack Symphony’ and the whole vibe is so cool. I need to finish the rest of the album ASAP!
Beth, Social Media Assistant
Full track list
1. Intro: Girl Under The Grey Cloud.
2. I Will Overcome.
3. Beware.. The South London Lover Boy.
4. The WhatsApp Shakespeare.
5. Winter Woman.
6. Click Clack Symphony. (feat. Hans Zimmer)
7. I Know You’re Hurting.
8. Life Boat.
9. I Hate The Way I Look Today.
10. Goodbye Henry. (feat. Al Green)
11. Nightingale Lane.
12. Skin & Bones.
13. WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
14. Fields. (feat. Grandad Michael)
15. Joy. (feat. Absolutely & Amma)
16. Happier Times Ahead.
17. Fin.
