This Review ‘May Contain Hope’

Genre-bending jazz artist RAYE released her second studio album, “This Music May Contain Hope” March 27.

A brilliant blend of soul, R&B and alt-pop, the singer’s sophomore record boasts 17 cohesive tracks in a 73-minute sensational soundscape. 

One of the most unique aspects of RAYE’s artistic career is her ability to weave an overarching story into the marvelous musicality emanating throughout her projects. This story starts with “Intro: Girl Under the Grey Cloud.” — a scene-setting snippet with spoken word and a cinematic backing track. 

After a crash of thunder and ominous orchestration, one thing is for sure — RAYE will have to persevere.

Following the mood of darkness, the Grammy-winning powerhouse launches into the introspectively intense track “I Will Overcome.” 

The powerhouse’s sensationally smooth vocal performance mimics the internal dialogue shared among emotionally scarred people in times of heartbreak and loss. But like most pain, it’s temporary.

Following the musical mantra is jazz-pop bop “Beware.. The South London Lover Boy.” After a wickedly entertaining intro, a brilliant brass melody and wonderfully witty lyrics combine to craft a catchy hit that puts RAYE’s signature creativity on full display.

“Girls stay safe out there / Best you stay prepared / He’s a South London Lover Boy,” RAYE belts.

The symphonic singer follows suit with similarly cinematic tracks “The WhatsApp Shakespeare.” and “Winter Woman.” — two soulful tracks blending studio vocal tricks ranging from harmonious layering to subtle reverb. 

“Click Clack Symphony. (ft. Hans Zimmer)” comes next, offering a high energy beat, synth-heavy sounds and a message of overcoming the mental health challenges of isolation and depression. 

Similar themes are explored in “I Know You’re Hurting.” — a title with the genuine validation many crave to hear.

It’s not until “Life Boat.” that RAYE fully articulates a desire to never give up. In a powerful track combining motivational audio clips and a subtly sensational layered beat, RAYE exemplifies a message of pure resilience in a genius four-minute track.

“Say it / Say I’m not giving up yet,” RAYE begs in a gorgeous melody.

The album continues on to feature jazzclub-adjacent tracks “I Hate The Way I Look Today.” and “Goodbye Henry. (feat. Al Green),” two additional songs on the self-critiques and anxiety shared by the London singer.

Eleventh track “Nightingale Lane.” allows RAYE to shine through in all her vocal glory. With a bridge strong enough to knock down the Golden Gate, the song tells of heartbreak sprinkled with the inevitability of hope. 

“Right here on this ground is where someone once loved me / And someday, someone will again,” RAYE cries in a gutsy, raw sound of glorious proportions.

Wonderfully catchy track “Skin & Bones.” paves the way for the pop radio hit “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” — an awestriking piece that builds toward a cinematic climax in a three-minute musical journey.

Additional artist collaborations — including RAYE’s own sisters — embellish the enchanting hits “Fields. (ft. Grandad Michael)” and “Joy. (ft. Amma & Absolutely).” These tracks highlight a much lighter feeling with carefree bongo melodies, simple guitar strums and gospel-adjacent choral sounds.

As if the message wasn’t clear enough, each subsequent song leads toward RAYE’s whimsical penultimate track “Happier Times Ahead.” Despite the heartbreak, loss, fear and pain that comes with the human experience, hope is the one thing that can outshine all of it.

In “Fin.” RAYE uses a musical outro to thank listeners, collaborators and her family members alike — making fans feel like a true part of the cinematic journey and musical process. 

In the trying times of today, it’s essential to listen to the themes RAYE is trying to get across.

After all, hope is the only good thing that can sprout from darkness.

“This Music May Contain Hope” is available to stream on all platforms.