Raye My 21st Century Blues
You can imagine the delight one would feel if they were a teenager and an inspiring singer-songwriter getting signed to a major label at seventeen. It’s not unheard of at all and actually happens quite often. Many have become pop stars thanks to the machines that Disney and Nickelodeon are like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato, and Ariana Grande. There are so many that went that route that if I tried to list them all, I would never be able to finish the list. Some artists like Prince and Taylor Swift wrote song after song, played every small gig they could and presented their talents to every label that would allow them through the door all while still in high school.
As the internet has grown over the last 20-plus years, it has help produced some of the biggest names in the music world. Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Carly Rae Jepsen were all discovered through web sites and apps like YouTube and Vine. The internet over the years has been a tool used by many to self-release their own music with intentions of being seen and signed by a label. Enter then 16 year-old British singer-songwriter Raye who released her soul-influenced debut EP Welcome to the Winter on her own. The buzz that came from the releases singles “Flowers” and “Alien” drew the attention Polydor Records leading the teen to sign with them with hopes becoming the pop star she had always dreamed of.
Other extended play releases would follow over the years including Euphoric Sad Songs and Second would gain her attention through out Europe with the help of hit singles “Decline” and “Secrets.” She would also score chart-topping hits collaborating with Jax Jones and David Guetta. During this time of growing success, her label would put roadblock after roadblock in front of her and the release of her full-length debut album. As it seemed the brightness of her star was being shadowed by her label she found new success as a songwriter for other stars whose shine covered the whole universe. Raye has written songs for Hailee Steinfeld, Charli XCX, and Beyoncé.
In 2021, Raye had a very public breakup with Polydor and the label was very graceful and let her out of her contract in order for her to finally release her long awaited debut record. Fast forward to February of 2023, and the wait is finally over as My 21st Century Blues has entered the atmosphere and ready for the world to hear. The single “Escapism” released in October of last year started 2023 at the top of the British charts and even scored her her first Top 40 US hit.
Listening to the album truly helps the listener feel the frustration and suffocation Raye went through to get here. “Oscar Winning Tears” finds the singer warning the listener that they are in for a bumpy ride. At first listen, one would believe that the song is about rocky relationships that all came to an end, but in retrospect, it is actually about how music executives that probably cannot hold a tune in a bucket tried to mold her into what they thought she should be and what would be best for the label. “Hard Out Here” which plays with the Red Hot Chili Peppers “Give It Away” continues her assault on grubby handed music execs while the album highlight “Ice Cream Man” does everything but name the name in its detailing of a sexual assault episode during a recording session. One song that will be difficult for so many to listen to is “Body Dysmorphia” as it frames the lifelong battle countless women have with their bodies.
With My 21st Century Blues Raye finds herself standing tall with all of the light shining on her. She is having the last laugh with an album full of revenge that taste so sweet. The now 25 year-old can look back and tell her teenage self that it all worked out in the end even though it may have been easier to run for the hills then suffering through all that she was objected to for seven years. @raye
Steven McCash is the Lead Music Writer and Utility Man for SoBros Network. Steven is the host of the ‘Drinking With…’ podcast, and the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music in addition to the occasional live show review. He also pitches in as a Nashville lifestyle writer and football analyst (hence the ‘Utility Man’ title). Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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