It’s abundantly clear that RAYE understands music on an innate level.
In the midst of a festival run, the British singer-songwriter released her EP “Genesis.” on June 7. A three-act project that showcases RAYE’s impressive vocals and genres while telling a story of new beginnings and perseverance.
The title track “Genesis.” is a poetic, honest commentary on society portraying a multitude of genres. The entire EP features four tracks: the first one, “Genesis.,” a seven-minute compilation of tracks two, three and four divided into “parts.”
“Genesis, pt. i” begins as a conversation RAYE seems to be having with herself, commenting on external and internal pressures she is facing. The opening lyrics are: “They say the twenties are the best years of your life/But I seem to be spending mine missing sunsets/’Cause I’m busy on my phone observing everyone else.”
RAYE is only 26 years old — with her impressive career just beginning — but she can’t help but reflect on the infantilizing virtual undertones that impact herself and her generation.
The second part of “Genesis.” sounds akin to the R&B-club music most know her for, found on tracks like “Prada” and “Escapism.” She faces self-destructive tendencies and pressures in the chorus: “I see a sad little sinner in the mirror/The devil works hard like my liver/I don’t wanna be alive, but I don’t wanna die/A fistful of pills and rivers in my eyes.”
“Genesis, pt. iii” shifts into a 1920s jazz sound that showcases RAYE’s incredible vocal abilities — both in her tone and her range. The third part repeats variations of “I want that light” and “let their be light,” taking a more optimistic tone than the previous two parts.
RAYE is an incredible musician that has repeatedly proved she is becoming, if not already, a household name. Her vocals are absolutely breathtaking and diverse; her inclusion of several genres caters to a wide range of audiences.
Listen to “Genesis.” now: https://rayeofficial.com
Featured Photo Credit: KAPFHAMMER
Annaliese Baker is a journalist and stand-up comedian based in Boston. Her writing has been featured in The Boston Globe, GBH and Alyssa Milano: Sorry Not Sorry, in addition to ECHO. Annaliese previously resided in New York City, where she worked at Comedy Central: Stand-Up and has performed at several venues throughout both New York and Boston. She’s currently part of the News Digital Team at GBH, Boston’s NPR and PBS affiliate, and is part of Emerson College’s writing and publishing program.
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