My 21st Century Blues
Raye · 2023
46 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B
A candid exploration of personal struggles wrapped in smooth contemporary R&B with infectious hooks and confessional lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Oscar Winning Tears. Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Escapism — This track encapsulates the album's themes of seeking refuge from internal struggles, blending catchy melodies with poignant lyrics that reflect a desire to escape reality.
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Body Dysmorphia — In this song, Raye addresses the complexities of self-image with striking vulnerability, making it a standout testament to her lyrical depth and emotional honesty.
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Black Mascara — This track combines haunting production with confessional storytelling, capturing the pain of heartbreak while showcasing Raye's vocal versatility and emotional range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines personal storytelling with smooth R&B production, though it follows familiar contemporary trends.
What we noticed
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies and shifts in dynamics, creating an engaging contrast between introspective verses and more energetic choruses.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album's themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- introspective storytelling journeys
- raw emotional exploration
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut studio album that established Raye's reputation and received significant attention.
- Career context
- My 21st Century Blues marks Raye's debut studio album, following her success as a featured artist on tracks like 'You Don't Know Me' and 'Secrets'. After years of navigating industry challenges, including disputes over her music release, this album represents her breakthrough moment as a solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jorja Smith· Brent Faiyaz· Tinashe
Tracklist
- 1 Introduction. 0:57
- 2 Oscar Winning Tears. Start here 3:03
- 3 Hard Out Here. 3:10
- 4 Black Mascara. 3:59
- 5 Escapism. 4:32
- 6 Mary Jane. 3:52
- 7 The Thrill Is Gone. 3:19
- 8 Ice Cream Man. 4:08
- 9 Flip a Switch. 3:21
- 10 Body Dysmorphia. 2:33
- 11 Environmental Anxiety. 3:14
- 12 Five Star Hotels. 3:24
- 13 Worth It. 4:06
- 14 Buss It Down. 2:37
- 15 Fin. 0:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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