Raven
Kelela · 2023
62 min · 15 tracks · electronic music
Ethereal vocal layers blend seamlessly with experimental electronic production, creating an immersive sonic landscape that feels both intimate and expansive.
Top tracks — play these first
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Happy Ending — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core, exploring themes of love and acceptance through a lush arrangement that highlights Kelela's vocal prowess.
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Missed Call — With its pulsating beats and introspective lyrics, this track represents the intersection of vulnerability and strength, showcasing Kelela's unique storytelling ability.
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Divorce — The raw honesty of this song confronts the complexities of relationships with a haunting melody that perfectly complements the lyrical content.
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Closure — A standout moment on the album, this track employs minimalist production to create an intimate space for reflection, revealing Kelela's introspective side.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Raven showcases Kelela's growth with intricate production and ethereal vocals, creating a unique blend of R&B and electronic elements.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering vocals and synths to create a dense atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in tempo and texture, such as 'Contact' which transitions from ambient soundscapes to a more rhythmic pulse.
- The final three tracks slow down significantly, using sparse instrumentation to create a reflective mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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 emotional exploration throughout
- mesmerizing late-night listening experience
- intimate moments of reflection
- gradual development of themes
- soothing soundscapes for solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Raven marks Kelela's return after a five-year hiatus following her acclaimed debut, Take Me Apart. This album showcases her evolution as an artist, marrying alternative R&B with avant-garde electronic elements while also reflecting her personal growth during this period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- FKA twigs· Janelle Monáe· SZA
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Happy Ending
The chorus shifts from uncertainty to a resolute affirmation of self-love and acceptance.
This transition not only underscores the personal journey within the album but also serves as a powerful statement about resilience.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Washed Away 3:36
- 2 Happy Ending 4:09
- 3 Let It Go 4:23
- 4 On the Run 4:53
- 5 Missed Call 3:51
- 6 Closure 3:29
- 7 Contact 4:01
- 8 Fooley 3:34
- 9 Holier 4:14
- 10 Raven 4:36
- 11 Bruises 4:15
- 12 Sorbet 5:29
- 13 Divorce 3:22
- 14 Enough for Love 4:26
- 15 Far Away 4:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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