"THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE" A MASTERCLASS IN MAXIMALIST MUSIC

Aliyah Otchere

31 Mar 2026

Joshua Magazzu

“THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.” And that it does — Raye’s sophomore album has arrived and proves to be her best work yet. The brassy, abrasive, cinematic style of her body of work shines even among her pop-star peers. This music is different, it’s unique, it’s charismatic. It sets her in a lane of her own, and she is dominating it.

The album is split into four weather seasons, each acting as a chapter in Raye’s story. It is a bold structural choice that gives the record a natural sense of movement and progression — from darkness to light, from struggle to triumph. The seasons serve as more than a thematic device; they mirror the emotional arc of the album itself, making the listening experience feel intentional and deeply considered.

The production on this record is nothing short of God-tier. It feels like the soundtrack to a film that would sweep the Oscars — a dramatic backdrop for the story of her life. Starting with “Intro: Girl Under the Grey Cloud,” Raye sets the scene for the listener. From this moment on, we are met with storytelling so vivid it feels like you already know these stories, even on your first listen. The songwriting is raw, enigmatic, and powerful.

The album is big and grand, but what is most special to the listener is the authenticity. This is Raye unapologetically being herself, and she is clearly having fun. “I Will Overcome.” feels like an anthemic reminder of life’s tribulations, with Raye’s positivity at its core — acknowledging how far she has come, while recognising how far she has yet to go.

“WhatsApp Shakespeare.” (great song title) leans more trap in its delivery and production, a welcome change of pace on the record. There is a playfulness to it that shows another dimension of Raye as an artist; she is not afraid to experiment, and it pays off. The bridge evokes a sense of escapism, pulling you away from the weight of the album’s heavier moments.

Legendary composer Hans Zimmer appears on the album’s second single, “Click Clack Symphony.” The song builds over time in an impressive fashion, and Raye’s delivery is monumental. Set against Zimmer’s production, it is a match made in heaven. The song is about overcoming depression and facing adversity with the support of your girls — a true message of girlhood and empowerment.

“Life Boat” is a euphoric, cathartic dance song built around voice notes from Raye’s family and friends repeating “I’m not giving up yet” over an EDM-driven beat. It is an incredibly beautiful song, one that can meet people exactly when they need it most. This feels like the album’s title in full force.

“WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!,” the lead single from the record, dropped in September 2025. It is brassy, fun, and bombastic — arriving at a pivotal point in the album where Raye encourages us to dance and keep searching for hope.

We reach one of the most emotionally vulnerable songs on the record, “Fields ft Grandad Michael” It features Raye’s grandfather, and in the lyrics, she sings directly to him, looking back on her life, reflecting, yearning for more time with him, and wondering how she has grown up so fast. It is emotive, introspective, and deeply personal. Seeing this level of vulnerability from a star of Raye’s calibre is truly admirable.

“Joy ft Absolutely and Amma” is every sense of the word. The song features Raye’s two sisters, and it is pure gospel — the feeling of a church on a Sunday morning, the sun streaming in, everyone in their Sunday best, dancing in unison, chasing that one feeling: joy. If you are not out of your seat dancing like you are in a church choir, you are not listening right.

“Happier Times Ahead” is pure jazz — mid-tempo, wholesome, and deeply content. The lyrics once again reflect the album’s title and theme: finding hope and looking forward. While acknowledging that life is hard, it reminds us that we only get one shot at it and to enjoy every moment. That, really, is the crux of the record as a whole.

“Fin” closes the record in the most fitting way imaginable — like the final scene of a Disney film. It is wholesome, sweet, and hopeful. Before Raye delivers her own credits on the track, she leaves us with one final message of hope. A perfect ending.

Raye was born to be a star, and this record proves it. Everything happens for a reason — and with this album, she is not just carrying on a genre legacy, she is redefining it for a completely new generation. This is the sound of an artist fully realised, at the peak of her powers, with plenty more still to come.

This album is a masterpiece.

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️