First Time Hearing: RAYE - My 21st Century Blues | Full Album Reaction

[@darkloverMusic]

Raye was always diminished by her old record label and disregarded and minimized to only a feature for well-known DJs, they did not allow her to make an album even though her contract states she can do an album, and 2 years ago she left the label and became an independent artist, and finally debuts her first ever album which discusses her raw life, from her drug abuse/addiction to heartbreak to sexual abuse and assault, to her own insecurities and mental health. I've been a fan of Raye for a while now and this album truly embodies her persona and her heritage and ethnicity (she's British, Swiss, and Ghanaian). She is compared to Amy Winehouse so you're right about that. Also hard out here is about her old label record. And black mascara is about a horrible experince she had, where her partener at the time whom she loved and trusted, spiked her drink at a bar for sexual intentions, so its pretty deep considering the dance beat she used. Raye is known as one of the greatest song writer, she wrote for beyonce and many great singers. You should check out the music videos for the singles, it'll help you understand her story even more. Also love your reaction and you're such a cool vibe!!

[@ashlenamusic]

Thank you so much for this comment as I know nothing about her. This is a real eye opener. I will definitely go check out her in more detail!

[@waiyeec6829]

They signed her to 4 albums in fact as a teenager but wouldn't let her release even 1.

[@ashlenamusic]

@@waiyeec6829 that sucks

[@ElBelle333]

So happy you found Raye. I love her so much and have had to wait for months for this album to come out. It was so worth the wait!!!!

[@ashlenamusic]

I am so happy I found Raye too!! Can’t wait to see her blow up!

[@emilfaltin]

I saw raye live once and she just sounds amazing!! She was one of the opening acts for khalid!!

[@ashlenamusic]

NO WAY!!!!! So they know eachother. They need to make a song together

[@arctic_pia]

damn i also went into listening to this album, without knowing anything about raye or her music besides escapism & was not only shocked, but blown away by the storytelling of this album! I'm already obsessed, like are yall hearing this? this deserves so much recognition! Was looking for reactions to the album, but there aren't a lot. loved seeing your first impressions, nice reaction! :)

[@ashlenamusic]

Thanks for watching!! I’m so excited to see how big this album becomes. She’s amazing.

[@gabidauwalder]

SAME 💌🙌🏽

[@HHSFr]

Raye is a pure raw talent. Ice cream man will be remember. As she will. One love from France.

[@ashlenamusic]

I love Ice Cream Man. Such a beautiful song

[@AthollMills]

Funny that you mentioned Khalid and Raye on a song because she actually opened for him on his last tour in the UK! RAYE is such an amazing artist and I’m so glad so many new people are finding her ❤

[@ashlenamusic]

UGH crazy. I need a song with both of them NOW.

[@bhamgatsby]

You can tell the EP she released before this was with a record label…. There is still the great lyrics & she just makes stellar music on period. But you can tell that it’s been processed to be more mainstream & doesn’t take any chances….still go listen to Euphoric Sad Songs cause it’s a no skip as well. So just mix both albums together!!

[@ashlenamusic]

Can’t wait to do a first reaction to it!

[@laura-leemacrae4639]

I said she gave me modern day Amy Winehouse vibes... I'm glad you hit on that. I listen to Escapism every day... It's my jam. Ice cream man hits me hard, for anyone who has endured SA , tears flow, I belt it out... It's so powerful. This world needed Raye ❤️

[@ashlenamusic]

I 100% agree. She is needed. We need more voices like her. Especially with how brave she is

[@arabzmembers]

I LOVE HER SHE MAKES ME CRY WHEN I HEAR HER VOICE

[@ashlenamusic]

Legit got emotional at the end ♥️

[@dimitrieur]

Your reaction is by far my fav from all these reactions on the album wow ! U have such a nice vibe around u

[@ashlenamusic]

Aww that’s so nice thank you

[@seanfernandez5723]

there are big projects she also wrote! EUPHORIC SAD SONGS is completely different from this record but check it too.

[@ashlenamusic]

I have it on my channel go check it out!

[@geeavin8665]

most of my favorite singers are from the UK 😭 LITTLE MIX, RAYE, ANNE MARIE, ZARA LARSSON (actually not from the UK), DUA LIPA, MABEL, RINA, ELLA HENDERSON, BECKY HILL and many more

[@ashlenamusic]

LOVE that! I love love love Ella Henderson. I used the song "Yours" to walk down the isle at my wedding!

[@TwistedXMatt]

yesss welcome to RAYE’s world! your reaction was so fun to watch and you loving it all made it even better! so happy you appreciated the variety and fell in love instantly ♥️ legend!

[@ashlenamusic]

I am definitely in her world. She is phenomenal!

[@oc5939]

Phenomenal artist and incredible collection of work. Raye is once in a lifetime type talent. 💕

[@ashlenamusic]

Agreed! So proud that she is going on tour with SZA

[@quanganhle6148]

I came across one video of hers once on social media. I think it's a video about her looking like Amy Winehouse. But I didn't really care. And then last Monday, late at night, I accidentally got recommended by KZbin her live performance of Oscar-winning tears at the Royal Albert Hall. I was blown away. My jaw dropped. The next day, I dug into her album AND the live album. I fell in love with her. Obsessed. I actually was at work listening to her and working and almost broke into tears. I loved it when you said you were thankful that you listened to this album. I think that compliment is the best to be given. Thank you! Have a nice day! I can't fucking wait for her next project.

[@ashlenamusic]

Looooove this so glad you listened to it

[@uranus_crunch_cake87]

I found Raye when the song "love of your life" popped up in a random Playlist. I liked it and checked out her other stuff. She's so good. 🔥

[@ashlenamusic]

It’s the best when that happens!

[@guesswhoishere7156]

Please, react to Euphoric Sad Songs by Raye, that album is full of bangers. It’s an EP, but it sort of counts as the OG album, but this M21cb is the official debut album.

[@ashlenamusic]

I definitely will!

[@kimmcdonald284]

Watching you fall in love with Raye is incredible. I've watched your other Raye videos where you're already in love...but this is priceless!!! 😊

[@ashlenamusic]

Aww thank you! She’s just phenomenal and I’m glad I found her when I did 🥹

[@itsfaith1403]

I think this album & Masego’s self titled album that just came out are both album of 2023 I refuse to choose one 🤣✨🔥💐 they are both amazing & creative in their own unique way & I would love to see them collaborate

[@ashlenamusic]

I gotta check out that album!

[@itsfaith1403]

@@ashlenamusic I would love to see your reaction ✨

[@SoshiStars]

LOVEDD you’re reaction I had the same reaction when I heard it

[@ashlenamusic]

Love that!

[@Alice_in_artsupply_hoarderland]

Omg! I love this music!!! I have never even heard of RAYE!! Thank you so much for introducing me to her 🥰

[@ashlenamusic]

It's so good! Glad you’re enjoying it

[@renatosvieira]

Thank you for this video. Was amazing stay with you in this reaction. I was a litte down, now im in such a better mood. I´m trully in love with this album, i was a fan of raye before, but now shes on another level!! You should check her old songs too, its a different vibe but incredible as well. Lots of love!

[@ashlenamusic]

Glad I could make you smile!

[@adougl22]

So lovely to see you hear her for the 1st time. It’s masterpiece.

[@ashlenamusic]

It really is!

[@raphael7357]

I really liked your commentary! I just found her too and she got me starstrucked!

[@ashlenamusic]

Yassss love that

[@robertchoinski5692]

I completely agree! This is phenomenal ✨

[@ashlenamusic]

Such an epic album

[@NagusJJP]

Preach

[@ashlenamusic]

🤘🏽

[@itsfaith1403]

This is her debut album ✨💕

[@tanomejia9156]

You should do reactions to some of her music videos. She is an absolute artist in all aspects of her music including her videos. The Black Mascara video is so good

[@ashlenamusic]

I definitely want to!

[@jamesholt8116]

You have to listen to her Euphoric Sad Songs project - its phenomenal

[@ashlenamusic]

Definitely saving that to review this weekend!

[@roulettesable]

Second this. Change Your Mind is prob one of my favourite songs ever!

[@mrzaragoza9369]

Mary Jane is eeeeeveerything , such powerful progressive song

[@ashlenamusic]

I’ve been listening to that and Ice Cream Man non stop.

[@SeanWarren]

I listened to the album on Friday, February 3rd, never heard of her before that day--I have been listening to the album non-stop!! She deserves to break through in America. All of her lyrics are saying something.

[@ashlenamusic]

Totally agree! I need to see her in concert so I hope she comes to Canada

[@merlincentralmerlinsounds5698]

@@ashlenamusic she acc has 2 tours next year I am pretty sure Canada has dates!

[@ashlenamusic]

@@merlincentralmerlinsounds5698 ugh just checked her show is sold out.

[@SeanWarren]

@@ashlenamusic I live in Washington, DC and I found out last Friday that she is coming to DC in May and the show is sold out. She is opening for Kali Uchis.

[@americahasaproblem]

the way I react like u when I heard flip a switch the first time, now I can’t stop listening 😭😭😭

[@ashlenamusic]

It’s legit such a JAM

[@angelofernandopulle9688]

RAYE actually was the opening act for Khalid's tour in London a few years ago!!1 I would love a Collab

[@ashlenamusic]

Let’s manifest it! It’ll happen one day!

[@lucas-bw9ny]

love this videoooo! this album is insane 🫶🏽 raye deserves a grammy so much!!!

[@ashlenamusic]

Looking forward to her winning best new artist next year!

[@habboscammers7131]

recently found out about her as well. im glad to be one of your first 500 subs!

[@ashlenamusic]

Amazing! Welcome to the Raye fan club and thank you for subscribing!

[@jbay1845]

Your comment about Taylor Swift and the Grammy's... oh the foreshadowing! It is literally criminal that she did not even get nominated for a Grammy. It legit has me convinced that they ignored this entirely, just so Taylor Swift could have this 'record' win of winning album of the year most number of times to her name. Which sounds crazy but honestly. If Raye's album was in contention or had proper attention in the US it'd have blown TS out of the water.

[@ashlenamusic]

Truth

[@Shantellywashington]

Just subscribed I'm obsessed with your energy ✨️ Thank you for the reaction I really enjoyed feeling like you were in my company ❤️

[@ashlenamusic]

Thank you!! Xx

[@jolena1142]

You should check out her live performane of black mascara!! I was speechless i promise u

[@ashlenamusic]

Can’t wait to check out everything she’s done!

[@damiendalgaard5524]

You gotta check out "MORTHE NATURE" by Raye with HANS ZIMMER. its a f-in experience

[@alemic5354]

I hope your channel will grow and you will be able to write more bc you said its your passion !!! Have a nice day

[@ashlenamusic]

Aww thank you so much that's so sweet xx

[@bhamgatsby]

This album is perfection for a debut. I love & like every song. There are only 2 that won’t be on repeat…… Black Mascara is my fav single & my low key obsession is Flip A Switch & 5 ⭐️ Hotels….

[@ashlenamusic]

Same! Black mascara has been on repeat! I am also in love with those 3 songs!

[@geeavin8665]

new subscriber here ❤ thank you for the reaction

[@ashlenamusic]

Thank you for subscribing!

[@Hundhammer]

❤❤❤

[@coadyt.benett2678]

She wrote Beyonce Bigger of the Lion king's Album...you should check out that song from Beyonce and look at Raye Pen 🖊️ game

[@ashlenamusic]

You have no idea the extent of research I have planned this week hahaha thank you I will xx

[@andgar923]

I was about to say she’s a modern day Amy and then you mentioned it. I see Amy, Billie Eillish, Massive Attack, influences, along with old school hip hop.

[@ashlenamusic]

She’s epic no?

[@andgar923]

@@ashlenamusic Yes. It's a very adult album, the compositions, the production the writing, everything hits on point. I love music that is unpredictable. You never know what's gonna happen here. I know this will get hate, but this is better than SZA. This album is criminally overlooked but deserves to be heralded like SZA's was. It's a shame.

[@billydeguzman8985]

what a great video!!

[@ashlenamusic]

Thank you!

[@AustinAshburn]

❤️❤️❤️

[@marlonvinicius3536]

I loved this reaction

[@darkloverMusic]

Would love to see your reaction to Tove lo's Album "Dirt Femme" and Melanie Martinez's "Afterschool", Both are great songwriters and musical geniuses.

[@ashlenamusic]

I’m actually obsessed with tove lo’s dirt femme album. I know every song by heart. I’m seeing her on Feb 14!

[@darkloverMusic]

@@ashlenamusic Oh wow, I had a feeling that you would be interested in her, Have fun at the concert!!

[@ashlenamusic]

@@darkloverMusic thanks. Have been a big fan since queen of the clouds :)

[@rosegold8220]

@raye pleeease seee this

[@dylan10000]

what a lovely video! ;)

[@ashlenamusic]

Thank you!

[@franckthibault2521]

She's great!!!

[@ashlenamusic]

Ugh I looooove her

[@jakepinto1347]

You are my new favorite reaction channel lol you have the best vibes

[@ashlenamusic]

You’re my favourite ♥️

[@coadyt.benett2678]

She's Fvkin good ❤️

[@ashlenamusic]

So Fvkin good!!!!!

[@digicey]

Reminds of Christina’s “stripped” album in Oscar Winning Tears ❤️❤️

[@ashlenamusic]

YES exactly!

[@Ander13]

Call me carzy but i’m listening to this album every day from February 3, 2023 till today. Love Raye 🎵

[@ashlenamusic]

She’s the best

[@yiuqwfj]

Found it! 😁 I found my way here after I've watched your vinyl opening. But why do you listen on spotify when you got a nice vinyl record? I've never heard of Raye; she sounds a bit like Ariana Grande to me. I like the harmonic richess, stylistic variety and production of this album. Overall a good balance. Definitely also good music to vibe to. The only thing that I don't like so much is the excessive use of auto-tune, but everybody does that nowadays.

[@ashlenamusic]

You should watch her live it’s insane what she can do with her voice. And because I would have to use a mic to input the audio from the vinyl. Most audio I listen to is in FLAC

[@itsfaith1403]

You should definitely check out Masego - Studying Abroad Extended Stay EP 💕🎷✨🔥💐 it’s also a masterpiece As far as this album 🥰✨🔥💐🤯 I’m in love I refuse to choose a favorite song

[@ashlenamusic]

Love that! I feel like my favorite song changes as I continue to listen to the album. I’ll look into that thanks!

[@szumaktv4038]

Please !!! You have to react to Aurora !!! The Gods We can touch album and why not other ones.

[@ashlenamusic]

I will xx

[@alex.garces]

20:52 CRIMINAL OFFENSIVE SIDE EYE

[@romaane23011]

you should react to the tiny desk concert of raye

[@ashlenamusic]

I did! Tiny desk blocks all reactions :( it’s on my Patreon for free! www.patreon.com/posts/92088787?

[@romaane23011]

Oh okay !! I just discovered your channel, it's actually 5am rn in France and im doing a little late night concert in my bedroom and I love your reactions of RAYE hehe

[@ashlenamusic]

Awww thanks so much! Are you on rayes discord??

[@romaane23011]

@@ashlenamusic No i wasn’t but you made me join it lol so i am in it now ! i actually never use discord so it took a while to understand how it works

[@ashlenamusic]

Haha don’t worry it took me weeks to figure it out! See you on her discord!

[@sayjanu1704]

oscar winning tears the best

[@ashlenamusic]

Such a jam!

[@sayjanu1704]

@@ashlenamusic I can see right through your (tears)

[@ashlenamusic]

Haha 🥹🥹

[@innesdarrel]

PLEASE IF u like raye u need to get on miraa mays album tales of a miracle ...she's a new u k star and her album has feautures from the best UK females including raye on the single go girl ..(at least check out go girl video ) you are welcome in advance xx love this reaction.. love from London

[@ashlenamusic]

Yasssss I’ll film my reaction this week! Love finding new artists.

[@innesdarrel]

@@ashlenamusic cant wait x

[@kimbadagr8_]

React to her live performances they be giving Amy Winehouse🥴🥴🥴🥺🥺 and i love how she does acoustic genuine performances she sings more classically but im sure by now you seen some

[@ashlenamusic]

I reacted to her Royal Albert hall performance and I’ve seen her live! She is magical

[@kimbadagr8_]

@@ashlenamusic ooou bett im Finna binge watch😭 i enjoy your channel cant wait to see you grow more & im glad i found it🫶🏽

[@angelofernandopulle9688]

listen toooo RAYE- SIDE TAPE its her old EP

[@ashlenamusic]

I will! Might do a reaction video to it!

[@geeavin8665]

please react to LITTLE MIX albums

[@ashlenamusic]

I need to!

[@lucas-bw9ny]

hii, can u react to The Lead EP by FLO? its a upcoming black r&b girlgroup from the uk!!! its SO good!

[@ashlenamusic]

I’ll check it out thanks!!

[@alemic5354]

@@ashlenamusic yes its so good

[@qwerty12377789]

This album is the best that I heard for the last 20 years

[@ashlenamusic]

RIGHT????

[@ig.trishh]

bro is it just me or u look like beyonce?

[@ashlenamusic]

I definitely do not. 😂😂😂