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KTC Music Report: RAYE shines bright on new album, CRYS offers fun on new single

If you care about music at all, we have a special treat for you this month.


The one and only RAYE released her highly-anticipated album, "This Music May Contain Hope." And it's everything we wanted and more.


March also delivered another landmark project that had fans across the world, myself included, waking up in the middle of the night to celebrate. And another popular British artist delivered some rap goodness.


But in between, there were a handful of inspirational singles that we were excited to see drop. Jorja Smith dropped her own awe-inspiring track. You know we love our British songstresses. We also have songs from Tramaine Long, Propaganda, and CRYS that brought reflection and fun.


Here is the Kick The Concrete Music Report:


RAYE — "This Music May Contain Hope." Album


We love RAYE. She is a true entertainer and storyteller and we are thrilled her album, "This Music May Contain Hope." is here! The lead single, "Where Is My Husband!" was all over TikTok last year before it was even officially released. Now that the album is out, RAYE shows her full range of artistry as she explores the emotional roller coaster of love and the pressures that come from her role as one of the top singers in the world.


The whole project is cinematic. It opens with "Intro: Girl Under The Grey Cloud" where RAYE sets the scene of a lonely girl dressing up going to a bar. "Beware.. The South London Lover Boy" is hilarious in how it serves as a jazzy warning against the "strange creature" that is utterly charming, but is a total player. "Life Boat" is a full blown dance track and is simply mesmerizing as it offers the hope that the title promises. Vocals from RAYE's grandmother, Agatha, are sprinkled throughout and help ground the project that can feel other-worldly.


RAYE is sometimes compared to the late great Amy Winehouse because of her gritty soulfulness. She addresses this on the haunting "I Will Overcome." where she scats, "I have black cat eyeglasses so I look chic as I cry/It's funny, some people say I remind them of Amy/Some spit through their keyboards I'll never amount/And the evil and insults, the arrows from your tongue is the same devils you tortured her with." It's clear RAYE feels the weight of her platform, but fans can find solace in her fierce determination to rise above.



Tramaine Long — "Father" Single


Blues is the genre of the moment after the success of "Sinners" and Tramaine Long put out a very soulful offering in the form of his latest single, "Father." It is a declaration of love for God the Father who offered His son, Jesus Christ, to bring redemption for all people. Long personalizes the message for himself in a way that powerfully draws the listener into their own moment of worship. The song is the lead single for Long's upcoming album, "Legendary II," which is due out May 8. It will be an extension of Long's "Rhythm & Gospel" sound and his heart to encourage listeners in their faith.



Jorja Smith — "Price Of It All" Single


Sign Jorja Smith up for the next Bond anthem! The soulful British singer gave us chills with the cinematic "Price Of It All" single for Riz Ahmed's new drama "Bait." The song is a reunion with songwriter Michael Stafford aka Maverick Sabre, who did "Slow Down" with her, an impeccable track. Well, "Price Of It All" starts off with a muffled minimalistic soundscape and then Smith woozily croons about protecting a lover until the dramatic hook. Wow.



Propaganda ft. Scarub — "Not In Danger" Single


Los Angeles rapper and poet Propaganda released a smooth boom-bap track that we very much appreciate. Propaganda asks when it's time to stop proving one's masculinity and Scarub from Living Legends also spits a thoughtful verse about what it means to be tough. This is the third single from Propaganda and ProducerTrentTaylor's upcoming album called "This Is Our Fellowship." We can't wait for more.



CRYS - "Momento" Single


CRYS is SO close to dropping her highly-anticipated album, "Nueva Era," which is due out April 3. To build some more momentum, she released the catchy single, "Momento." It's snappy and feel-good and comes with a video where her and a group of girls are just having fun on a pier. Definitely a vibe booster.



Central Cee — "All Roads Lead Home" EP


Another British gem for you, alright! Central Cee released a follow-up to his critically-acclaimed debut album, "Can't Rush Greatness" in the form of the "All Roads Lead Home" EP. There's a little bit of everything on the seven-track project. It opens with booming bass and reflective lyrics about Cench maintaining his position at the top of the rap game on "Iceman Freestyle." J Hus graces us with his presence on the bouncy "Slaughter." Then "Wagwan" offers something soft. There's lots of wordplay and pop culture references throughout and it's a good sampler if you need something motivational.



BTS — "ARIRANG" Album


You know at Kick The Concrete we pride ourselves on giving you hidden gems and not feeding into hype, but we have to share BTS' new album, "ARIRANG" with you. I woke up with my mom at 5 a.m. to watch their reunion show on Netflix and it was a reminder of how seriously talented they are. The album title is based on a Korean folk song and the overall concept of the album is how BTS is coming into their own blending Korean tradition with American trends. It's quite incredible.


The first half is high energy with mechanical soundscapes and throbbing bass lines provided by Mike Will Made-It, Diplo and Flume. RM led most of the writing and got assists from JPEGMAFIA and Teezo Touchdown, which is super cool. "Body to Body" and "Hooligan" feature airy vocals to balance out the hard-hitting beats. "FYA" will definitely go off in the club.


"No. 29" stands out as a significant cultural moment because it is 1:38 of the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok ringing. The bell is listed as No. 29 on Korea's Heritage Service's list of National Treasures. The intentionality and bold creative decision here is very commendable.


The second half is much smoother and shows a new vulnerable side to BTS. It explores love and intimacy in a way that shows the members have gone from boys to men in the time they've been away. The lead single, "Swim," has a trickling beat and an infectious hook. "Normal" is an honest look at a life of fame of fortune that was a standout at the reunion concert.


Overall, "ARIRANG" is a well-balanced project that shows BTS' growth as artists and as men.



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