Albums, particularly debut albums, often have an autobiographical element to them. Not necessarily in a lyrical way, although of course that can be the case, but given that a debut album will be the first time the artist in question has had the chance to express who they are musically, rather than following someone else’s script, you can learn a loit about who they are through such formative longer-player releases.
So it is with Debo Ray‘s eponymous album, 10 songs that musically hold a mirror up to her sonic journey, one that has taken her from church choirs to grand opera halls, classical conservetoires to compositional training to from international jazz festival stages, and now, to a space where she can use all those experiences and influences to create a sound that is all her own.
And it is most definitly a sound of her own, sure, you can hear familiar elements, recognisable sounds and established styles – R ‘n’ B grooves, pop infectiousness, soulful licks and afrobeat boyancy – but there are plenty of unexpected sonics too – washes of classical strings, funky bass energies, hip-hop infusions and gospel finesse.
“Tell Me What You Want” is the perfect blend of contemporary pop and funky R&B rhythms to kick things off, but don’t expect the same template to be followed throughout. Anything but. “Money” runs on a cool Latin vibe, “Feelin’ Lucky” builds a bridge between classic soul and modern pop, and “The Blame Game” blends hip-hop grooves with soul moves.
If by the time the last song comes around, Debo Ray’s impressive vocal range hasn’t already bowled you over, and if it hasn’t, then you haven’t been paying attention, “Take That’s” balladic grace will leave you in no doubt that you have just witnessed a powerful new force in music.
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