music
Ravyn Lenae: Blue Island review
(Atlantic)Evoking an astonishing range of artists, the US singer follows up her huge hit Love Me Not with stylistic diversity – and lyrics that defy her doubters
TL;DR
- Ravyn Lenae's "Blue Island" album follows the viral success of her hit single "Love Me Not".
- The album demonstrates significant stylistic diversity, drawing inspiration from retro-soul, grunge, electronic music, and 90s R&B.
- Lenae's voice acts as a unifying element across the album's varied musical styles.
- Lyrics on "Blue Island" are interpreted as a response to online criticism regarding Lenae's identity and musical direction.
- The album features collaborations and inspirations from artists like Childish Gambino, Ty Dolla $ign, Rex Orange County, Santigold, Janet Jackson, Blondie, the Cranberries, the Sundays, and Martin Rev.
- Potential and Let Us In are highlighted as tracks where Lenae experiments with more adventurous sounds, including guitar noise and electronic rhythms.
- While most of the album is praised for its pop perfection and originality, a few tracks like "Reputation" and "Saturday Night" are noted as being less distinctive.
- The album is characterized as an original, idiosyncratic pop album that celebrates Lenae's artistic path rather than conforming to trends.