O2 Ritz on Tuesday night felt like the gateway to the hottest ticket in town.
Touring her debut album My 21st Century Blues, this moment had been seven years in the making for Raye. With a live band, including a brass section, she performed the LP, which has barely been out a month, in full to a roaring audience.
Clad in a white dress, with her hair styled in a curly bob, Raye not only looked every part the superstar but she sounded it too. Oscar Winning Tears kicked off the set, with funky The Thrill Is Gone following up. Raye's vocals were simply stunning, exercised with true flair.
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While the singer has been known for dance tracks, including Bed with Joel Corry and You Don't Know Me with Jax Jones - which featured later on in the set - Raye has been on a remarkable journey to find her own sound. After a public falling out with her former record label, she went independent in 2021.
A viral TikTok track, her first ever number one single and a debut album later, Raye is now selling out shows - with another UK tour on the way later this year, including a Manchester gig in November which is already booked up. Despite her success, there were absolutely no airs and graces about Raye. She was incredibly humble, reminiscing about playing Gorilla across the road 'years ago' and dreaming of selling out the O2 Ritz.
From the sultry Five Star Hotel, to the very candid Mary Jane - a 'twisted love song' to addiction - Raye does not shy away from tough topics on My 21st Century Blues. Her raw, unfiltered lyricism paired with her musical talents reflects the highs and lows of life. 'It's the human experience,' Raye said, 'You can't be happy all the time.'
Stripping down to a white bra, briefs and socks, Raye was now both physically and emotionally vulnerable as she sang Body Dysmorphia. It was an incredibly empowering moment to witness; she really was facing up to her fears, with the 25-year-old admitting afterwards that she 'really does hate her body'. Ice Cream Man, written about sexual harassment, was next - which stung just as hard live as it did the first time hearing it.
Raye, from South London, spoke in between songs more than any other artist I've seen live. Regularly thanking fans for their support, her gratitude shone through. Passion emanated from every fibre of her being as she spoke of how it felt to be sharing 'super personal' songs she loved 'with her whole heart.'
Stepping out in a new white dress, Raye lifted the energy with Flip A Switch and 'sonic medicine' Black Mascara. An ode to her roots, Raye then sat behind a piano and played pared-back versions of her dance tracks, including Secrets by Regard - which went down swimmingly with long-time fans.
The singer let the crowd choose which of her earlier songs she should perform next, with Natalie Don't getting the biggest cheer. Inviting the band back to play, Raye said she wished she could fit a gospel choir on stage as she taught the audience the vocal hook to Buss It Down.
Closing the night, Escapism's thumping beat and soaring melodies rang out. Instantly recognisable, this is the track that cemented Raye's independence; it went viral on TikTok, gaining the singer more of the recognition she has been deserving of for a long, long time - and it landed at number one on the UK charts single earlier this year.
Integrity and talent epitomised, seeing Raye pour her heart out on stage was something special. It won't be long until she's selling out bigger stages, complete with her gospel choir.
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