Ravyn Lenae: Bird’s Eye Album Review
Ravyn Lenae’s sophomore album, ‘Bird’s Eye’, is a testament to her growth and evolution as an artist. Teaming up with renowned producer Dahi, Lenae embarks on a genre-blending journey that pushes the boundaries of traditional R&B. Her unique soprano vocals guide the listener through a landscape of experimental sounds, drawing from her evolving emotions and self-discovery. This album marks a deliberate shift from her debut, ‘Hypnos’, which had already established her as a versatile artist capable of blending different styles seamlessly. ‘Bird’s Eye’ takes this versatility to new heights, offering a more diverse range of sounds and themes.
The collaboration between Lenae and Dahi is a match made in musical heaven. Known for his work with Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and Drake, Dahi brings vibrant synths and sharp drums to Lenae’s ethereal style. The album opens with ‘Genius’, a track that sets the tone with its indie-pop sound and rhythm reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’. Lenae’s signature falsetto soars over the beat, creating a captivating start to the album. This track is just the beginning of an exploration into new and formless musical territories, as Lenae and Dahi pivot away from traditional R&B sounds.
One of the standout aspects of ‘Bird’s Eye’ is its ability to blend various genres while maintaining a cohesive narrative. The production includes elements of electro, pop, rock, and even hints of country music, as seen in the track ‘Days’. This song, with its Jimmy Buffett ‘Margaritaville’ feel, showcases Lenae’s willingness to experiment and take risks. The album’s lead singles, ‘Love is Blind’ and ‘Love Me Not’, further highlight her versatility, each offering a different genre and style. ‘Love is Blind’ captures a sense of loneliness with its retro pop sound, while ‘Love Me Not’ deals with conflicting feelings for an ex.
Lenae’s music is deeply contemplative, reflecting her journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. The track ‘One Wish’ is a poignant ballad addressing the absence of her father, featuring a guest appearance from Childish Gambino. This song is a raw and vulnerable portrayal of her teenage self and the struggles she faced due to her father’s absence. The album also delves into themes of love, grief, and self-doubt, with Lenae challenging her partners and loved ones to push past discomfort. ‘Pilot’, the penultimate track, explores feelings of doubt and the search for belonging, making it relatable to many listeners.
The quieter moments on ‘Bird’s Eye’ still manage to showcase Lenae’s expansive soprano vocals. Tracks like ‘Bad Idea’, featuring Ty Dolla $ign, and ‘Dream Girl’ with its smooth and sultry summer vibe, highlight her ability to command a song with her voice. The latter track features slick instrumentals and a bossa nova feel, thanks to the involvement of Janet Jackson’s producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. These collaborations add depth and variety to the album, making each track a unique listening experience.
Another notable track is ‘Candy’, which provides a tropical reggaeton sound that matches its simple lyrics about love. This song, along with ‘From Scratch’, which showcases opera influences, demonstrates Lenae’s ability to incorporate elements from various genres into her avant-garde R&B style. The Anderson .Paak co-write, ‘Love Me Not’, offers an indie-rock vibe and sees Lenae experimenting with new vocal styles. These tracks add to the album’s overall theme of emotional perspective, with Lenae sharing her thoughts and memories through imaginative songs.
‘Bird’s Eye’ is a transformative masterpiece that solidifies Lenae’s place as a pioneering artist in the R&B genre. It is a record that demands to be heard and recognized for its beauty and innovation. Lenae’s ability to push boundaries and defy expectations is evident throughout the album. While it could have been more cohesive, the album is a testament to Lenae’s personal growth and evolution as a musician. She is unafraid to take risks and push herself as an artist, making ‘Bird’s Eye’ a compelling and personal album.
The album’s title track, ‘Bird’s Eye’, showcases Lenae’s contemplative and introspective side. This song, along with others on the album, reflects her slow growth and overcoming anxieties around love, grief, and self-doubt. In her journey of self-discovery, Lenae challenges her partners and loved ones to push past discomfort. This theme of pushing boundaries and exploring new territories is a constant throughout the album, making it a fascinating listen from start to finish.
Despite receiving critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, Lenae has remained relatively unknown compared to her peers. However, ‘Bird’s Eye’ has the potential to change that. The album’s experimental nature and Lenae’s unique vocal style set her apart from other artists in the R&B genre. Her music is characterized by soft vocals and dreamy soundscapes, reminiscent of artists like Aaliyah and Billie Eilish. This combination of familiar and innovative elements makes ‘Bird’s Eye’ a standout album in Lenae’s discography.
Overall, ‘Bird’s Eye’ is a gift to listeners and showcases Lenae’s talent and potential to become a rising star in the music industry. Her ability to blend various genres and push the boundaries of traditional R&B is impressive, and her willingness to take risks sets her apart from other artists. This album is a testament to Lenae’s growth and evolution as a musician, and it is clear that she is on the way up in her career. ‘Bird’s Eye’ is a record that deserves to be heard and appreciated for its beauty and innovation.
In conclusion, Ravyn Lenae’s ‘Bird’s Eye’ is a boundary-pushing album that reflects her growth and evolution as an artist. The collaboration with Dahi has resulted in a genre-blending masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of traditional R&B. Lenae’s unique soprano vocals guide the listener through a landscape of experimental sounds, drawing from her evolving emotions and self-discovery. This album marks a deliberate shift from her debut, ‘Hypnos’, and takes her versatility to new heights. ‘Bird’s Eye’ is a compelling and personal album that showcases Lenae’s talent and potential to become a rising star in the music industry.