Raye sets and breaks all expectations at knockout London O2 Arena show

Six BRIT awards, six sold-out O2 Arena shows - if you have never heard of Raye, then where have you been?

The 28-year-old has written for artists including Zara Larsson, Charli XCX, and even Beyonce - now, she embarks on the Europe and North America tour for her second album This Music May Contain Hope and created a mini-residency in London.

A night in concert with Raye, as I was treated to on Monday, March 2, promised more than just two hours of singing - “dramatic endings”, “at least one jazz cover”, and a “night club segment” are all billed in the tour’s promotional poster.

The night began with her hit single ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’ before playing upbeat R&B inspired songs from her first album, My 21st Century Blues. From the moment she stepped on stage, her star quality was clear.

With a dazzling smile, she told us that she’s dramatic, shared an anecdote about a time she played Monopoly Live and was stunned when she saw a young boy wearing a sparkly red jacket with her name on it.

We followed Raye to her jazz club where she performed her newest single ‘Nightingale Lane’ as well as the promised jazz cover - Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me To The Moon’. This was not only where the band shone, but where Raye wowed too.

Her vocals and delivery in ‘Nightingale Lane’ were reminiscent of the crescendo at the end of a first musical act - passionate, captivating, breathtaking.

Fans of Raye will know how personal her songs can be, covering experiences like addiction, body dysmorphia, and sexual assault. Her ballad ‘Ice Cream Man’, performed alone on the piano with the band concealed behind a curtain, was a testament to her songwriting and performing abilities.

After getting a taste of some new songs that are yet to be released, the night ended with a rave featuring dance hits ‘Prada’, ‘Escapism’, and even 2016 breakout single with Jax Jones, ‘You Don’t Know Me’.

Raye’s songs are eclectic, as she takes listeners on an emotional journey through the landscapes of R&B, pop, dance, soul, and jazz. With her, we navigate heartbreak and hope whether listening to her live in concert or through your headphones on the train.

One thing is certain though, Raye doesn’t just meet expectations for gigs - she sets them anew. And the bar is high.

Raye’s upcoming album This Music May Contain Hope will be released on 27 March.