R&B-pop music sensation RAYE returned to the Citi Concert Series on Thursday, August 20. Currently supporting Bruno Mars on The Romantic Tour, the British singer took the time to perform on the TODAY Plaza before playing four days at MetLife Stadium.
RAYE is a radiant classical performer. Barefoot, yet dressed in a floor-length gown and backed by a big band in tuxedos, her timeless look pairs perfectly with her powerful, soulful voice. She seamlessly combines jazz and blues with alternative pop, spanning decades of beloved music in one show. Most known for her songs “Escapism.” (featuring 070 Shake) and “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, the singer-songwriter played hit tracks off of her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, for her second TODAY Show appearance.
Besides “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!,” this performance consisted of deep cuts from the album. She chose to play tracks beloved by her fans rather than just well-known singles. RAYE prerecorded “Skin & Bone.” for TODAY’s Third Hour. Known for its addictive beginning call and repeat, “Skin & Bone.” was the perfect ease in for her Citi Concert.
“Beware..The South London Lover Boy.,” brought a theatrical flair to the Plaza. Complete with synchronized dancing (which even included wrapping microphone chords between the singer and her backup dancers), and a touring member playing the esteemed role of The South London Lover Boy, the performance was bright and filled with energy in the early morning hours.
RAYE’s third song was “Goodbye Henry.” – a slow, romantic sad song about wishing love and happiness on a parting lover. Her impressive vocals shined as she told the sad tale through narrative talk-singing and varying key changes.
Smash hit “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” brought the fun to Rockefeller Plaza. The singer effortlessly moved in tandem with her backing singers, performing their hand choreography as a trio. Stylizing the song’s ending by mixing it with Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown,” the hit had the whole crowd dancing along, belting the bridge while RAYE motioned that she’d “like a diamond ring on [her] wedding finger.”
The concert ended with a parting gift – “Happier Times Ahead.,” a R&B ballad about holding onto faith when in a mentally dark place. The singer preaches to hold onto happier times because hardships don’t last forever, a personal narrative RAYE explored throughout her second album.
RAYE is set to play in the UK for Leeds Festival on August 27 and Reading Festival on August 29, before she returns to open for Bruno Mars throughout the U.S. until mid-October.
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