I presume Rachel Keen was a happy girl when she signed a record deal with a major record label at the age of 17. Alas, after releasing single after single (with some big hits among them), the label wouldn’t let her release a debut album. And even in 2022, that’s most artists’ big dream. It was Raye’s, anyway.

After addressing this matter via her socials and subsequently parting ways with the label, she’s now an independent artist again. The whole story landed her much goodwill and support, but in the end it comes down to releasing good songs. Well, Raye hasn’t disappointed.

This week, she releases not one, but two singles. Escapism (feat. 070 Shake) is the kind of modern-sounding pop song we’ve come to expect from the singer. The other one is my favourite, however. The Thrill Is Gone has soulful horns and funky arrangements. It was recorded live, with no autotune and no overdubs. Despite it being about the dying spark, it’s an uplifting sounding song. Could’ve been an Amy Winehouse track, but it’s very much a Raye tune.

Oh, and as far as her debut album is concerned: the record, titled My 21^st Century Blues, will be out on 3 February 2023.

The Thrill Is Gone by Raye is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.

Recommended as well:
Love Of Your Life
Natalie Don’t

Follow Raye on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

In the Wildcards 2022 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.