RAVEN | KELELA
2.10.23: Raven is the second studio album by American singer and songwriter Kelela, who is known for her fusion of R&B, ambient pop, breakbeat, and 2-step. The album was released on February 10, 2023, by Warp Records, six years after her acclaimed debut album Take Me Apart. Raven is the result of Kelela’s exploration of her identity as a Black femme in dance music, and her affirmation of that perspective in the face of systemic erasure. The album features collaborations with various producers and artists, such as Mike Campbell, Sharon Van Etten, Lucius, LSDXOXO, Bambii, Kaytranada, Junglepussy, and Rahrah Gabor.
The album consists of 15 tracks that showcase Kelela’s versatility and creativity as a vocalist and songwriter. The songs range from atmospheric and introspective ballads to pulsing and catchy dance anthems. The album also reflects Kelela’s personal and political experiences, such as her struggles with isolation, addiction, loss, love, and empowerment. The album was preceded by five singles: “Washed Away”, “Happy Ending”, “On the Run”, “Contact”, and “Enough for Love”.
One of the highlights of the album is the title track, “Raven”, which is a soaring and triumphant song that celebrates Kelela’s resilience and rebirth. She sings over a lush and layered production that features strings, piano, harp, and drums. She compares herself to a raven, a symbol of transformation and wisdom in many cultures. She sings: “I’m a raven in the sky / I’m a raven in your eye / I’m a raven in your mind / I’m a raven all the time”.
Another standout track is the ninth track, “Lydia”, which is a powerful and emotional song about women’s rights and bodily autonomy. The song was inspired by seeing a women’s health clinic in Vancouver while on tour years ago. It tells the story of a woman named Lydia who decides to have an abortion despite facing stigma and judgment from society. The song features an acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment, and it expresses Kelela’s empathy and solidarity with Lydia and other women in similar situations.