RAYE has revealed details of her highly anticipated second studio album, titled 'This Music May Contain Hope', set for release on March 27. The project follows her breakthrough debut 'My 21st Century Blues' and builds on the success of her recent single 'Where Is My Husband!'. She described the album as a comforting 'hug' for listeners navigating tough times.
British singer RAYE announced her sophomore album 'This Music May Contain Hope' on January 22, marking a significant step since her debut 'My 21st Century Blues' in 2023. That record earned her the British Album of the Year at the BRIT Awards, along with Mercury Prize and MOBO nominations, and made her the first artist to win six BRIT Awards in a single year. It also secured two 2025 Grammy nominations for best new artist and songwriter of the year, non-classical.
The new album, released via Human Re Sources, arrives on March 27 and is structured across four 'seasons', with each side of the vinyl edition representing a different one. RAYE explained her vision in a statement: "Music is medicine, I’ve always said that. I guess I’m in the process of making medicine for myself that I can share with the world. I want us all to say to ourselves that it’s going to be all right, and I’m going to have faith in the seeds that I’ve planted beneath the snow. I wanted to create something that is a hug, bed or soft place for that person who needs it."
This follows the September 2025 release of 'Where Is My Husband!', a Mike Sabath-produced track blending jazz and soul-pop elements with brass band influences. The single topped the UK charts and reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, RAYE's highest-peaking solo entry to date. From her debut, 'Ice Cream Man' has been selected for the 2026 Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award, praised by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. for its bravery.
RAYE's extensive tour began on January 22 in Lodz, Poland, and includes dates in Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, and six sold-out nights at London's O2 Arena (February 26-27, March 1-2, and May 19-20). She will also perform at New York's Radio City Music Hall (April 15-16) and Los Angeles' Greek Theatre (May 12-13), with support from her sisters Absolutely and AMMA. Additionally, she joins Bruno Mars as a special guest for 27 US stadium shows this summer. At the February 1 Grammys, her concert film 'Live At The Royal Albert Hall' competes in the best music film category.
Fans faced delays after RAYE revealed in late 2024 that notebooks of new material were stolen from her car, but she emphasized the album's live-inspired feel: "I don’t want this album to feel like it was made in a studio. I want it to feel like it was informed by the live experience." Later this year, she headlines Reading & Leeds 2026 alongside Fontaines D.C., Florence + The Machine, DAVE, Charli XCX, and Chase & Status.
