RAYE: THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. What do we know?
British singer-songwriter RAYE has officially announced that her highly anticipated second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope, will be released on March 27, 2026.
The project follows her record-breaking debut, My 21st Century Blues, and marks a new era for the independent artist, who has described this record as "medicine" for both herself and her listeners.
A Concept of Four Seasons
The album features a unique structure, designed as a journey from "darkness to light". It is divided into four "seasons," with each of the four sides of the vinyl release representing a different season:
- Autumn: Focuses on "quick fixes" like alcohol or relationships to numb pain.
- Summer: Concludes the album as a celebratory "dance party".
- Overall Arc: RAYE has stated that while her debut was about helping herself, this album is about uplifting others.
Tracklist and Format
The album will include 17 songs. While the full tracklist remains unconfirmed, several key details have been revealed:
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Confirmed Tracks:
- "Where Is My Husband!": The lead single, which topped the UK charts in early January 2026.
- "Girl Under the Gray Cloud": The album's intro, described as dramatic and set in the streets of Paris.
- "I Will Overcome": The official first track, backed by a full orchestra.
- Potential Songs: Other tracks teased during live performances or in interviews include "A Working Class Lullaby," "The Winter Woman," and "Wicked World".
The Road to "Hope"
The creation of the album was nearly derailed in early 2025 when RAYE's car was stolen, containing her only physical copies of her songwriting books. Miraculously, the car and the books were recovered by police several months later, allowing her to finalize the record.
2026 Tour Details
To support the release, RAYE has already launched her "This Tour May Contain New Music" arena tour, which kicked off in Poland on January 22, 2026. The tour will include:
- Support Acts: RAYE is joined by two of her sisters, Absolutely (Abby) and Amma (Lauren), as separate opening acts.
- Key Venues: Highlights include six nights at London’s O2 Arena and sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
- Live Evolution: In an unusual move, RAYE is using the tour to refine unreleased tracks based on audience reactions before the album's March release.