Raye at the Royal Albert Hall (film)

**Raye at the Royal Albert Hall**, sometimes stylized as **RAYE at the Royal Albert Hall.**, is the first concert film by British singer-songwriter and producer, Rachel Keen, famously known as RAYE. It was recorded on the iconic London venue, Royal Albert Hall, on the show of September 26, 2023.

## Background

On the 3rd of February, 2023, Keen's long-awaited full debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues., was released.. Critically acclaimed by music experts, the record took the listener into a fifteen-track cinematic journey that showed vulnerable and honest lyrics accompanied with a wide music versatility including songs such as global hit, "Escapism.", as well as jazz influenced track, "Worth It.". With the project out in the world, the artist embarked herself on a world tour of the same name, reaching cities on North America, Oceania, Europe and United Kingdom

Almost two months later, it was announced that the singer would have a show at the Royal Albert Hall, which would make a "live album" out of the original project.

“*An invitation to the show of my DREAMSSS... for one night only. My 21st Century Blues "The Live Album Recording". One Night in London at the Royal Albert Hall on the 26th September. Gesturing majestic Orchestral and Gospel Choir accompaniment performing the album back to front. Come and melt with me. Lots of love, Raye.* ”
―through social media
The live album was released under the name of My 21st Century Symphony on October 16, 2023.

## Critical reception

Sophie Walker, from *The Guardian*, called the concert "a triumphant act of independence and naked ambition", highlighting that "the orchestra bleeds into Raye’s south London DNA, bringing the inherent drama of her music into sharp relief".  While, Neil McCormick, from *The Telegraph* called the singer "the most talented artist since Adele and Amy Winehouse". He added that "Raye was free to sing with jazzy exuberance, scatting on delicate high notes like Ella Fitzgerald and holding on to long notes with a lung power to rival Shirley Bassey".

The show received a five-star review from both *The Guardian* and *The Telegraph*.

## Credits

The following list has been taken from BBC One's official programme website and the IMDb page for the film.

Performer: RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra (conducted by Tom Richards), Flames Collective (choir), Anna Lapwood (organist)

Editor: Tim Woolcott

Producer: Paul Dugdale (exec.), Stefan Demetriou (exec.), Amy James

Director: Paul Dugdale

Cinematography: James Rhodes

Production Company: Aldgate Pictures

## Other links

* *My 21st Century Symphony* on RAYE Wiki

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "RAYE at the Royal Albert Hall" on BBC One.
2. ↑ "RAYE" on Royal Albert Hall.
3. ↑ "My 21st Century Blues." by RAYE on Apple Music
4. ↑ "My 21st Century Blues." by RAYE review. *Metacritic*.
5. ↑ "My 21st Century Blues." by RAYE review. *The Guardian*.
6. ↑ "My 21st Century Blues." by RAYE review. *Pitchfork*.
7. ↑ "My 21st Century Blues." by RAYE review. *NME*.
8. ↑ "My 21st Century Blues." by RAYE review. *DIY Mag*.
9. ↑ https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/hot-100-first-timers-raye-070-collab-global-hit-escapism-1235185986/
10. ↑ "Worth It. (Live at the Royal Albert Hall) - Single" by RAYE on Apple Music.
11. ↑ RAYE on Instagram.
12. ↑ https://twitter.com/raye/status/1650549541953843220
13. ↑ "My 21st Century Symphony (with The Heritage Orchestra)" by RAYE on Apple Music.
14. ↑ Sophie Walker, "Raye review – a triumphant act of independence and naked ambition". *The Guardian*.
15. ↑ Neil McCormick, "Raye: the most talented artist since Adele and Amy Winehouse". *The Telegraph*.
16. ↑ "RAYE at the Royal Albert Hall" on IMDb.