Rag’n’Bone Man What Do You Believe In? Review: A Journey from Loss to Hope

Release Details:

• Artist: Rag’n’Bone Man (Rory Graham)
• Title: What Do You Believe In?
• Label: Columbia/Sony
• Release Date: October 18, 2024
• Genre: Soul, Blues, Pop
• Average Review Score: Pending (pre-release buzz is highly positive)

Rag’n’Bone Man, the British powerhouse vocalist known for his deep, gravelly voice and soulful sound, is back with his third studio album, What Do You Believe In? Following the success of his platinum-selling debut Human (2016) and his critically acclaimed Life By Misadventure (2021), this album is highly anticipated by both fans and critics. Rag’n’Bone Man has built a reputation for his emotive lyrics and genre-blending style, which mixes blues, pop, and soul. The new album promises a more uplifting tone, reflecting his current state of personal happiness and fulfilment.

Concept and Themes:

The overarching theme of What Do You Believe In? is one of introspection and growth. Rag’n’Bone Man wrote the title track after a period of personal loss and the challenge of explaining death to his child. The song wrestles with existential questions and explores how people cope with grief and belief, without overtly subscribing to religious views. The album’s broader concept touches on themes of faith, family, and the search for personal meaning. In contrast to his earlier, darker material, this album radiates a sense of hope and healing.

Track Highlights:

• “What Do You Believe In?”: The title track, driven by a powerful choral backing, is both the emotional and thematic centrepiece. It deals with faith and existential uncertainty following loss​.
• “Pocket”: Released as a single in mid-2024, this song continues Rag’n’Bone Man’s tradition of blending raw emotion with catchy melodies. Its introspective lyrics dive into personal relationships.
• “Rush of Blood”: Another standout, this track juxtaposes darker themes with Rag’n’Bone Man’s signature soulful delivery, reminiscent of the bluesy vibes from his earlier works.

Lyrical Content and Themes:

At the heart of What Do You Believe In? are themes of belief and the human condition. While Rag’n’Bone Man remains secular, the lyrics frequently probe questions of life, death, and purpose. Lines such as “Where do we go when we’re gone?” from the title track resonate deeply, especially for listeners who have experienced loss. Family is also a significant influence, with much of the album reflecting on the strength found in loved ones. The lyrical depth and personal nature of the album show the artist’s growth since Life By Misadventure.

Musicality and Production Quality:

The album is an expert blend of soul, blues, and pop, building on Rag’n’Bone Man’s signature sound. The production is rich and varied, incorporating everything from gospel-like choirs to stripped-down, acoustic elements. While the production is polished, it retains the raw, emotional edge that made his debut so compelling. The contrast between upbeat and slower ballads keeps the album dynamic, engaging listeners with each track. Collaborations with producers like Mike Elizondo help maintain a contemporary sound while staying true to Rag’n’Bone Man’s blues roots.

Critical Analysis:

Early previews of What Do You Believe In? suggest that this could be Rag’n’Bone Man’s most mature work to date. Where his previous album felt weighed down by its darker themes, this new release brings a sense of emotional clarity and hope. Critics have praised his vocal performance as one of his strongest yet, blending vulnerability and power seamlessly. However, some might miss the raw, almost primal energy of his earlier works. Nonetheless, this album stands as a confident, personal statement from an artist who has found his voice again​.

Conclusion:

What Do You Believe In? marks a new chapter for Rag’n’Bone Man, offering a more hopeful and introspective perspective on life. With its blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, this album is poised to resonate deeply with his audience, especially those who have followed his journey since Human. It’s a testament to his growth as an artist, balancing his signature emotional depth with newfound optimism.

Final Verdict: A must-listen for fans of soulful, emotionally charged music.

For more perspectives on this release, why not try MusicZone​, StereoBoard, Rough Trade, or Banquet Records?

About Rag’n’Bone Man

Rag’n’Bone Man, born Rory Charles Graham on 29 January 1985 in Uckfield, East Sussex, is a British singer-songwriter known for his deep, soulful voice and fusion of multiple musical genres such as blues, soul, and hip hop. He rose to international prominence with his breakout hit, “Human,” released in 2016. His music is marked by its emotional depth, introspective lyrics, and a powerful, gravelly voice that gives his work a distinctive edge. Rag’n’Bone Man’s sound is often characterised as a modern-day interpretation of blue-eyed soul, mixing elements of traditional blues and contemporary styles.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Graham’s early years were far from conventional for a future pop star. Raised in East Sussex, he grew up in a musically inclined family, with his father performing as a drummer in local bands. At a young age, he was exposed to a variety of musical influences, from blues to folk. However, he didn’t initially see himself in the world of music, working as a care assistant for people with disabilities during his early adulthood.

His music career began with hip hop, under the moniker Rag’n’Bonez, drawn from his love of old-school rap and the name’s allusion to the traditional rag-and-bone men who collected and recycled old household items. He began his journey performing in Brighton’s underground hip hop scene, often working with a local rap collective called the Rum Committee.

However, it was the influence of blues and soul that steered his sound in a new direction. By the early 2010s, Rag’n’Bone Man started blending hip hop beats with his powerful, soulful voice. His debut EP “Bluestown” (2012) reflected this evolving style and began to garner attention within the industry.

Breakthrough Success: “Human” and Debut Album

In 2016, Rag’n’Bone Man’s career took a monumental leap forward with the release of the single “Human”. The track’s powerful lyrics, driven by a minimalistic yet stirring arrangement, quickly resonated with audiences worldwide. “Human” became a major commercial success, topping the charts in several countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It also charted highly across Europe and reached number two in the UK Singles Chart.

Following the success of the single, Rag’n’Bone Man released his debut studio album, also titled “Human” in February 2017. The album was a critical and commercial triumph, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It showcased his ability to seamlessly blend gospel, blues, and soul influences with more contemporary elements, drawing comparisons to artists such as Adele and Hozier.

Tracks like “Skin” and “Grace (We All Try)” further showcased his emotional range and vocal prowess. His music often delves into themes of humanity, vulnerability, and personal struggle, which struck a chord with a wide audience. The success of the album earned him two major accolades at the BRIT Awards in 2017, including British Breakthrough Act and Critics’ Choice Award.

Subsequent Work and Evolution

After the whirlwind success of his debut album, Rag’n’Bone Man took some time to work on his sophomore record. In May 2021, he released his second studio album, “Life by Misadventure”, which took a more personal and introspective approach. This album was a shift from the grandiose sound of “Human,” opting for a more stripped-back, acoustic style, though it still carried his signature soulful voice. Songs like “All You Ever Wanted” and “Anywhere Away from Here” (a collaboration with Pink) showed his range, both musically and emotionally.

While “Life by Misadventure” didn’t replicate the massive commercial success of “Human,” it still performed well, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It was also praised for its maturity and reflective lyricism, with many critics noting how he had developed as an artist, focusing on self-reflection and the struggles of modern life.

Legacy and Influence

Rag’n’Bone Man’s music continues to be celebrated for its authenticity and raw emotion. His unique blend of soulful vocals with modern musical elements has set him apart in a music industry often dominated by more conventional pop sounds. His ability to navigate between genres while maintaining a distinct identity makes him one of the most exciting and unconventional figures in modern British music.

In addition to his music, Rag’n’Bone Man has been vocal about issues close to his heart, including mental health and homelessness, typically using his platform to raise awareness for these causes. His honesty and vulnerability, both in his music and public persona, have earned him a loyal fanbase and respect from critics and fellow musicians alike.

Rag’n’Bone Man’s journey from Brighton’s underground hip hop scene to international stardom is a testament to his talent and dedication, and his evolving sound hints at a promising future.