Boston-based artist Debo Ray dropped her debut album, “Debo Ray,” on February 14. Before going solo, Ray was nominated as part of the group Social Science for a Grammy in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category in 2022. Her solo career launched that same year, and an album from the singer has been a long time coming. Swinging between honey-smooth vocals and a breathy, flirty tone meant to make audiences sway their hips, Ray demonstrates her flexibility as an artist throughout all 10 tracks. 

The opening track, “Tell Me What you Want,” is classic R&B. Ray includes a rap verse, introducing audiences to the way in which she bends and mixes genres with ease. 

Nothing highlighted Ray’s versatility more than the fourth track, “Feelin’ Lucky.” Sandwiched between two absolute power ballads, “Feelin’ Lucky” is a fun switch in energy, leaning heavily toward pop. While the album leans heavily towards R&B, the inclusion of such a track speaks to the artist that she is to be able to switch so easily between the two. 

On her website, Ray has said, “My songs are based on my life experiences which I’d like to think are shared by many of us.” If this is true, maybe someone should check on her after “Gaslight,” when she sings, “Can’t go out at night, your jealousy has taken over me,” and “You pick out my clothes/And when I dress for you, I get a bad review.” 

“You Read Me Wrong,” the sixth track, shows Ray playing even more with genres. While the vocal layering and drum feel like classic R&B, the inclusion of electric guitar bends the genre. 

Ray closes the album with “Take That,” a lament about a lonely life. Maybe the story of the song is a bit cheesy but Ray holds nothing back with her vocals. They beautifully flow over the clichéd lyrics. Ray sings herself through the hard times, reminding us all there’s a “spark inside everyone.”

In a music scene watching pop album after pop album churn out, “Debo Ray” is far more than a breath of fresh air. She’s not scared to take risks with her music – to great benefit. It’s a tantalizing glimpse into the powerhouse who is Debo Ray, a figure the music scene greatly needs.