My 21st Century Blues is the debut studio album by the British singer-songwriter Raye, released independently by Human Re Sources on 3 February 2023.

Encompassing multiple genres, My 21st Century Blues explores Raye's struggles with drug addictions, body dysmorphia, and sexual assault, alongside other themes.

"Escapism", the album's third single, went viral and became Raye's first song to top the national charts of Ireland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom.

Upon its release, My 21st Century Blues received acclaim from music critics, many of whom described it as a victory for Raye and praised her performance.

In 2024, it won British Album of the Year at the Brit Awards, where Raye broke the record for the most wins in a single ceremony.

The British singer-songwriter Raye, born Rachel Keen, demonstrated an interest for music since a young age, entering the BRIT School at 10.

[8] In June 2021, the singer was informed that she could not release a debut album with Polydor if her single "Call on Me" (2021) underperformed on record charts.

[4] She later expressed her frustration through tweets and received support from fellow musicians, before parting ways with the label and becoming an independent artist.

[10] Some songs present on the final track listing—including "Oscar Winning Tears", "Worth It", and "Ice Cream Man"—were written several years before the release of My 21st Century Blues, while being included as they "fit the theme" of the album.

[13][14] Its lyrics were in charge of Raye along with various collaborators: Justin Tranter, Akil King, Jenna Felsenthal, Eyelar Mirzazadeh, and the featured artists 070 Shake and Mahalia.

[13] While recording the album, Raye listened to artists that influenced her early work, including Nina Simone, Etta James, and B.

[12] Lyrically, My 21st Century Blues explores several themes, including disordered eating, addictions, heartbreak,[1] discrimination, and self-image.

[21] On the R&B and dark pop track "Hard Out Here",[18][10] Raye confronts patriarchy in music industry and "white men CEOs"[21][3] while singing, "This LP's full of the shit I'm gonna say to you".

[8][17] Over blues guitars and funk shuffles,[25] "The Thrill Is Gone"'s lyrical content describes an abusive relationship,[15] where the singer also shares the end of the love she had for another person.

[10][8] The album centerpiece, "Ice Cream Man", is a sentimental ballad where Raye exposes repeated situations of sexual assault she had experienced since the age of 7.

[1] Inspired by the broadcaster David Attenborough,[21] the lyrical content of "Environmental Anxiety" focuses on climate change, political issues,[6] and the overuse of social media.

[15] Crystal Bell from Paper described it as "a joyful celebration of womanhood and sexuality",[3] while JT Early of Beats Per Minute said that it sees Raye "partying it up and loving herself".

[20] A spoken outro titled "Fin" closes My 21st Century Blues where the singer proclaims, "I've waited seven years for this moment".

[19] "Hard Out Here", Raye's first song as an independent artist, was released on 30 June 2022 as the album's first single alongside a music video.

[29] Two days later, the singer announced My 21st Century Blues, which was made available for pre-order; she also revealed its release date and cover artwork.

[31] "Escapism" went viral on the video-sharing app TikTok and became Raye's first number one song on the UK singles chart, three months after its release.

[39] The album was released on 3 February 2023 independently via Human Re Sources,[8] two days after the fourth single "Ice Cream Man".

[41][42][43] A self-directed visual for "Ice Cream Man" premiered on 1 March;[44] it was described by Raye as "the toughest thing [she has] ever filmed" to that point.

[54] In 2024, following Raye's appearance at the Brit Awards 2024, My 21st Century Blues re-entered the chart at number five,[55] and received a gold certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

[20] Ben Tipple of DIY praised her confidence and empowerment,[19] while Hellen Brown of The Independent believed that the narrative was brave and strong.

[17] Mylrea described the lyrics as "honest" and Raye's vocal performance as "gorgeous",[8] and The Telegraph's Cat Woods lauded her soprano voice.

[18] Some reviewers believed that Raye stands out among other contemporary pop artists,[25][20] with AllMusic's Andy Kellman writing that it would have not sounded convincing in the voice of another musician.

Pitchfork's Aimee Cliff believed that Raye is "far more thrilling when she steps outside" her "comfort zone", which is the old-school tracks containing soft melodies.

[18] Writing for The Line of Best Fit, Hayley Milross said that the album would be considered "an iconic debut" in the future, and praised Raye for "the path she paved for other artists to not be tied down to contracts that do not serve them".

[87] My 21st Century Blues appeared on several publications' year-end listicles of the best music released in 2023, including a number one position from The Telegraph.