WHERE THE HELL IS NEW MUSIC? Raye’s highly anticipated sophomore album is still nowhere to be seen…

RAYE released her latest single, ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND?’, back in September and it took the public by storm, racing to number three in the UK singles charts in only a matter of days. Following the release, she put up pre-orders of her second studio album on her online store, advertised as a double vinyl with placeholder artwork, the title ‘ALBUM 2’, and a £25 price tag. Days later, she appeared on The Graham Norton Show, revealing “it’s not done at all”. I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure about selling something that isn’t even finished…

RAYE’s debut album, My 21st Century Blues, was released back in February 2023 independently, following her departure from Polydor. Her relationship with the label was tumultuous to say the least, RAYE going live on Instagram on June 30th 2021 breaking down about her struggles with them, stating, “I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever want to give up on being an artist, but that is how far you push me”, demanding the freedom to pursue her creativity. At the end of the year, she announced her artistic independence and began the exciting yet terrifying journey of going it alone, “just a little Croydon girl with a dream”.

Referred to as this generations’ Amy Winehouse, RAYE has all eyes on her, both fans and the industry awaiting whatever she does next

RAYE has since become an advocate for autonomy in the industry, refusing to be silenced by the standards imposed on her. She was presented with an Ivor Academy Honour in 2025 in recognition of her “‘outstanding advocacy and fearless leadership in championing fair treatment and recognition for songwriters”.

My 21st Century Blues was a chart-topping hit, single ‘Escapism’. reaching number one in the UK after going viral on social media, laying the groundwork for her eagerly-anticipated second album. Often referred to as this generations’ Amy Winehouse, RAYE has all eyes on her, both fans and the industry awaiting whatever she does next. She began to tease her second album at Glastonbury 2025, playing two unreleased tracks, including the first single from her second album, ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND?’, but was her next move in keeping with her history?

She has a “rough deadline”, aiming for the “first third of next year”

In the interview with Graham Norton, RAYE argued, “I’m an independent artist, alright – you’ve got to get ahead of these things”, justifying her decision to market a work-in-progress album. She revealed she has a “rough deadline”, aiming for the “first third of next year”, quickly following this with “definitely the first half of next year”. Some might think it an unfair expectation of fans to financially back a product for which they have no idea of when it will come to fruition.

Others, however, would simply say these people aren’t part of the fandom. For superfans, this ambiguity won’t be an issue, in awe of her confidence, backing her as much as she backs herself. And maybe that’s the entire point: RAYE is simply urging fans to trust her creative intuitions and put faith in her to do what she loves, an inspiring body of work being the product of her efforts. She doesn’t desire popularity as ‘the next big thing’ but rather wants to be admired for her talent endlessly, aware of her value to the industry, believing others should be equally confident in her potential. Nonetheless, perhaps there should have been some transparency regarding the indefinite release date before fans got the opportunity to pre-order? Or maybe it’s this faith that is the energy coursing through the veins of RAYE’s passionate community…

It seems unlikely that RAYE’s sophomore album will be in our headphones by the time we get to see her in concert

RAYE announced a 2026 world tour alongside the release of ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND?’ – the THIS MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSIC TOUR. Often, an artist will tour shortly after the release of a new album, enabling fans to hear the new music live while building hype and sales for the new work. Following her Graham Norton appearance, though, it seems unlikely that RAYE’s sophomore album will be in our headphones by the time we get to see her in concert. However, the South London artist’s decision to tour prior to the release of the album mirrors her ideology. It necessitates that true, dedicated fans will get to hear the new music first, before having the opportunity to have their perceptions tainted by critical reception. RAYE’s dedication to her fans’ experience has always been an admirable facet of her identity and performances, cultivating a genuine, caring community, rather than simply people who listen to similar music.

The “may contain” marketing of ‘ALBUM2’ is evidently a challenge to the industry: how much do fans and labels trust RAYE to follow through on her word? Will they support her, or will they doubt her ability? Regardless of the indefinite release date, I’m certain whatever follows the sensational My 21st Century Blues will be incredible, superseding all expectations. After all, RAYE is a generational talent, carving her own path in the treacherous minefield that is the music industry.