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Genesis (Raye song)

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"Genesis"
A picture of a CD, with an image of Raye's face in the center, over a white background.
Single by Raye
Released7 June 2024 (2024-06-07)
Recorded2022–2024
Genre
Length7:00
LabelHuman Re Sources
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Raye singles chronology
"Worth It"
(2023) 		"Genesis"
(2024) 		"Moi"
(2024)
Music video
"Genesis" on YouTube

"Genesis" is a song by the English singer and songwriter Raye. She co-wrote it with Marvin Hemmings and produced it with Rodney Jerkins, Shankar Ravindran, and Tom Richards. The song was first performed at the 44th edition of the Brit Awards and was teased on season 49 of the American television show Saturday Night Live. Before its official title was announced on 17 May 2024, media publications and fans referred to the song as "Let There Be Light". It was released independently by Human Re Sources on 7 June 2024, with a music video co-directed by Raye and Otis Dominique premiering on the same date.

Developed over two years, "Genesis" is structured into three acts in which Raye experiments with various genres, including jazz, R&B, hip hop, gospel music, and pop. The lyrics address social and personal problems such as depression, exhaustion, and anxiety, while also conveying themes of hope. The song received positive reviews from music critics and was added to year-end lists of best music. Raye included "Genesis" in the regular set list of the My 21st Century Blues Tour in 2024 and performed it at several events. Commercially, it peaked at number twenty two on the UK singles chart.

Background

Raye began working on "Genesis" in 2022, months before the release of her debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues (2023).[1] She expressed that she had "scrutinized, replaced, remade, and passionately sculpted" the song to be the way she imagined it.[1] The singer is passionate about the song, and feels like "it deserved all the time that was spent on it".[2] After receiving a mixed response from her management about the length of the track, Raye still wanted to release it as it was; she stated: "This is about art, if it was about selling music ... then I would not have made it [this way]."[2]

At the 2024 Brit Awards, Raye broke the record for most wins (six) and nominations (seven) for an artist in a single year.[3] At the ceremony, she performed a medley of four songs: "Ice Cream Man", "Prada", "Escapism", and the then-untitled song.[4] In the first months of the year, Raye included "Genesis" on the regular set list of her fourth concert tour, the My 21st Century Blues Tour.[5] On 6 April 2024, during season 49 of the American television show Saturday Night Live, Raye also performed the track, which media publications had referred to as "Let There Be Light".[6][7]

Release

The singer announced the release of "Genesis" as a single on her social media on 17 May 2024, along with its official title and the confirmation of the release date. She shared a photo of the 7-inch single and wrote: "It kind of hurts a bit to call this piece of music a 'single' because it is so much more than just a song to me".[8] On 3 June, Raye hosted the Genesis Exhibition, a pop-up exhibition in New York City to promote the song; at the event, she said that she was proud of "Genesis", on which she "worked so hard".[8] Days later, she also posted a snippet of the music video.[9] Shortly before "Genesis" was released, Raye performed it on the Selhurst railway station platform in London, accompanied by a live band.[10] The track was released independently on 7 June 2024, via Human Re Sources, and was sent to Italian airplay in parallel.[11] It was promoted to US rhythmic contemporary radio in the same month.[12] The music video was also published;[13] it was co-directed by Raye and Otis Dominique,[14] and recorded in around seven days.[15] A live version of "Genesis" was included on Raye's live album Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, released on 13 September 2024; it featured content recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.[16][17]

Music and lyrics

"Genesis" is a seven-minute song structured into three acts,[18] in which Raye experiments with different genres and sounds.[19] She said that she had "so much" that she wanted to say on the track.[15] Raye wrote "Genesis" with Marvin Hemmings, and produced it with Rodney Jerkins, Shankar Ravindran, and Tom Richards.[20] The overall lyrics discuss issues of body image, social pressures, and a yearning for validation, along with other themes.[21] In a statement, Raye expressed that she hopes that it "will be able to bring some hope, the way this music does for [her], to those who need it most".[22] She had a quote from Nina Simone in mind while creating the record: "An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times."[2] She said that it is "such a deep, heavy, powerful, important, burdening, and overwhelming but important quote."[2] The title of the song reflects changes and references the Book of Genesis.[15]

The gospel-tinged first part of the track deals with sobriety, a part of the lyrics that Raye followed with: "But I can feel the demons waiting on my downfall / Since I'm so ugly and irrelevant."[23] It contains harmonies and sweeping strings.[24] The second part includes jazz, R&B, hip hop,[25][26] and elements of pop music.[13] It contains a dramatic, dark brass section.[23] "Genesis" concludes with a repetition of the plea of "Let there be light" over a jazz and big band instrumental.[14]

Critical reception

Upon its release, "Genesis" received positive reviews. Some critics lauded Raye's vocal performance, including Consequence's Mary Siroky and Clash's Sophie Harman; while giving the song a rating of 8 out of 10, the latter highlighted the balance between "her fragility and resilience" and said that her exploration of mental health and body image resonates with listeners.[27][28] Siroky also admired the transition between the second and third part, that "very few artists could execute".[28] Several reviewers described the song as a standout release. Andrew Unterberger of Billboard included it on his list of the must-hear releases of the week, and perceived it as opposite to the pop of "Escapism".[29] Abbie Reynolds of Capital named "Genesis" a "huge moment in music history", and compared it to when the British band Queen released their six-minute song "Bohemian Rhapsody".[15] Jenesaispop's Jordi Bardají called "Genesis" the most ambitious composition of Raye's musical career, and described it as epic and historic.[30] In December 2024, Business Insider and Rolling Stone added "Genesis" to their lists of the best songs of the year, placing it at number five and sixteen, respectively.[31][32] The music video has been nominated for Video of the Year at the 2025 MOBO Awards.[23]

Commercial performance

Upon its release, "Genesis" peaked at number 22 and 53 on the national charts in the United Kingdom and Ireland, respectively.[33][34] In the former country, it also reached the top five on the Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart and the Independent Singles Chart.[35][36] The song peaked at number 20 on New Zealand Hot Singles,[37] and within the top 40 in two Billboard charts in the United States, Pop Airplay and Rhythmic.[38][39]

Track listing

Charts

Chart performance for "Genesis"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA)[34] 53
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[37] 20
UK Singles (OCC)[33] 22
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[35] 4
UK Indie (OCC)[36] 3
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[38] 39
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[39] 30

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Genesis"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various 7 June 2024
Human Re Sources [40][41]
Italy Radio airplay [11]

References

  1. ^ a b Cordero Orellano, Melanie (31 May 2024). "RAYE revela nuevos detalles de su próximo sencillo "Genesis"" [RAYE reveals new details about her upcoming single "Genesis"]. Los 40 (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 5 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d Betancourt, Bianca (7 June 2024). "Raye's "Genesis" Is More Than a Song. It's a Journey". Harper's Bazaar. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  3. ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (2 March 2024). "Brit awards 2024: women dominate as Raye scores record-smashing six wins". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  4. ^ Chelosky, Danielle (2 March 2024). "Raye Breaks BRIT Awards Record With Most Wins In A Single Year". Stereogum. Archived from the original on 5 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  5. ^ Mylrea, Hannah (18 March 2024). "Raye live in London: a simply sensational, career-defining performance". NME. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  6. ^ Gonzalez, Alex (7 April 2024). "RAYE Was Simply Stellar In Performances Of 'Worth It' And 'Let There Be Light' On 'Saturday Night Live'". Uproxx. Archived from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  7. ^ Wilkes, Emma (7 April 2024). "Watch RAYE perform 'Worth It' And 'Let There Be Light' On 'Saturday Night Live'". NME. Archived from the original on 7 April 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  8. ^ a b Duran, Anagricel (4 June 2024). "Watch Raye perform unreleased composition 'Genesis' at NYC pop-up". NME. Archived from the original on 4 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  9. ^ Tiller, Joe (5 June 2024). "Raye Announces New Single 'Genesis': Watch Clip". Dig!. Archived from the original on 5 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  10. ^ Dailey, Hannah (7 June 2024). "Watch RAYE Perform New Single 'Genesis' on an Active Train Station Platform". Billboard. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  11. ^ a b Caldarola, Camilla (6 June 2024). "Raye - Genesis, pt. ii (Radio Date: 07-06-2024)". Ear One. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Crossover Radio Music News, Charts, Top Songs, Stations". All Access. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  13. ^ a b Denis, Kyle (7 June 2024). "RAYE Charts New Beginnings With Epic 7-Minute Single & EP 'Genesis': Stream It Now". Billboard. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  14. ^ a b Skinner, Tom (4 December 2024). "MOBO Awards 2025: see the full list of nominees". NME. Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  15. ^ a b c d Reynolds, Abbie (7 June 2024). "Raye Explains Her Powerful Song 'Genesis', Lyrics And Meaning". Capital. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  16. ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (13 September 2024). "RAYE unveils surprise live album, Live at Montreux Jazz Festival". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  17. ^ Taylor, Sam (13 September 2024). "RAYE has surprise-released a new live album, 'Live at Montreux Jazz Festival'". Dork. Archived from the original on 11 November 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  18. ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (7 June 2024). "Raye unveils new project, "Genesis."". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  19. ^ Gonzalez, Alex (7 June 2024). "RAYE Seeks The Light On 'Genesis', Her New Seven-Minute Song". Uproxx. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  20. ^ Zemler, Emily (26 September 2024). "Watch Raye's Orchestral Performance of 'Genesis' on 'The Daily Show'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  21. ^ Smith, Carl (6 June 2024). "New Music Friday Releases: RAYE, Halsey, Bon Jovi and more". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  22. ^ Chelosky, Danielle (7 June 2024). "Raye – "Genesis"". Stereogum. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  23. ^ a b c Skinner, Tom (7 June 2024). "Raye shares "deeply personal" new single 'Genesis': "It is a prayer, a plea and a cry for help"". NME. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  24. ^ Stickler, Jon (7 June 2024). "Raye Shares New Song Genesis". Stereoboard. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  25. ^ Samuels, Keithan (7 June 2024). "RAYE Releases New Song 'Genesis': Listen". Rated R&B. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  26. ^ O'Connor, Roisin (7 June 2024). "Raye says ambitious new song 'Genesis' is 'a plea and a cry for help'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  27. ^ Harman, Sophie (7 June 2024). "Raye's 'Genesis' Is Art In Triplicate". Clash. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  28. ^ a b "Jamie xx and Raye Reach New Peaks, Drake Dips into the Uncanny Valley, and Other Songs of the Week". Consequence. 7 June 2024. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  29. ^ Unterberger, Andrew (7 June 2024). "Friday Music Guide: New Music From Sabrina Carpenter, Tems, Charli XCX & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  30. ^ Bardají, Jordi (7 June 2024). "La ambición desmedida de RAYE en la épica 'Genesis'" [RAYE's unbridled ambition in the epic 'Genesis']. Jenesaispop (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  31. ^ Ahlgrim, Callie (7 December 2024). "The best songs of 2024". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  32. ^ "The 100 Best Songs of 2024". Rolling Stone. 3 December 2024. Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  33. ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  34. ^ a b "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  35. ^ a b "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  36. ^ a b "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  37. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 17 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  38. ^ a b "Raye Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Raye Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  40. ^ a b "Genesis. - EP by Raye". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  41. ^ a b "Genesis - 7" Vinyl". Raye UK. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
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