Eight months ago, I wrote about international female music artists that should be populating your playlists. This year, I want to highlight the gravitating albums put out by female singers all over the world, including the UK, Ghana, Brazil, Japan and more. Take a musical trip with me as we discuss the recent releases of ultra-talented women.
- “My 21st Century Symphony” – Raye, United Kingdom, Ghana, Sweden
If you are an avid Raye listener, you may have either two reactions. The first could be that I didn’t specifically list Raye’s freshman studio release, “My 21st Century Blues”. A notable album that got much attention after Raye’s “Escapism” had its sped-up rendition plastered all over TikTok.
The second reaction could be just plain excitement. You and I both know how the live orchestral version displays Raye as a versatile class act who should’ve gotten her flowers a long time ago. Her vocals are timeless as she sings and raps over the Heritage Orchestra’s rendition of her album.
The 26-year-old artist was born in south London to an English father and a Ghanaian-Swedish mother. Prior to becoming a known name in the music industry, she was a songwriter for Beyoncé, Little Mix, Rihanna, and many more household names.
Raye told Entertainment Weekly that her main influences while crafting the album included Alicia Keys, Nina Simone, and Temple Alumni Jill Scott. You can hear these inspirations clearly enunciated with a side of Amy Winehouse.
While singing with so much passion and flair, Raye’s lyricism undoubtedly relates to many, discussing topics of toxic relationships, the decline of a sustainable world, and wanting love.
This album is a start-to-finish, no-skips experience. I found myself getting entranced by the beautiful multi-instrumental and vocal performance. Since it is a live version, you feel like you are actually in the Royal Albert Hall, reveling in such a plethora of talent.
Here is my favorite track from Raye’s “My 21st Century Symphony”: “Five Star Hotels. – Live at the Royal Albert Hall”
- “Fountain Baby” – Amaarae, United States, Ghana
Amaarae is an artist who offers uniqueness to an industry that loves to copy and paste. In her second studio album, “Fountain Baby”, you’re taken through a journey of self-love while on an Afro-beat cadence.
Amaarae was born in New York, but grew up living between Atlanta, Ga and Accra, Ghana. She has proudly represented her Ghanaian roots and incorporates contemporary elements into her music.
You may recognize Amaarae and her high-pitched voice from her remixed collaboration with Kali Uchis and Moliy, “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY Remix”. This 2021 track currently has more than 377 million listens on Spotify alone.
“Fountain Baby”’ allows me to imagine myself in a Ghanaian club, taking in the chill, but captivating vibes surrounded by beautiful people. It can be quite easy to get caught up in Amaarae’s smooth vocals and sweet beats, but I implore you to really understand Amaarae’s lyrics because you may miss some wild lyrics (lol). Go ahead, and take a listen!
Here is my favorite track from Amaarae’s “Fountain Baby”: “Disguise”
- “Vício Inerente” – Marina Sena, Brazil
As a beginner learning Brazilian Portuguese, Marina Sena populates the majority of my “tempos vibrantes” (Vibrant Times) playlist for when I study the language.
The 27-year-old experimental singer-songwriter taps into so many different genres. Her tracks travel through pop, reggaeton, indie, reggae, Brazilian funk and jazz. She specifically is in the genre Música popular brasileira (MPB), or Brazilian popular music, which meshes jazz and rock with Brazil’s samba, samba-canção, and baião. In the majority of her tracks, she incorporates the classic guitar style used in many Brazilian songs.
“Vício Inerente” is Sena’s second album, but first after signing to Sony Music Brazil.
If you translate her lyrics, or know Portuguese, she discusses engaging in toxic love and breaking away from it. It is an album that truly carries the message of “rising above”. It is a bounce-back album, helping you realize that that relationship/situationship you were in was not beneficial. She reiterates, don’t go back to them, even if they come looking for you!
Marina is a blossoming artist, who also carries a mature voice. I can’t wait for her future work!
Here is my favorite track from Marina Sena’s “Vício Inerente”: “Partiu Capoeira”
- “MOTOMAMI+” – ROSALÍA, Spain
This album has been a consistent listen for me since last year! Rosalía is such a versatile artist.
As you may notice, there is a trend in my top picks. I love artists who are young and bring new styles and sounds to music but also can seamlessly fuse the traditional sounds of their home countries. Rosalía accomplishes this tenfold.
She is not afraid to try new things while singing a Flamenco-like melody over many of her songs (In some of her tracks, it is directly Flamenco). Born near Barcelona, Spain, Rosalía takes sounds from the urban hub but is heavily inspired by Latin American sounds, such as reggaeton and bachata.
Not only is she inspired by Spanish-based music, but a global range. Rosalía’s Spotify playlist, “ALGUNOS DE MIS ÍDOLOS” (Some of My Idols), extensively features Black artists from multiple eras and genres. This includes Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Erykah Badu, 2Pac, N.W.A, Floetry and many more. My personal favorite aspect of her music is her addition of Jamaican dancehall.
As you go through each song, you won’t know what to expect other than the unexpected. Rosalía is truly everywhere with her sound and that’s what makes her so loveable.
Here is my favorite track from Rosalía’s “MOTOMAMI+”: “CUUUUuuuuuute”
- “NEW DNA” – XG, Japan
Xtraordinary Girls, more commonly known as XG, is one of many young artists ushering in the new age of music.
XG is a seven-member girl group from Japan. Uniquely, they sing exclusively in English while promoting in South Korea (known for their industry of music groups and colorful visuals).
Technically, “NEW DNA” is an EP, not an album, but this six-track work is a fun experience from some cool and flashy girls.
XG has an it-factor that many have been trying to replicate, but never able to get just right. They can sing, dance, and rap with charisma and technicality. Their fashion sense is unique and eye-catching.
Throughout the EP, there is a futuristic theme presented. The style follows a tough sequence, comprising futurism and sounds of drill, trap, and pop.
As previously mentioned, XG is currently promoting in South Korea, alongside many K-POP groups. However, they plan on entering many worldwide music markets. I can’t wait to see what they’ll do when they promote in the States!
Here is my favorite track from XG’s “NEW DNA”: “GRL GVNG”