Track of the Week - 04/03/16



You may know singer Raleigh Ritchie from his 2014 track 'Stronger than Ever' (or potentially from his various acting roles in Game of Thrones and Adulthood), which was featured in several adverts and was also covered by Lily Allen in the Radio 1 Live Lounge.  He's released several EPs prior to the release of his debut album 'You're a Man Now, Boy' last Friday, which is where this week's chosen track, 'Never Say Die', is taken from.

I think what makes Raleigh Ritchie's sound so distinctive is his ability to sing and rap equally well, something that often sees two different artists on a track.  'Never Say Die' is no exception, with Ritchie showcasing both of these talents, which highlights the hip-hop influences that have helped him to create his own music.  His songs can be argued to be particularly relatable to the current generation, with numerous references to drugs and nightclubs, and potentially how too much of this is not always a good thing as it often leads to confusion and sometimes the loss of oneself.  

The chorus features Ritchie listing several locations around the world where he's lost his mind or his heart, arguably demonstrating the overwhelming nature of the lifestyle that he leads.  My favourite lyric would have to be: "And if this is the last song I write / I lived my life", showing how he takes every opportunity given to him.  The title of the track also suggests that he does not necessarily think of death as being an undesirable consequence whilst fulfilling these desires.

Download Raleigh Ritchie's debut album 'You're a Man Now, Boy' here

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