Album Review: Where the Butterflies Go In the Rain by Raveena

Raveena’s third album, 'Where the Butterflies Go In the Rain,' continues with her unique and delicate lyrical style that often reflects her spiritual connections.

Courtesy of Moonstone Recordings, LLC / EMPIRE

Raveena’s music has a wonderfully calming effect, much like drifting into sleep under a cozy blanket. Her gentle voice typically pairs with acoustic guitar melodies and expansive percussion. This sound is something the New York singer-songwriter has been perfecting over the past few years. This change in her vocal and production style over the years was refreshing, as her debut in 2019 (Lucid), though soothing, was perhaps too relaxed.

Her second album on a major label, Asha’s Awakening, brings a new clarity for the singer. It blends Western and South Asian influences, featuring dance-friendly R&B tracks and calming ballads, each showcasing her unique, gentle power. Now, returning to EMPIRE, she released her third effort, Where the Butterflies Go In the Rain. While using this imaginative setting, Raveena reflects on growth, contemporary culture, and relationships over smooth musical backdrops.

The opening track, “Pluto,” immediately sets the stage for Raveena’s eclectic soundscape on Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain. The song features a rhythmic blend of swirling strings, scratchy vinyl sounds, and a catchy bassline. The cohesive feel is maintained through slick production, with Raveena’s dreamy, multi-layered vocals taking the spotlight as she explores the theme of a euphoric, almost surreal new romance. The same can be said with ‘Water” and the beautiful “Every Color.”

On “Little Bird,” Raveena scales down her sonic landscape for a brief period, with gentle strumming and soft, heartfelt vocals adding depth to her lyrics. These elements, bolstered by a charming snippet of dialogue from the recording session, bring a new sincerity to her message. Carrying the nostalgic essence, she illustrates a relationship with a blend of dreamy idealism and grounded realism with “Lucky” and “Smile for Me,” promising moments of joy and boundless affection to her significant other. Her narrative captures the genuine emotions of being cherished, offering a vivid portrayal of romantic love.

Throughout her work, Raveena expertly integrates influences from her career and life while skillfully balancing them. Her more nostalgic soundscapes are intertwined with stories of her teenage years and traditional instruments echo her childhood memories, which are especially highlighted in the exceptional track “Kid.” Contributions from JPEGMAFIA (“Junebug”) and contemporary grooves add a sensual touch to the modern tracks. Additionally, her refined production quality is complemented by genuine moments of laughter and candid takes from the studio.

Each track captures unique moments of the various loves people encounter daily, expressed through emotive pianos, gentle vocals, and, occasionally, classical Indian instruments. It’s delightful to hear the tabla and sitar being incorporated so elegantly, harmonizing cultural elements while still holding onto that contemporary alternative pop/R&B vibe. The album’s inspirations are abundantly evident here, unlike her previous works, where such nuances were less noticeable. There are numerous subtle details, such as the early 2000s drum pattern in “16 Candles” and the reverberated guitar in “Baby Mama,” which highlight specific genres prominently in each track. This grounding and familiarity deliver a comforting resonance throughout the songs.

Fortuitously, these roots span a broad range. Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain is a convergence point for Raveena’s diverse musical influences, encompassing rich, 1970s-inspired sonorous realms, fluid sarod sounds, and sleek modern R&B. Despite her expansive and varied stylistic inspirations and the song “Lost My Focus” doesn’t stick out, Raveena’s unified sound remains cohesive and never feels jarring or unoriginal. Staying true to its title, her third album is a masterful example of sonic transformation, offering a musical sanctuary for Raveena and her audience.

Great (★★★★☆)

Favorite Track(s): “Rise,” “Kid,” “Little Bird”