Raw Soul’s first album, ‘Journey // Destination’ is a distinct and motivating account of his life. From passing the bar exam and becoming a lawyer, these landmarks serve as a foundation for the album’s deeper themes of personal growth as well as celebration. Recorded in a simple modest apartment in Northern Ontario, Raw Soul proves that real art is more about intention and authenticity rather than elegance. The album first opens with “Terra”, a rich and deeply introspective tune based on soulful beats. This singular piece balances the self-discipline needed for successful exploration. Then comes “To The Top”, which focuses on the more uplifting narrative of the album, which is ambition. Both songs together build a foundation for the more complex and layered themes of the album.
“How That Sound?” pulls everything together. This song is self-assured, chilled, and above all else, pure bliss. The rhythmic melody and upbeat nature of the song make it feel uplifting. Raw Soul further calms the tempo down in “A While….”, emphasizing the quieter moments that define us. Alongside evocative phrases, “Monk” showcases Raw Soul’s deep-rooted lyrical commands, probably influenced by Kendrick Lamar and Nas. The storytelling further continues with the nostalgic track, “2012”, taking you back to formative memories. Then comes “Words from Your Tongue”, which tightly binds emotion and strength through words, making it a touching piece.
“Simple Breeze” is beautifully gentle and meditative, perfect for times of relaxation, while “What’s Next?” keeps us wondering what comes next but is hopeful. The last song, “Journey // Destination”, marks the end of the album and it captures the difficult and enriching experiences the artist has gone through. With powerful melodies and deep lyrics, this album can easily be regarded as a celebration of progress. It instils in us a sense of gratitude for all that we have achieved so far, even when we are not at the end of the road.
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