Ravyn Lenae’s sophomore album “Bird’s Eye” was released on August 9th, 2024. Lenae takes an experimental approach with this album while still keeping her iconic R&B sound. Throughout the album, the singer-songwriter tells the story of a toxic relationship that causes her to lose herself. She shows her strength through the lyrics as she takes the listeners on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Genius
On the opening track of “Bird’s Eye”, Lenae explains that through communication, she and her partner work together to mend their relationship. In the song, she asks, “What’s love without confrontation?” and tells the listener “I realize it takes communication.” The lyrics are paired nicely with a smooth and vibey melody.
Bad Idea
“Bad Idea” is the second track on “Bird’s Eye”. The song comes as a realization of Lenae’s that whoever she’s with isn’t good for her. Throughout the song, she talks about how she knows that it’s a bad idea to stay but she can’t help but stay. The production creates a reflective atmosphere around her struggle between knowing that she should leave but staying instead.
One Wish
The third track and also third single on Ravyn Lenae’s “Bird’s Eye” is “One Wish”. This track dives into the realm of yearning and desire. Along with featured artist, Childish Gambino, the singer acknowledges that she wishes to be closer to this person but is uncertain if her wish will be reciprocated. The production of this song is lighter and creates the dreaminess that Lenae portrayed through her lyrics.
Dream Girl
“Dream Girl” is the fourth track and second single from “Bird’s Eye”. In this song, the singer employs the help of Ty Dolla $ign, a singer & rapper known for his blend of hip-hop and R&B, to inspire listeners to embrace their uniqueness. For this track, Lenae continues on the light and dreamy production that “One Wish” introduced.
Candy
On “Candy”, the theme of love returns. Lenae’s fifth track touches on her infatuation with a person and is dreaming about the life they could have together. Throughout the song, she reiterates the fact that she seriously wants to be with this person. Production-wise, we see the singer shift toward a more upbeat, happier place with influences of reggaeton in the drums and bass.
Love Is Blind
“Love Is Blind” is one of the first singles on “Bird’s Eye” and the sixth track on the album. Released alongside “Love Me Not” on May 3rd, 2024, Lenae uses this song to explain the ongoing theme of learning in love and codependency that runs deep throughout this album.
Love Me Not
“Love Me Not” is the seventh track on the album. The song was released alongside the sixth track “Love Is Blind” on May 3rd, 2024. On this track, the singer tells a story about an off-and-on relationship. She feels as if things won’t work out between them but they always end up back together. The production of this song crosses over into pop, using synth, acoustic guitar, and groovy bass.
From Scratch
The eighth track on Ravyn Lenae’s “Bird’s Eye” is “From Scratch”. On this track, Lenae sings about the struggle of starting fresh with someone. The lyrics, “Just as long as you got me and I got you” and “Don’t gotta get down on one knee to know you’re for me.” show the listeners a more vulnerable side to the singer. In the chorus of this song, Lenae opts for an opera moment that adds elegance to the track.
1 of 1
“1 of 1” is the ninth track on “Bird’s Eye”. The song starts with loud and electronic drums that continue in the background of the song as it progresses. The chaos of the drums shows the struggle the singer went through to realize that she needs to focus on herself.
Pilot
“Pilot” is the second-to-last track on the album. The song opts for a slower R&B beat and is accompanied by a guitar. In this song, the singer continues to take us on her journey of discovering who she is as a person. “Can’t say where I fit in, I just know I’m twenty-four”. These lyrics explain that she isn’t a teenager anymore she’s still trying to navigate her adult life.
Days
“Days” is the closing track to Ravyn Lenae’s “Bird’s Eye”. The singer finally learns how to move on and not blame herself for how her relationship ended. Throughout the track, Lenae sings about how she’s found a better version of herself now that she’s gotten out of the toxic relationship. It’s an excellent closing track as it shows how much she’s grown since the beginning of the album. The production of this song is light, airy, and carefree. Paired with an acoustic guitar, this sets up a hopeful tone towards moving forward with life.
