Throughout the album, interjections by a fictional DJ Smoothjazz serve to link his songs together in a very Kendrick Lamar inspired narrative. “Forbidden Knowledge” and “Woodcrest Manor II” continue this theme, injecting heavy kicks and bass lines into the indie rock style associated with Raury. He then launches straight into “Revolution”, a strange mix of quick acoustic guitars and bass lines usually associated with heavier trap and rap genres. It serves as a great foundation for the rest of the album, laying the groundwork for the types of instrumentals and social themes Raury uses throughout his album. The track starts off with the title track, “All We Need”, a slow song backed up with crooning lyrics and broad synths with injections of organic sounding trumpets. Regardless, the endless energy Raury is known for permeates throughout All We Need. Commentary on social problems, while pertinent in his album, seem to clash with the background tracking rather than accentuate them. However, his message comes through rather thickly. and RZA contributing to the album, Raury’s sound has definitely matured.

With some more experienced artists like Big K.R.I.T. Only 19 years old, Raury looks to send a serious message with his latest release. Raury’s latest offering, All We Need, departs somewhat from the more upbeat mix of rap, rock, and R&B that we received last year when he released his EP Indigo Child. RT: “CPU”, “Love is Not a Four Letter Word”, “Trap Tears”, “Mama”, “Friends” RiYL: Kid Cudi, Gallant, Pharrell Williams, Steven A.

Raury all we need tpb