Exploring Saya Gray’s Musical Evolution in “Saya”

From Abstract to Cohesion

Until now, Saya Gray’s musical journey has been characterized by a work-in-progress charm. Her debut LP, 19 Masters, along with the subsequent EPs QWERTY and QWERTY II, featured titles that seemed like hurriedly typed placeholders. However, with her second album, Gray has transformed her scavenged, fragmented art pop into a more cohesive work that resembles a traditional breakup record.

A Deep Dive into Relationships

In contrast to her earlier releases, which boasted slippery song structures and abstract lyrics, Gray now centers her intrigue around the complex emotions tied to relationships. She portrays herself as both fussy and regal, offering a nuanced perspective on heartbreak. Rather than delving into grandiose themes, Gray focuses on the subtle disappointments that accompany the realization that a partner may not be able to embrace all aspects of oneself. This sentiment is poignantly echoed in the closing track, “Lie Down,” where she asserts, “I can turn your dust into sparkles,” showcasing her artistic growth and depth.

From Splatters to Still Life

If her earlier works can be likened to abstract-expressionist splatters, the tracks on Saya resemble a meticulously crafted Dutch still life. The album is adorned with intricately detailed musical elements, such as grape leaves and oyster shells. Take, for instance, the track “How Long Can You Keep Up a Lie?”—it could be seen as conventional if not for its carefully layered production and Gray’s raw songwriting prowess.

Collagist Impulses in Control

Gray’s collagist tendencies remain evident throughout the album but are now presented in a more refined manner. The song “Line Back 22” begins as a blocky jazz-pop waltz before taking an unexpected turn into a breakdown characterized by drums and wordless vocalizations, reminiscent of Meredith Monk’s Dolmen Music or Laurie Anderson’s Big Science.

Emotional Highs and Lows

Transitioning smoothly from “Line Back 22,” the track “Puddle (Of Me)” emerges as one of the album’s emotional peaks and valleys. Gray sings, “You know how obsessed I can get/With your needle and thread pulling in and out of me,” enveloped in an atmosphere of backtracked guitars. This juxtaposition of desire and vulnerability encapsulates the bittersweet nature of relationships, where pleasure and the fear of emotional pain intertwine.

Flipping the Script

In a playful twist, Gray redefines expectations with her lead single, “Shell (Of a Man),” delivering a captivating sting: “If you don’t like me now, you’re gonna hate me later!” With its upbeat fingerpicking, “Shell” serves as a charming Trojan Horse, inviting listeners to engage with deeper emotions while maintaining an upbeat facade, akin to Natalie Portman’s character in Garden State.

Conclusion

Saya Gray’s Saya marks a significant evolution in her artistry, transitioning from abstract experimentation to a cohesive exploration of relationships and self-identity. Through intricate production and raw emotional depth, Gray invites listeners to navigate the complexities of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The album stands as a testament to her growth as a songwriter and producer, promising an exciting future for her evolving sound.

FAQs

What themes does Saya Gray explore in her album “Saya”?

In “Saya,” Gray delves into the complexities of relationships, focusing on the nuances of heartbreak and self-identity, rather than grandiose themes of love.

How does “Saya” differ from Saya Gray’s previous works?

This album is more cohesive and structured compared to her earlier releases, which had a more abstract and experimental approach to songwriting and production.

What can listeners expect from the track “Shell (Of a Man)”?

“Shell (Of a Man)” features an upbeat sound with introspective lyrics that cleverly juxtapose playful musicality with deeper emotional themes, making it both catchy and thought-provoking.

Who are some artists that influence Saya Gray’s sound?

Gray’s sound is influenced by a variety of artists, including Meredith Monk and Laurie Anderson, particularly evident in her experimental and collagist tendencies.