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Hypnos (stylized in all caps) is the debut album by American singer and songwriter Ravyn Lenae. It was released on May 20, 2022, through Atlantic Records.[2] The album includes guest appearances and production from Monte Booker, Steve Lacy, KAYTRANADA, Fousheé, Mereba, Smino, Sango, Luke Titus, IAMNOBODI, Phoelix and Teo Halm. The artwork of the album was shot by Quil Lemons.

HYPNOS
Studio album by Ravyn Lenae
Released	May 20, 2022
Recorded	2018-2022
Genre	R&B Neo soul
Length	53:32
Label	Atlantic
Producer	Luke Titus (also exec.) Steve Lacy Monte Booker Phoelix Teo Halm IAMNOBODI Sango Kaytranada Fousheé [1]
Ravyn Lenae chronology
Crush (2018) HYPNOS (2022)
Singles from HYPNOS
"Skin Tight" Released: February 1, 2022 "Light Me Up" Released: March 18, 2022 "M.I.A" Released: April 19, 2022 "Xtasy" Released: May 17, 2022

Background

The album was recorded over a four-year period during which Washington relocated to Los Angeles following the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]

Musical style

HYPNOS is primarily an alternative R&B record with elements of dance music, R&B, house music, contemporary R&B, soul music, and afrobeat.[4][5]

Singles and promotion

On February 1, 2022, the first single, "Skin Tight", featuring Steve Lacy was released alongside the music video.[6] On March 18, 2022, Washington released the second single "Light Me Up" with the video.[7] On April 19, 2022, Washington released the third single "M.I.A."[8] On May 17, 2022, Washington released the fourth and final single "Xtasy" produced by Kaytranada.[9] On September 14, 2022, she released a remix of "Xtasy" featuring Doechii.

Tour

Washington announced a tour spanning 16 cities beginning at Neumos in Seattle, Washington.[10] A special guest, Unusual Demont, will support the tour.[11]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[12]
Clash	8/10[13]
Loud and Quiet	8/10[14]
Pitchfork	8.5/10[15]

Hypnos has received critical acclaim.

Gio Santiago for Pitchfork gave the album a "Best New Music" designation, writing "…HYPNOS, arrives as a mature reintroduction, a love-stained, moody transport that flies through Lenae’s world with a featherlight cadence. Lenae surveys the recent history of soul, alternative R&B, and even Afrobeats with precision. But most importantly, her debut showcases her ascendant vocal prowess as she moves across her wide range with ease. Lenae’s transcendental poise establishes her as a resonant voice in R&B. Even as she touches on trends and familiar themes, it’s Lenae’s delivery, confidence, and alluring presence that makes HYPNOS stand apart. As she considers her anxieties, hopes, and doubts, she reveres the musical icons before her in ways that show just how ready she is for her own turn."[16]

Rob Murray for Clash writes "Her first major project since 2018, ‘Hypnos’ has the feeling of creative release, a sense of emotions expunged and experiences extinguished. A gorgeous listen with a deep, lasting resonance, ‘Hypnos’ finds Ravyn Lenae rising to the challenge of her peers, and raising the bar once more."[17]

Jasleen Dhindsa for Loud and Quiet writes "Hypnos is a colourful and other-worldly debut, aligning with its obvious influences but also way beyond that, capturing the same unconventional essence as Janet Jackson in her ’90s prime. Ravyn Lenae is invigorating and distorting R&B, fit for her Gen Z digital milieu."[18]

Andrew Sacher for BrooklynVegan writes "The album largely follows the atmospheric, lightly psychedelic, downtempo R&B carved out by artists like SZA, Tinashe, and the self-titled Beyoncé album, and Ravyn's got exactly the right soaring voice and lush production style to pull it off. The whole album sounds gorgeous, and there are a handful of songs that pop out on early listens. A full-length album has been a long time coming for Ravyn, and Hypnos was worth the wait."[19]

Mya Abraham for Vibe writes "[Lenae] provides an elevated ascension with her new offering while remaining true to her core."[20]

Track listing

Personnel

Credits adapted from TIDAL.[21]

References

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