Album Review: Rag’n’Bone Man – What Do You Believe In?
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Rag’n’Bone Man’s aka What Do You Believe In? takes listeners through a journey of personal grief and reflection. Despite its emotional themes, the album struggles to consistently capture the raw soul of earlier works like his hit single Human. The Sussex-born singer-songwriter is best remembered for that powerful, heart-wrenching track, but this new offering doesn’t always live up to its potential.
The opener, The Right Way, sets a poignant tone, addressing the challenges of raising a child. There’s an earnest sincerity here, paired with euphoric, soulful ’60s-inspired melodies. However, as the album progresses, this initial emotional depth isn’t sustained. Pocket delves into themes of anxiety, showcasing Rag’n’Bone Man’s ability to channel pain into his music. The desire for security and safety is relatable, but the track teeters on the edge of cliché, lacking the bold musical direction that could have elevated its impact.
The title track, What Do You Believe In, and Iron present confusing blends of personal loss and themes of child-rearing. Despite the weighty subjects, the backing is disappointingly conventional, lacking the emotional gravity or originality one might expect. Both songs come off as bland and repetitive, making it clear that while Rag’n’Bone Man has a powerful voice, the era of groundbreaking soul singers feels distant. Iron stands out for its rawness, with the singer clearly processing deep hurt, but once again, production choices hold it back from truly soaring.
Tracks like Put a Little Hurt on Me and Chokehold offer glimpses of earlier brilliance. Chokehold, in particular, is a solid callback to classic soul influences, with shades of Nina Simone and James Brown shining through. Unfortunately, these moments are rare. Too many tracks fall into overly corny territory, which might have worked in 2017 but now feel dated. Tracks like Ghosts and Lovers In A Past Life (featuring Calvin Harris) highlight how far pop music has drifted from this style in 2024 from one of relatability to authenticity.
Overall, while the album has touching moments, Rag’n’Bone Man’s powerful voice is the only consistent highlight. He touches on deeply personal themes, but the repetitive, sometimes corny production and a reluctance to evolve his sound make What Do You Believe In? an album that, though sincere, doesn’t stand out in this decade’s new golden era of popular music .
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