Solo artist Raven has released a music video and single titled “Phoenix” and I must say, I just love it. The lyrics are inspirational and the video is absolutely colorful. Her single was released March 24^th, so while you’re heading out to pick up her CD, let’s take a few minutes and talk about the single and music video “Phoenix”.

Take a look at her music video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC-XKEdZo4I&feature=youtu.be

We start out with Raven covered in what seems to be clay and soon appears with images of flames covering her as her fiery red hair flows behind her. We see the bright light flashing against her skin and hair while she sings “we are the warriors/we are the fighters/we’ve got the power in us tonight”. The clay on her skin, her bright red hair and the lights flashing against her could be seen as a symbol of rebirth and a renewed purpose. Towards the end of the video, we see Raven covered in black feathers, face paint and markings on her arms. In appearance, she now represents the Phoenix, the mythical bird who rises from the ashes. Now that’s powerful imagery.

We’ve talked about the visual aspect, so now let’s focus on the audio. “Phoenix”, as a single, is just as stunning as the video. The beat is amazing and the background vocals come across as mysterious and ethereal. The lyrics “Baby we’re rising/out of the ashes/just like the Phoenix up in the sky” are so beautiful and awe-inspiring that it will touch the hearts and minds of those who listen to it. They are more than just awesome lyrics—and yes, they are awesome to sing along to—they are meant to be uplifting and inspiring.

“Phoenix” is a powerful song, but the message really hits home with the video. Raven describes this song as an inspiration for others to find their “inner warrior”, and I truly believe that this song has done just that for her fans. If you’re looking for an amazing song to listen to, this is the one. If you’re looking for a video that is moving and touches your soul, this video is absolutely for you. Raven has struck gold twice! I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us.

Final Grade: A

For more information on Raven:

• Website

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Instagram

About The Author

Lauren Beverly

Music Reviewer

I love to write and have been doing so since the age of eight. Fictional stories have always been a favorite of mine, because it gives me a chance to be creative and to express myself in a multitude of ways. On more than one occasion, a song proved to be the inspiration to several stories I have written. Believe it or not, some of those songs were on soundtracks! That’s mostly what I listen to, aside from hits from the 1950’s up to the 1980’s. I’ve learned that anything can be the inspiration to a story, even a poster from the 1990’s or a DVD cover.

I’ve lived in Upper Marlboro all of my life and spent much of my childhood watching cartoons of all kinds, and listening to my older sister’s cassette tapes. Growing up, I listened to everything Jackson related, Paula Abdul, Elton John, and even the controversial group Milli Vanilli. As a teenager, I continued to listen to old-school hits and that was pretty much all I liked, aside from listening to all of Michael Jackson’s music. To this day, I still love old-school hits. That hasn’t changed.

I own a variety of CDs from artists such as Styx, The BeeGees, Michael Jackson, Queen, The Yellow Submarine Soundtrack, and many others. When a soundtrack comes out, there will always be one specific song from that album that I’ll love. It never fails.

I’ve graduated from Bowie State University in December 2013 with a B.A. degree in English.

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