Hypnos, the debut by Ravyn Lenae, which was a love-labored project over a four-year period, shows great maturity and artistic growth. Her first EP “Moon Shoes,” released back in 2015, shows a resemblance to Hypnos, but her latest entry into the music scene is entrenched with confidence.

This project has many colors that paint different stories that can be perceived and enjoyed by a wide audience. Ranging from R&B, house, neo soul, and afrobeat. Each song is given its own individual hue. Every song is unique and sounds different.

The album opens with the techno-dance track “Venom.” The lyrics evoke a mysterious and angsty desire to end a relationship.

The vulnerability of the singer shines through the second track, “Inside Out,” with an upbeat guitar-strummed ballad of self-love and knowing your value. Lenea pleads to the listener to not waiver when feeling in doubt of themselves. A nice reminder for the artist as well as the audience member.

The techno fusion continues with the fourth track, “M.I.A,” produced by Sango, that has a rhythm reminiscent of afrobeat. This track showcases the mindset of the singer in stating, “I wanna make my debut, I live with no regrets, can’t let them hold me back.” The song portrays the zealousness of the artist.

The leading single off the album, “Skin Tight,” is a somber R&B track that speaks of a relationship that is on a timer, an ever-fading bond that begs for the return of their confidant.

A dream nestled in nostalgia, “Where I’m From,” the sixth track that has the singer setting a scene in an otherworldly realm that is crafted by her high timbre vocals. The soothing guitar riffs and swelling background vocals guide listeners on a peaceful journey.

The dream sequence travels underwater in “Deep in the World,” in which the singer portrays a person who is immortal with special abilities. The repeating synth beat and synth guitar provide the song with an aquatic atmosphere.

Taking a break from the dreamscape journey, trap beats and heavy basslines are at the heart of “3D,” the ninth track of the album, which contains the straightforward lyrics of the singer wishing to end a relationship and keeping things mutual. The hefty bassline shapes the song with a multidimensional sound.

The dreamscape is vaster than ever in “Satellites,” the tenth track brings the listener off the ground with the singer’s whisper-toned chorus. The lyrics speak of the singer wanting to soar to the sky as far as the satellites with her companion.

True to its name, “Lullaby,” the eleventh track is sung as if it was a fairytale of a love that was lost and is fueled by curiosity on the estranged partner who has moved on. Atmospheric synthesizers and wistful lyrics bring this bedtime story to a calming close.

The secondary promotional single, “Light Me Up,” is the quintessential R&B track on the album. The instrumentals are adorned in velvet as the singer vocalizes her desire for attention from her partner and proclamation of their bond. The groovy bass and swaying melodies in the chorus elicit a mesmeric feel.

The chill island vibes return in tracks “Like You Do” and “Xtasy.” Both highlight the free-flowing nature of the music heard on the Caribbean or the islands of Hawaii. Each song sports different genres, such as afrobeat and acoustic.

The penultimate track, “Mercury,” is the most aggressive song expressing resentment for their former partner. Although the lyrics are embroidered in bitterness, the singer maintains a clear head creating an atmospheric calm. The passive drumbeat and the melodies are never tinged with anger as it is preserved by the inherent light vocal register of the artist.

The final track on the album, “Wish,” closes this debut project with a sweet ballad akin to a lullaby. This song tests the singer’s vocal stamina in the chorus as the artist sustains notes with clarity and levity. Through this powerful performance, it is overtly clear that the singer has made strong efforts to make an emotional impact on the listener. The accompaniment of strings gives this song a larger-than-life quality.

Ravyn Lenae’s debut album is delivered with confidence and a charisma that seeps into each song. A well compiled mix of psychedelia, lush downtempo R&B, and restrained techno emphasizes the individuality of the artist.