The landscape of music is vast, almost infinite. There are artists who effortlessly weave emotions into their artistry, creating something truly unique. Enter Riley Max, the prodigious Colorado-based teen singer/songwriter. Riley is not your average teenager, despite her young age, she possesses an old soul that shines through her music. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her lyrics and melodies is a testament to her talent and maturity as an artist. 

With the release of her new album, ROY G BIV, Riley takes us on a musical odyssey inspired by the different colors of emotions. Combining elements of pop, rock, folk, and jazz, this album promises to be a captivating and emotive experience for music lovers of all kinds.  With each song on “ROY G BIV,” she paints a vivid sonic picture, using her unique blend of musical genres to create a sound that is truly her own. Just like the colors of the rainbow, emotions come in various shades and intensities, and Riley delves into this concept with ROY G BIV, dedicating each track to a different color and the corresponding emotion it represents. From the vibrant and energetic red to the soothing and introspective blue, Riley‘s songs take us on a journey through the vast spectrum of human emotions. It’s a reminder that emotions, much like colors, are nuanced and multifaceted. 

One of the standout features of this album is the rich and diverse melodic palette that Riley employs. Drawing inspiration from her eclectic musical influences, she seamlessly blends pop hooks, rock riffs, folk storytelling, and jazzy undertones into her songs. Each track on ROY G BIV is a testament to her versatility as a musician, showcasing her ability to experiment with different styles while maintaining a cohesive and engaging sound. Each composition is a heartfelt expression of the emotions it represents, resonating deeply with listeners. From the catchy and upbeat tunes that make you want to dance to the introspective ballads that tug at your heartstrings, Riley‘s songs have the power to transport you to a world where emotions are vividly painted on every note. Composing the music and lyrics, singing, playing keyboard and guitar, and co-producing each track, Riley is joined by musicians Doctor Noize, Art Bouton, David Amaya, and full strings.

Let’s analyze each of the nine songs on Riley’s album to uncover what surprises it holds for us. We start with “18”, a brief instrumental intro, and a taste of what’s to come. “Red” is the color of blood and roses. One thing I have to say is Riley‘s voice is simply breathtaking. Like wow, I really wasn’t expecting this. Overall the song is filled to the core with raw emotion. Red is the color of passion after all. Next is “Orange”! A playful tune that will catch you the moment you start listening. I never imagined something so cheerful could come out of such a combo. “Yellow” is usually associated with frustration and Riley represents this with a heartbreaking but sweet and tender melody. A lovely song for all ages. “Green” is the color of life and nature. Another enchanting melody with an almost dreamlike quality to it. Riley‘s siren voice is enthralling. I’m enthralled and it’s impossible to resist. 

Riley’s melancholy track, “Blue”, is the standout of the album, showcasing her remarkable talent as a jazz vocalist and instrumentalist with its single-take performance. Guitars take a backseat to let the piano and saxophone take their moment in the spotlight. The accompanying video displays Riley in all her world-weary diva glory, proving herself to be an artist from another era—a true unicorn of sorts who has tapped into past generations musically.

The color of integrity and intuition, “Indigo” is another example of why this album is astounding. Guitars are back in full force joining Riley‘s voice, creating a compelling and beautiful journey. The song brings together her musicality and emotion, creating a truly stunning piece of art. “Violet” is a hard alt-rock anthem, a great example of Riley‘s versatility and her ability to transcend genres. If I’m being honest, I was caught by surprise! Not expecting something so different but it was a very pleasant one. We’re at the end of our journey with “Alphabet Soup”. An instrumental ending however, unlike the first song this one is much longer. It is a flawless culmination of the album, presenting a blend of everything we have heard and seen so far. A rainbow of emotions and sounds, reaching the very core of the human spirit. A perfect conclusion to the voyage Riley has taken us on. A venture into self-exploration, reflection, and understanding. Closing with Riley‘s own words “The idea of doing the whole spectrum of colors was to show a very wide range of experiences and relationships. I hope that everybody can relate to at least something in there and take something away.”

Few albums captivate and engage as profoundly as ROY G BIV. Riley, an incredibly talented teen singer/songwriter has created something extraordinary with her album. Her gifted musical abilities have allowed her to establish a multi-genre piece that dives deep into the emotionality of humanity. So, sit back, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of ROY G BIV, and let the colors of emotions wash over you on an unforgettable musical odyssey.

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