Spanning 19 tracks, which include six meditative interludes labeled “Recall,” Cosmos Ray’s debut album, ‘The More We Live,’ unfolds like a ceremony of remembrance.
Stream: ‘The More We Live’ – Cosmos Ray
Occasionally, a debut album arises that transcends merely introducing a new artist.
It alters the very terminology we use when discussing music. ‘The More We Live,’ the first solo effort from Chicago’s Cosmos Ray, represents that kind of shift. It is expansive and relentless yet also calm and gentle. It epitomizes one individual sifting through the wreckage of his identity and discovering treasures.
‘The More We Live’ is a sonic voyage, a spiritual testament, and a masterclass in emotive storytelling. By intertwining the rawness of hip-hop, the richness of soul, the rhythm of reggae, and the ambience of electronic soundscapes, Ray crafts a musical realm that feels entirely his own. Still, it also resonates with universal human experiences; grappling with love, loss, change, and the delicate wonder of existence.
Throughout the 19 tracks, Ray builds a universe of healing, defiance, recollection, and evolution. Seamlessly blending genres from hip-hop to ambient, soul to electronic, reggae to rock, he creates a sound that is both intimately personal and expansively radical.
The album begins with “Recall – Being Human,” a meditative piece that serves as a cinematic gateway. It establishes the atmosphere with serene bravery, offering invitations rather than answers. Ray encourages us to remember ourselves before unveiling what lies ahead.
Powerful, charged, and firmly rooted in contemporary digital unease, “Paranoia” transforms systemic fear into a call to action. Featuring impactful 808s and politically charged lyrics, Ray expertly balances sharp lyricism with sonic ambition, crafting protest music suited for a generation under constant surveillance.
A highlight in its fusion of styles and emotional depth, “When You’re Gone (conversations with my selves)” evokes the essence of Parliament in a therapist’s room. Ray grapples with fragmentation and self-doubt against a backdrop that’s both funky and existential. The outcome is a wildly creative soundscape that is both weighty and entrancing.
A refreshing pause, “Waking Breath” serves as a choral soothing balm. Ethereal, uplifting, and spiritually comforting, it embraces stillness while maintaining momentum. Here, Ray’s voice floats gently, confidently, and reverently, anchoring the listener in grace.
“Recall – The Apologists” is brief yet crucial; this interlude alters the atmosphere. It encapsulates a moment of foreshadowing, imbued with quiet irony and profound discomfort. Philosophical in its succinctness, it sets the stage for the record’s most piercing critiques.
“Sin Tax” presents a sonic sermon infused with satire, all the while being bold, brilliant, and beautifully conflicted. The blend of gospel, grime, and soul creates a genre-defying sound that questions moral capitalism and the commercialization of spirituality. It’s intelligent, nuanced, and daring.
“Recall – The Circle of Faults” offers a hypnotic interlude that condenses societal dysfunction into five impactful words: judgment, contempt, anger, shame, and blame. Stark and looped, it reflects both the simplicity and intricacy of our emotional cycles—a haunting reflection of the personal and political.
Cosmos Ray © 2025
“Heavy (the blame is)” stands out as one of the album’s most strikingly emotional pieces. This track is a soul-funk confession that resonates with intense vulnerability. Ray’s performance is captivating; he carries the burden of blame alongside you.
“It Is What It Is” is light yet deeply philosophical, embodying the grace of acceptance. The synth-pop rhythm creates an opportunity to dance through detachment, transforming resignation into liberation. It emerges as one of the album’s most delightful surprises.
“Recall – The Givers” exists as an audio heartbeat. This track feels ancestral, radiating quiet strength. It reframes generosity not as sacrifice, but as a form of resistance and reclamation, reminding us that even minor acts of kindness are revolutionary.
“The More We Live” serves as the album's heart and essence. Expansive, cosmic, and filled with emotion, the title track is an emotional anthem. With sweeping vocals and layered textures, Ray clarifies his overarching vision: to love more is to live more. It represents a mantra, a mission, and a masterwork.
Dreamy and lyrical, “Free 2 Birds” evokes a lucid dream. Its ethereal production and tender vocals provide listeners with a space to breathe, to embrace self-love, and to experience freedom. It offers a moment of personal liberation within the communal journey.
Then comes “Recall – The Redeemed.” Here, redemption is framed not as a destination but a choice. This interlude radiates quiet revolution, reminding us that healing is an ongoing
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Spanning 19 tracks, with six meditative interludes named “Recall,” Cosmos Ray’s debut album ‘The More We Live’ reveals itself as a ritual of remembrance.