Ebony Riley Releases Debut Album: ‘Beautiful Tragedy’
- Anderson Longenecker
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Switching careers isn't an easy task and following your dreams can be scary. But Ebony Riley is stepping into a new era, one that she's always felt drawn towards. Growing up in church choirs, the Detroit-born artist became a successful model under the stage name Riley Montana, yet she always dreamed of music.
Re-launching her career under her real name, Riley practices vulnerability through her art. Dedicated to her late mother, her debut album, Beautiful Tragedy, is told through conversations between Riley and other women. With rich vocals alternating between soft, assertive, honeyed, and contemplative undertones, Riley doesn't box herself in as she expresses a dazzling spectrum of emotions within the R&B tracks.
The opening track, "Sick Of Me," features Riley's inner narrative during a relationship that's failing. Through examining herself, she realizes that she has put herself aside in this relationship for too long.
"I'm putting me first, I'm breaking the curse
It's what I deserve
On my life
Taking my words, I'm giving them worth
I'm making 'em work
On my life"
With a swirling guitar, the third track, "Honest," is a poignant piece on truly feeling one’s emotions and striving to completely show up in your daily life. Meanwhile, Riley examines modern love and intimacy in tracks like "Only You" and "Otherside." Collaborating with fellow Detroit rapper Skilla Baby on "You Better Know," Riley warns her future partner that they should be serious: "You better know what you're doing." The album concludes with "Bloom," a heartfelt letter to her younger self, a retelling of her story, and a beacon of encouragement to listeners.
With 13 songs, Riley brings forth a holistic album packed with emotions. Listen to the full album here:
Have you listened to Beautiful Tragedy already? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below or by reaching out to us on Instagram or X.
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Edited by Michelle Leung