Album Review: Gretta Ray - 'Begin To Look Around'

At the age of 23, many of us are still very much trying to figure out life and how we fit into the greater world around us, often while dabbling in the realms of student loan debt, first jobs and/or first heartbreaks. And it's those unique grey areas of grappling with identity, relationships and shaking off the fledgling status of youth for the first time that enthusiastically drives and intensifies Melbourne artist Gretta Ray's debut album Begin To Look Around.

After winning hearts and the prestigious Vanda & Young songwriting competition back in 2016, following on from her legendary triple j Unearthed High win that same year, Ray's initial plans for her first ever full-length were well and truly already in motion before she'd properly kissed her teen years goodbye. 

But armed with a voice heavy with wisdom and strength (and some insatiable songwriting chops to boot), it's little wonder that this new release is such an authentic and affable journey; Begin To Look Around is, at its heart, the ultimate coming-of-age apex, honestly crafted alongside each hurdle and heartbreak Ray herself faced along the way, while carefully packaged to complement the listener's own personal journey into adulthood.

From the undulating, genial magic of opening track Bigger Than Me to the radio-ready Passion and creamy Happenstance, Ray's sturdy vocals are the driving force behind her cleverly crafted tunes as she flits and firmly frolics with authority and, at times, show-stopping warmth. 

And while tracks like Human and Love Me Right showcase Ray's emboldened identity in 2021, songs like Cherish and Learning You draw the listener deep into Ray's psyche and emotive capacities, with the latter acting like a warm hug for those who have ever tried and failed in a relationship or love in general.

With Ray's track record and prolific history as a musician spanning well beyond her breakthrough moments back in 2016, Begin To Look Around was always destined to become a salient triumph, and a long-awaited milestone for the singer to tick off the list. 

Sad endings breed insatiable new beginnings on this incredible release, and the best is well and truly only yet to come as Ray continues her journey as one of Australia's most exciting young artists. 

Find out more about Gretta Ray here.

Gretta Ray also recently appeared on The Green Room With Tiana Speter to discuss the journey to Begin To Look Around and beyond; you can watch the episode here, or catch up and grab a listen here.