Ragz Originale; Bare Sugar: Sweet Nothings review - sensuality that is both tender but lacklustre

(Mini Kingz)

Ragz Originale, singer-producer, releases an extended version of his 2023 project ‘BARE SUGAR’, an 11-track culmination of “sweet nothings”.

The North London artist is adept at blurring the limits of what R&B can be. He is an artist helping revitalise both the UK alternative scene and the profile of British R&B artists.

It features three other artists, as well as vocals from Angelina adding substance to the intimacy and sensuality of the project.

“I chose violence” is the intro, with angelic, ethereal vocals and smoothness from Ragz in contrast to the lyrics representing the song title. The sweetness of the track distracts you from what he is saying making it seem like it is nothing but pleasant melodies.

Two of the three collabs appear on the next two songs. “Ice” ft BAMBII, the Canadian artist, was available before the full release and is the perfect sound for warm weather at home or abroad on holiday.

“Sho me” has BAMBII and underground UK funky icon Karen Nyame KG. While the track may not be for me if you can imagine a song in an underground dystopian vampire rave this may be the track for you.

For me, two of the standout records from the release “Crossfire” and “Back in Paris” come next. “Crossfire” is a certified head bopper, with a R&B sound and elevating production that creates a sultry soundscape. The braggadocios track “Back in Paris” tells a story of glitter and gold and of enjoyment in all the forms it may come.

As we draw closer to the end of this deluxe, Ragz formulates a song for the ladies “sexy riddim” which is just that a sexy riddim with influences from Jersey club mixes.

The last collaborator Miso Extra’s soft vocals compliment Ragz Originale on the track “Chandelier nightmares”. Just before the outro song Ragz the track “on my neez” is the soothing voice for those wanting their ex back.

“Cold case” brings a close to the deluxe succinctly disregarding the previous 14 tracks of ‘sweet nothings’. With that Ragz Originale captures the essence of soft, intimate expressions that convey what they want through what it makes you feel rather than explicit statements. 

If only he could do the same with longer tracks rather than a story ending too quickly.