Ray Hawthorne Isn’t Real just dropped, and we can’t stop listening to it. Read more to find out what this album has in store!
Contrary to the title of the album, Ray Hawthorne is real, and so is his addictive music. This musician is back and louder than ever, ushering in a new era with his sophomore album, ‘Ray Hawthorne Isn’t Real.’ The project comprises a whopping 15 tracks, all filled with short bursts of energy one after another. Most clock in at a little over two minutes per song, and all of them are nothing short of amazing.
Building on the momentum of his debut record, ‘Ray Hawthorne Sucks,’ and acclaimed work with Shavo of System of a Down’s North Kingsley, Hawthorne’s latest record is a soundtrack for pop punk fans who enjoy screaming into the void and making it sound catchy. With over 15 million streams and a reputation for turning late-night regrets into anthems, Ray Hawthorne beckons fans to laugh, rage, and sing along to the chaos.
Blazing the way for the album was the razor-sharp single, “And the Horse You Rode in On,” full of brash catharsis. The rest of the collection delivers the same vibe as it blurs the line between confessional chaos and much relieving release.
The album kicks off with “Come Ruin My Life Real Quick,” and there’s no stronger way to start. Right from the jump, it sets the foundation for all the themes, emotions, and sonic textures that are about to follow. This track digs into the chaos of a toxic relationship, with Hawthorne openly admitting his attraction to someone all wrong for him but irresistible anyway. It’s raw, dramatic, and perfectly relatable. Whether through stories heard or personal experience, many know about this kind of situation. In the end, the song gives listeners something authentic, loud, and real to shout about.
“Lately” slides into the fourth spot on the track list. It kicks off with a voicemail recording before exploding into high-energy chaos, opening with a loud shout of the title that jolts listeners straight into motion. The driving guitars and pounding drums create a rush that feels unstoppable, reminding fans that Hawthorne knows exactly how to balance vulnerable lows with adrenaline-packed highs. It’s the kind of track that begs to be screamed live in a crowd.
On the other end of the emotional spectrum comes the sixth track “I Don’t Hate You (The NaNaNa Song).” It’s one of the project’s most playful, mischievous moments. Where most tracks encourage listeners to belt out their feelings, this one makes them want to dance around. It’s an instant earworm, catchy, upbeat, and easy to sing from the first listen. Not to let the bouncy energy mask the lyrics that cut sharper than expected, with the unforgettable line, “I don’t hate you, I just want you to die.” The contrast between a joyful sound and a harsh message is what makes it so addictively fun.
Jumping far ahead, we’ll land to track nine, “Tell Me You’re Okay.” Starts with gentle guitar notes before gradually stacking layers of sound. The build reaches its peak in the chorus, when everything bursts apart and Hawthorne shouts with desperate sincerity, “whether you love me or not, tell me you’re okay.” The track perfectly captures the messy, vulnerable ache of needing reassurance in a relationship where love feels uncertain. It’s painful, relatable, and one of the album’s most emotionally striking moments.
Rounding over to the eleventh slot is “And the Horse You Rode in On.” It has all the hallmarks of early 2000s alternative rock with catchy riffs, punchy lyrics, and a balance of grit with melody. What makes it unique is how it subverts the romanticized ballad. Instead of the idea of someone riding in to save the day, Hawthorne turns it around and reclaims his voice. The result is equal parts cathartic and fun, a track that feels like both a release and an anthem.
Hawthorne‘s work is full of emotion and heart. If fans’ throats are sore from screaming to almost every song, then hopefully it was worth it for some stress release. If there’s nothing weighing other fans down, then the album is a fun and unique experience regardless. Make sure to listen to the rest of the songs and stay tuned for more news on rising artists!
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