It’s been a while since we last heard from Toronto’s Jay J. Ra — and oh, how we missed that voice. You know that feeling when a voice just stops you in your tracks? That’s what Jay J. Ra does. Smooth like Marvin Gaye, emotionally piercing like Whitney Houston, and radiating that magnetic energy Michael Jackson had when he stepped on stage. Jay J. Ra is a presence, a truth-teller, and a breath of fresh sincerity in the soul/R&B world and not just another name. With his single “Change,” released May 10, 2025, Jay J. Ra makes a triumphant return, reminding us why his name deserves to be mentioned alongside some of the greats. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a heart-stirring elevation.
Lyrically, “Change” is not your average feel-good tune. It’s a message. A soulful anthem built for the times; born from frustration, crafted with love, and delivered with an aching hope that we can be better. Jay isn’t shouting from a mountaintop; he’s speaking soul to soul, urging us to return to the basics: love and respect. Two words we often overlook but desperately need.
You feel it from the first few seconds; soft piano chords hum beneath a silky, gospel-tinged vocal intro. The beat rises gently, driven by a warm bassline and understated drums that let the message breathe. Think R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” — that same soaring, uplifting feel — but this time with a deeper social weight. The production, handled by Chiosa Fred, is intentionally minimal, yet rich. Every element is there to support the star of the show: Jay’s voice.
And what a voice it is. Jay J. Ra sings with a soulful depth that is impossible to fake. His delivery is smooth, textured, and emotionally layered. There’s tenderness in his phrasing, power in his belts, and an unshakable vulnerability throughout. I could tell he means every word — not just singing it, but living it. There are moments in the song where his voice cracks slightly, and it hits like a gut punch — a human moment that reminds us why we listen to music in the first place: to feel something real.
The harmonies, subtly arranged and beautifully mixed by studio engineer K. R. Moore, give the track a touch of that classic ‘90s R&B glow. You hear echoes of Boyz II Men’s rich warmth, with a hint of Donny Hathaway’s emotional gravity. But Jay isn’t copying anyone; he’s channeling those influences into something entirely his.
Let’s take a second to shout out the team that helped bring this vision to life. Songwriters Dadrien Amen-Ra and Victoria Sola co-crafted lyrics that are both poetic and plainspoken — a rare balance. The lyrics are simple but resonate deeply. They are the kind of lines that stay with you long after the track ends.
Jay J. Ra’s voice has been missed like sunlight in the dead of winter and it’s only good to welcome him back. He’s brought clarity in a music world filled with noise. In a time where many chase virality, he’s chasing meaning. And that’s why this single and his voice matters so much. For fans of real R&B, soul that actually touches the soul, and artists who sing from a place of deep truth, Jay J. Ra is here. Again. And he’s only just getting started. With “Change,” he’s made medicine. So, turn it up, close your eyes and let Jay J. Ra remind you of what matters.
Listen to “Change” on Spotify
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