Background

RAYE is busy reviewing applications. My heart is occupied by my yearning for “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”.

“WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” is a single by British singer-songwriter RAYE, released on September 2025. It serves as the lead single for her highly anticipated second studio album, scheduled for release in 2026. She co-wrote and co-produced the track with Mike Sabath.

What is Taking Him so Long?

Gone are the days when women were confined to gender roles. Marriage doesn’t define worth. The burden of courting a partner doesn’t sit with a man. And rings are nothing but symbols. But let’s not mistake the lack of rigidity to everyone having complete aversion to tradition. Women are free to find a wife, stay single or go with any other configuration. But they are equally entitled to find a husband, be dependent on him, and expect him to pamper her with material things.

RAYE unapologetically pleads for a husband. She sends a message to the world, prays to the Lord, and gets reassured by her grandmother. She’s proclaiming her qualifications to a future husband and also reviewing applications. Judgement is everywhere – from a group who believes women shouldn’t be straightforward, to those who believe that men aren’t required, and to people who’d express sympathy should she fail in her pursuit. But she’s brave and vulnerable enough to admit what’s important to her and that’s remarkable.

Big Band Instrumentation

The last time I heard big band instrumentation in popular music was with Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics. That was a bold move and I give her props for taking on that creative risk. In some tracks, the instrumentation overpowered the songwriting. And that’s not a criticism. I respect the choice but I have my reservations.

RAYE’s track stands out but at the same time fits within pop music. The line between the two approaches is thin. But I assume I’m a bigger fan of “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” because despite the theatricality of not just the production but also the vocals, the confessional lyrics still takes centre stage. The big band instrumentation is restrained and stripped down, and is in the service of RAYE’s songwriting.

Your Husband is Coming

While RAYE’s husband has not yet arrived, there’s a lot of consolation prizes. She humorously posted online when the track hit number 1 in the UK charts that “I may not have a husband, but I DO HAVE A NUMBER 1”. A partner she may not have, but she has a grandmother supporting her dreams, and also contributing vocals to the track.

Searching for a romantic partner is controllable by RAYE or any person for that matter. But making a match and experiencing reciprocity requires two people. And while waiting, there is still a lot to be thankful for. Career and family are things that RAYE has going for her. And despite imperfect conditions, we all have aspects of our lives working well too.

Conclusion

She would like a diamond ring on her finger. While waiting, she has a hit on her hand. She’s turned her personal pain into a relatable moment with striking honesty.