Ragz Originale “Couture” Review: A Final Taste of New Album ‘keepsake’

Ragz Originale is Back: “Couture” is the Soundtrack to Your Next Late-Night Drive

If there is one person in the UK music scene who truly understands the “vibe” as a currency, it’s Ragz Originale.

The North London producer-turned-frontman has just dropped his latest single, “Couture,” and it’s exactly what the title suggests: high-end, perfectly tailored, and meant to be played loud in expensive spaces. It’s the final taste of his new album, keepsake, and it confirms what we’ve suspected for a while—Ragz isn’t just making R&B; he’s designing an aesthetic.

No One Does “Excessive Luxury” Like This

Ragz has been championing his own genre, “Excessive Luxury Sound,” for a few years now. While other artists try to sound “expensive” through big features or flashy videos, Ragz does it through pure technical skill.

“Couture” feels like a natural evolution from his Bare Sugar era. It’s got that signature clinical precision—every synth hit and drum loop feels intentional—but there’s a new level of confidence in his vocals. It’s effortless. It’s the kind of track that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re just sitting in traffic.

“12 songs. 28 minutes. For people with taste.” That was Ragz’s recent pitch for the upcoming album, and honestly? It’s refreshing. In an era of 25-track albums designed to game the streaming charts, Ragz is giving us a 28-minute masterclass. “Couture” is the centerpiece of that vision.

From the Studio to the Runway

It’s no secret that Ragz is a fixture at Paris Fashion Week, and you can hear that influence dripping off this track. There’s a specific “cool” factor here that feels closer to a runway show than a traditional radio hit.

For those who have followed him since he was producing anthems like “Shutdown” for Skepta, his solo trajectory has been fascinating to watch. He’s moved away from the grit of the early Grime years into something much more atmospheric and soulful. “Couture” sits right in that sweet spot between a club floor and a private lounge.

What to Expect Next

With “Couture” now out in the wild, the countdown to keepsake (dropping January 21) is officially on. If this single is anything to go by, we’re looking at one of the most cohesive, stylish projects of the year.

Listen to “Couture” on Spotify and Apple Music now. Put on some headphones, find some low lighting, and let the production do the work.