When Joeboy rocked our world in 2019 with his hit single ‘Baby’, I was one of the listeners who sold him my heart there and then. Joeboy’s sound was a clear trumpet amid loud talking drums, and it called to me on a unique level. I hadn’t felt that way with any Nigerian artiste before.
Two years later, Joeboy has finally blessed us with his debut album ‘Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic’. This album is astounding. It contains 14 audio tracks with no features; and one video documentary. Joeboy wanted his undiluted sound to reach us and that’s exactly what this album has done. Joeboy is known for his short tracks which are usually less than three minutes. I call them bite-sized pieces of heaven and the entire album is 45 mins long.
The album opens with ‘Count Me Out’, a track with the most heavenly instrumental combination of violins and trumpets. Here, Joeboy speaks about his musical path and sojourn which remains accelerated despite those who think or say he is not ready. The song is the declaration of a potential icon who is ready to take over the world.
The album houses songs like ‘Focus’, ‘Police’, ‘Number One’, ‘Runaway’, ‘Door’, ‘Show Me’ and ‘OH’ which Joeboy uses to express his love for the woman of his affection. If there is one thing Joeboy does well, it’s telling a tale of romance so sweet you’d want to fall in love. On ‘Better Thing’ and ‘Celebration’, he sings about wanting better things for himself and the people around him. The general theme of the album talks about love and the youthful drive to achieve one’s goals that people can easily relate to.
It’s hard to decide my favourite songs right now but these are strong contenders. In no particular order, here are the five songs on my top spots.
Count Me Out
Joeboy was right to open the album with this song. The violins on this track were simply divine. Big ups to the violinist Cee Jay (@i.amcjay on IG) and the producer Beats By KO who worked together to make this track. The only hang-up is that the cut is too short.
Police
This song is my love anthem this valentine season and beyond. How dare you steal my heart away? Come love me or I’ll have you arrested. This is the perfect song to play for someone who has you crazy in love. It was produced by Big Fish.
Number One
Joeboy sings about the importance of his partner. All the top spots in his heart belong to her and no one else can take her place. Another perfect love track for the season. Also produced by Beats by KO.
Celebration
Although this song came out earlier as a single, it is still one of my favourites on the album. The song is simply appreciating the good things that have happened in life and looking on to better moments. It was produced by Type A.
Consent
Joeboy urges everyone to respect women. Love her and respect her without disrespect to her person. I think it is a very important song because a huge part of love is consent. With the primary theme of love on the album, it is only right that such a track exists. It was produced by Semzi.
Would you let me know which song on the album is your favourite and all the good ways the album makes you feel?
