Nigerian Pop princess, Tems has the world in her palm on her debut album. A fierce and self-liberating masterpiece, the Grammy award winning singer showcases her talent and versatility on this fulfilling masterpiece.
Born In The Wild
The listener is treated to a buttery vocal performance from Tems over inviting guitar strings. Songs like this remind us that her vocal cadence is one of the reasons Tems is so distinct from her peers, mix that with quality production and engineering, and why exactly she’s so highly rated becomes obvious. A beautiful intro.
7/10
Special baby (Interlude)
On this interlude, Tem’s mum narrates how she had always been special and dear to her family, even as a child. Addressing doubts about the delayed arrival of her debut album and her meteoric rise to fame, her mum analyzes the different reactions fans and colleagues might feel towards her. Very inspirational, it shares a vulnerable moment with the listener.
Burning
While describing her creative process, Tems describes “Burning” as reflecting on her early stages of stardom and the struggle to come to terms with it. Displaying deft songwriting, the singer explores the depths of insecurity and awareness in a progressive and artistic way that her super fans are aware of. Tems paints some of the best pictures with her music when she’s introspective and Burning is another creation in her gallery. Balancing honesty and introspection, she churns out high end art.
7.5 – 8/10
Wickedest
Sampling one of the biggest and viral African Hits of all time, in Magic System’s “Premier Gaou”, Tems completely owns her superstar status on this track which she co-produces alongside Guilty Beatz. Tems’ production skills definitely adds to her unique sonic presence. “Yeah I’m the one that got the scene banging // and I go hard, that’s why they keep talking…” she sings on this confident record that showcases her unapologetic essence. Tems is amazing when she’s introspective but confident Tems will give anyone a run for their money.
8/10
Love Me Jeje
On this previously released track, the singer delivers a love rendition in true Afro-pop fashion. Enticing vocal delivery over progressive and airy instrumentation that samples Seyi Sodimu’s 1994 hit of the same title, Tems serenades us with one of the best love songs to be released this year. Well written, featuring great production and engineering, co-signed by legends, plus a standout delivery, Tems seemingly can’t miss.
8/10
Get it right (ft Asake)
On this Sarz produced masterpiece that combines oriental sounds, RnB strings, with Amapiano elements, Tems gushes over her lover. Featuring in-demand singer Asake, the two make a formidable team. An exemplary demonstration of how Afrobeats is a sonic fusion of different sounds, the listeners witness a triple threat of not just the artists, but the producer as well. An Asake feature was one of the tracks we looked forward to, it’s one of the only two features on the album, and we’re not disappointed.
8/10
Ready
Tems takes us on a sonically appealing journey that sees her come out victorious in a struggle with self-doubt. The futuristic instrumental that combines electronic music, RnB elements and an Afrobeat skeleton provides the perfect landscape for the singer to showcase a mesmerizing vocal performance. With well rounded penmanship, the singer not only takes us on a ride but inspires us in the process.
7.5 – 8/10
Gangsta
On this Spax produced groovy record, Tems reels off what she’s looking for in a partner. Lines like “That’s why, that’s why I need a gangsta // That’s why, that’s why I need a bad one…” and “If you need a rock, you can stick by me”, shows the kind of reciprocity the Nigerian sensation envisages in her relationship. She interpolates legendary Dancehall act, Diana King’s “L-l-lies” on the hook and once again crafts top-notch music that anyone would be proud of.
8.5/10
Unfortunate
Unfortunate is a cinematic RnB record that sees Tems wave goodbye to a toxic love affair. On this 90’s esque production that evokes nostalgia, the Sony/RCA signee documents her emotions, with deft lyricism that expresses her delight at being finally free. Witnessed by a witty chorus that says “Maybe it’s fortunate you’re unfortunate”, the singer creates another memorable song that perfectly pairs her lyricism with a distinct production from Guilty Beatz.
7.5 – 8/10
Boy o boy
With her background as a producer and the genre of music she makes, Tems has earned a reputation as a non-conforming music prodigy. Boy o boy (and majority of this album) continues in the same vein. The Grammy award winning singer bares her emotions and rallies against a manipulative partner on this Piano-led RnB solo that we can’t get enough of.
7.5 – 8/10
Forever
With production handled by French EDM production duo Dame Dame and additional production by Ghanaian producer Guilty beats, the listener is transported to a sonic dimension that has it’s roots in Blues, Jazz and RnB, a reoccuring theme through the album. Tems is at home with walking away from the wrong emotions on Forever, and everything falls in place on this record.
8/10
Free fall (ft J Cole)
Liberation from toxic association is a central theme on this album and Free Fall is no different. American Rap superstar, J Cole delivers a memorable guest verse and gives a different perspective and angle to the song, ensuring the two artists find good symmetry. The push and pull of emotions in relationships are spotlighted on this P2j production that perfectly compliments both artists.
8.5/10
Voices in my head (Interlude)
Different voices impersonate the different thoughts that regularly run through the singer’s head on this interlude that leaves us with mixed feelings. The content is pristine and the message is clear but something about it feels it could’ve been better executed
Turn Me Up
A scathing and conscious reggae inspired revelation, the singer is at her versatile best with this creatively packed record. Addressing naysayers, world governments and other bottlenecks, the singer asserts her immunity to negativity. We can almost see the shores of Kingston on this uptempo reggae production by fast rising producer London. The shock value of a style so unexpected and it’s pin-point execution gives us one of the highly rated songs yet.
9/10
Me & U
One of the lead singles off the album, previously released Me & U sees Tems reveling in a love she can’t stop craving for. The sound direction and arrangement of the album showcases the artist’s style, in tandem with the production. A consistent showing of peak artistry, every song is well crafted and complimentary.
8 – 8.5/10
T-unit
On bouncy boombap inspired production, Tems puts her versatility on display again. The singer floats admirably on this song, laced with braggadocio and vivid composition. Lines like “I’m not sorry, I’m not afraid / cuz I know I was born this way…” are not only impressive but inspirational too. With a unique vocal texture, she establishes her spot as one of the best singers of her generation.
8.5/10
You In My Face
Tems delivers an enchanting rendition that centers on self-reflection and self-care, on this heavily traditional beat that once again combines several elements including Jazz, Folk and Afrobeats. Inch perfect production by Guilty Beatz, who contributed to 14 out of the 18 tracks on the album, and the soulful vocal delivery by Tems, fit like a glove. A conscious and borderline spiritual record, the singer is her element on this one.
9/10
Hold On
In the spirit oftrue showmanship, the last song on the album closes with an astute crowning of everything that stands out on Tems’ debut album. Featuring stand out production by Guilty beatz and Tems it embodies pristine songwriting by the female act, enjoyable melodies, and an important and conscious message. Encouraging perseverance, self-awareness, and freedom, its fabric signifies everything Born in the Wild should mean . A fierce but much needed rallying cry, Tems uplifts herself and everyone else on this song and indeed the whole project.
9/10
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