KLAT Takes, Music

Album of the Year: Tems “Born in the Wild” and Ayra Starr’s “The Year I Turned 21”

29 June

2024 has been a stellar year for Nigerian music, with two of its brightest stars, Tems and Ayra Starr, releasing highly anticipated albums that have taken the music world by storm. Released barely a week apart, these albums have provided listeners with a continuation of the top-charting singles that preceded them, such as Tems’ “Me & U” and “Love Me Jeje,” and Ayra Starr’s “Commas,” “Rhythm & Blues,” and “Bad Vibes.” In this article, we will provide an overview of both albums, highlighting standout tracks, audience perception, album cohesiveness, lyrics, features, streaming numbers, and their overall impact.

Overview of the Albums

Ayra Starr – “The Year I Turned 21”

Ayra Starr’s “The Year I Turned 21” released May 30th, is a vibrant celebration of youth and self-discovery. The 15-track album is a dynamic mix of Afropop, R&B, and dancehall influences. From the energetic “Goodbye” to the reflective “The Kids are Alright,” Ayra captures the exuberance and challenges of coming of age while celebrating Afrobeats and pop, with an emphasis on catchy hooks and danceable rhythms.

Tems – “Born in the Wild”

“Born in the Wild” released June 7th, is an introspective record that showcases Tems’ soulful voice and profound lyricism. The album features 18 tracks, including two interludes, that blend elements of R&B, soul, and Afrobeats. Tems’ album highly leans towards soul and R&B, with a focus on vocal prowess and emotional depth. From the atmospheric opener “Born in the Wild” to the pensive “Hold On,” Tems delivers a cohesive and emotionally resonant project.

Standout Tracks

Tems

“Me & U”: With millions of streams, this track is a fan favourite, combining catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics.
“Love Me JeJe”: A smooth and soulful tune which samples Seyi Sodimu’s 1999 song, was released as one of the lead singles to critical acclaim.
“Free Fall” (Ft. J. Cole): A powerful collaboration with J. Cole, highlighting her international appeal and ability to blend genres seamlessly.
“Wickedest”: Widely regarded as the best song on the album, it stands out for its infectious rhythm and strong vocal performance.

Ayra Starr

“Commas”: The lead single from the album, it has achieved the highest streaming numbers for a Nigerian song in 2024, with over a 100 million streams.
“Goodbye” (Ft. Asake): This warm-up track sets the tone for the album with its engaging lyrics and upbeat production.
“Rhythm & Blues”: A fan-favourite previously released track that showcases Ayra’s vocal versatility and emotional depth.
“Last Heartbreak Song” (Ft. GIVĒON): This highly-anticipated collaboration adds a soulful touch to the album’s narrative.

Audience’s Perception

Both albums have been met with widespread acclaim. Fans and critics alike have praised Tems for her lyrical depth and emotive delivery. “Born in the Wild” is seen as a mature and introspective work that solidifies her place in the global music scene.

While, Ayra Starr’s “The Year I Turned 21” has been celebrated for its youthful exuberance and bold production choices. Listeners appreciate her ability to convey complex emotions with an infectious energy that resonates with a younger audience.

Album Cohesiveness

Tems

“Born in the Wild” is a cohesive body of work that flows seamlessly from one track to the next, creating an immersive listening experience. The album maintains a consistent mood throughout, with Tems’ haunting vocals tying the tracks together, creating thoughtful themes and soulful sounds. The interludes, “Special Baby” and “Voices in My Head,” serve as reflective pauses that enhance the album’s narrative.

Ayra Starr

“The Year I Turned 21” is a well-structured album that balances high-energy tracks with more introspective moments. The transitions between songs are smooth, maintaining the listener’s engagement throughout. The variety of features and production styles add to the album’s dynamic nature while keeping a cohesive narrative of young adulthood, with each track contributing to the overall story.

Lyrics

Tems

Tems’ lyrics are marked by their emotional depth and introspection. She explores themes of love, resilience, empowerment and self-discovery with a poetic touch, inviting listeners into her inner world. Tracks like “Born in the Wild” and “Hold On” tells stories of personal struggles and triumphs, offering listeners a glimpse into her highs and lows.

Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr’s lyrics capture the essence of youth and self-exploration. Songs like “21” and “The Kids are Alright” reflect on the challenges and joys of growing up. Her lyrics are bold, unapologetic, and often empowering as she tackles themes of self-confidence, relationships, and coming of age with a fresh perspective. Her playful yet insightful lyricism resonates with a broad audience, making her songs relatable and impactful.

Features

Tems

“Born in the Wild” features notable collaborations with Asake on “Get It Right” and J. Cole on “Free Fall.” These features add a dynamic element to the album, blending different styles and enhancing the overall sound.

Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr’s album boasts an impressive lineup of features, including Asake, Anitta, Coco Jones, GIVĒON, Seyi Vibez, Milar, and Rauw Alejandro. These collaborations bring diverse influences to the project, enriching its sound and broadening its appeal.

Overall Impact

Both albums have made significant impacts in the music scene. Tems’ “Born in the Wild” peaked at No.1 on iTunes charts, and is praised for its introspective depth and artistic maturity, solidifying her status as a global icon. While, Ayra Starr’s “The Year I Turned 21” is celebrated for its youthful energy and innovative sound, resonating deeply with the younger generation. Her lead single, “Commas” has achieved unprecedented streaming success, potentially giving her album a slight edge in terms of commercial impact.

Notwithstanding, the two artists have delivered two exceptional albums that showcase their unique talents, commercial success, artistic visions, and the beauty of contemporary African music, offering listeners a rich and varied musical experience.

Whether you prefer Tems’ soulful introspection or Ayra Starr’s vibrant energy, both “Born in the Wild” and “The Year I Turned 21” are essential listening for fans of contemporary African music.