This year, some of the biggest names in music released much
hyped albums to varying degrees of success. Wizkid, 2face, P-
Square all dropped records but none of them was considered
fitting enough to make our annual year end list.
The newcomers had a thing or two to teach complacent old
hands about recording albums that sustain interest beyond the
initial listen. Half of the list consists of debut records while the
other half comprises a returning rap idol, his more interesting
and revolutionary sibling, 2 fabulous females who have stayed
away far longer than we would prefer them to and a chastised
Brymo, starting out on a clean slate. The music was superb
and it was plentiful.
While mainstream club goers were enthralled by the Shoki and
the Sekem, the are the 10 albums that mattered this year.
Presented in ascending order.
10. Anytime soon- Ajebutter 22
This 16-track album, produced almost entirely by Studio magic
has the breezy sound and feel of something fresh, something
exciting but where it could have broken new grounds sonically,
had the producers been more daring, it stays within safe limits.
Ajebutter 22 blurs the increasingly hard to differentiate lines
between rapping and singing and rewards listeners with an
effort that scores points for daring to be different.
9. The Journey- Sean Tizzle
Sean Tizzle is that artiste that did not go away when you
expected him to, sticking around and stretching his fame
beyond the 5 minutes awarded to guys like him. His debut, The
Journey is one of the year’s welcome surprises. A fun,
contemporary and groovy record that is as much Sean Tizzle’s
success as it is his producer, D’tunes.it is bristling with life
and bustling with creative energy.
8. Open doors- Nosa
Open doors is not particularly packaged like the run off the mill
gospel album. While it is not pretentious about its purpose, the
songs are recorded and packaged to a shiny gloss with careful
considerations to accommodate even the most unconvinced
sceptics. The record is a fun, refreshing piece of work that at
once offers a peep into a young man’s heart, the greatness of
his God and the ambitions of a forward-thinking record label.
7. Wazup guy- Falz the bahdguy
A lot of people missed out on this gem, a fat, meandering
record that is a showcase for the rapper Falz the bahdguy and
his team of creatives that offer a peep into what the next
generation of music is likely to sound like. If Wazup guy is any
indication, then the future of the industry is in safe hands.
From blistering political analysis, social commentary to the
challenges of young love, Falz lays it all down with a glint in
his eye and plenty charm in his rhymes. 6. The Morning songbook- TY Bello
The music on The Morning Songbook may be free, available for
download on TY Bello’s web page, but the quality is top notch.
Bello works with her regular collaborator Mosa Adegboye, and
together both music heads create a blissfully brief praise and
worship session with the creator. Unabashedly gospel, the
record is tastefully produced with TY Bello doing some vocal
heavy lifting, and trying repeatedly to stay ahead of her
backing choir.
5. No guts no glory- Phyno
If only No guts no glory were better arranged and all the
unnecessary fillers cut to a tight 12 or 13 tracks, it would have
been an instant contender for album of the year. Phyno makes
some dubious decisions instead and dilutes the punch hinted at
by the title. While the choice of songs are, understandable and
maybe even necessary, it follows therein that the record will
have to settle for a different kind of honour; the feel good
album of the year.
4. The Chairman- MI
MI’s The Chairman is prime stuff and represents a subtle
return to form for Jude Abaga. It respects the concept of the
album and makes each track an experience to listen to without
skip. Some tracks jump at you with their obviousness but it is
the quiet ones that give the album its defining experience.
Again MI moves to appease as many blocs as he possibly can
but he still maintains his unique sensibility, proving that even
after 4 years away, it is still Chairman season and we are all
just living in it.
3. Jagz Nation Volume 2: The Royal Niger Company- Jesse
Jagz
Jago’s second Jagz nation entry is an all-out rap album that
takes barely a glance at the commercial lane. Mainstream
audiences may find it too toxic to take in but for the hip hop
heads, this is solid gold. An album as fully realised and
relevant as any you may have heard this year, It stands out
easily, more so for its cohesiveness and deserves to be saved
in a time capsule, to be brought up years later when someone
tries to suggest great records weren’t made in 2014.
uncompromising, cerebral and painfully beautiful, Royal Niger
Company is a deserving companion piece to Thy nation come
and a worthy successor.
2. Bed of stone- Asa
The song writing on Bed of stone is top notch, Asa’s vocal
delivery is precise but it is the arrangement of the music that
takes the cake. Working with British producer, Blair MacKichan
who has arranged songs for Sia and Lily Allen in the past, Asa
sets every song afire with its very own melody. Whether it is
the intricate guitars, piano strums, hand clapping or the joyous
shimmying of feet, every song is an adventure and is as much
a part of the record as they are stand-alone singles. And every
one of the songs is recognizable as an Asa original. The mood
may be dark but the sound is inherently uplifting.
1. Tabula Rasa- Brymo
For his 4th album and 2nd disc post Chocolate City, Brymo
elects to wipe the chalkboard and start on a clean slate. His
muse is unfailing, his talent is supreme, his voice is distinct
and his concept remains true. From start to finish Tabula rasa
is pure genius and demands instantly to be played in one
satisfying take. And then over and over again. The songs from
the generic love songs, Fe mi, to the racy cautionary tale, Prick
no get shoulder are slices of the human condition. Whatever
you do, don’t let the year go by without purchasing this one.
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