If you’ve heard the phrase “Ololade mi Asake”, then you know that what follows is nothing short of beautiful music. We all know and love Asake for his unique vocal style and seamless blend of Afrobeats and Fuji sounds. His rapid ascent was cemented with the release of his debut album “Mr. Money With The Vibe” in 2022, and now, we have another masterpiece, “Lungu Boy”.
Here’s what we think of Asake’s third studio album and latest release, “Lungu Boy”.
1. “Start”
Asake starts his album with nostalgia and deep introspection. Start ends as quickly as it begins. It, however, sets the tone for the album. After the all-too-familiar chorus, we hear Asake’s snippet, backed by mellow, soft piano chords and subtle percussion. It’s a fitting introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the album, highlighting Asake’s gratitude and determination.
2. “MMS” (Asake & Wizkid)
If you’ve been waiting for a Wizkid and Asake bop, this is it. The next song on Asake’s new album, “Lungu Boy”, takes a clever spin on contemporary Fuji and modern-day Afrobeats. This is a laidback tune with the occasional talking drum and saxophone backdrop that makes it an instant earworm.
As for the collaboration, I won’t say it met my expectations, but it’s still a great song nonetheless.
3. “Mood”
Next on “Lungu Boy”, Asake uses soft guitar riffs and atmospheric synths on Mood, an upbeat song with steady cadences that will have you nodding in no time. Wait.. is that a Spanish verse I hear?
Well, I can’t say I expected to hear Asake spit some Spanish bars on this album, so this comes as a pleasant surprise. He tells Apple Music the bilingual verses are aimed at helping him reach a wider audience, and I think that’s absolutely genius.
4. “My Heart”
Picture this: A mafia boss strides into a bar, leaving a trail of cigarette smoke behind. On the stage in front of him, a sexily clad woman croons into the microphone, singing My Heart by Asake.
If this song is any indication, Asake indeed intends to reach a wider audience. The Spanish guitar came out to play on this track, and Asake owned it (not surprisingly). If the lyrics indicate anything, Asake might have a loverboy alter ego, even though we don’t get to see that very often.
5. “Worldwide”
Worldwide sees Asake embracing his global appeal. The song’s production is a fusion of Afrobeats and international pop, with a driving beat and catchy melody that make it an instant hit. Lyrically, Asake celebrates his success and the impact his music has had around the world.
When describing the inspiration behind this song, Asake says, “I don’t want to be just a guy from Africa, but a guy who came into this world and made a difference in music”.
6. “Active” (Asake & Travis Scott)
Active is a high-energy track that lives up to its name. The song’s fast-paced beat and energetic delivery make it perfect for the dance floor or workout floor (whichever rocks your boat).
One thing I love about this song is the vibrant production, with heavy percussion and pulsating bass lines that drive the song forward. Another thing, though, is that this is one collaboration I never saw coming. As for the chemistry between Asake and Travis Scott, both artists handled it well.
7. “Suru” ft. Stormzy
Suru is a standout track that features British rapper Stormzy. The song’s production is a blend of Afrobeats and grime, with a heavy, bass-driven beat that gives the track a gritty edge. Lyrically, “Suru” is about patience and perseverance, with both artists reflecting on their journeys to success. Stormzy’s verse adds an extra layer of depth to the song, making it one of my best songs on the album.
8. “Skating”
“Skating” is a fun, upbeat track that’s all about enjoying life and having a good time. The song’s production is light and breezy, with a playful melody and bouncy rhythm that makes it impossible not to dance along.
I do find it interesting that this song is literally about skating, one of the hobbies Asake picked up this year. While I appreciate the inspiration behind this song, it fell flat.
9. “Wave” (Asake & Central Cee)
Wave is a track that exudes confidence and swagger. As the 9th song on Asake’s new album “Lungu Boy”, Wave is a beautiful mix of EDM, Amapiano, and just the right amount of Fuji. If anyone can pull this off, it’s definitely Asake, supported by Central Cee.
10. “Mentally”
Mentally takes a 180 from the previous song, Wave. On this track, we see more brooding synths and a slow, deliberate beat that tells a story of its own. Lyrically, Asake delves into the challenges of maintaining mental health in the face of pressure and expectations.
As much as I appreciate the message of this track, I couldn’t help but feel as if the songs on the album have started to sound a bit monotonous at this point.
11. “Uhh Yeah”
The next song on “Lungi Boy” is Uhh Yeah, an upbeat track that shows Asake exploring spontaneity. The sound production on this track was a solid 9/10, and you can easily tell Asake had fun with it.
12. “I Swear”
I Swear is a powerful declaration of loyalty and commitment. The song’s production is bold and dramatic, with sweeping strings and a driving beat that gives the track a cinematic feel.
13. “Ligali”
With the next song on “Lungu Boy”, things start to pick up a bit. Ligali is a track that’s full of energy. In Asake’s words, “This song is for the bad boys who just want a special girl in their lives and appreciate her efforts to stay beautiful while they have fun, travel around the world, enjoy the little things in life, take risks and be responsible at the same time”.
14. “Whine” ft. LUDMILLA
Whine is a collaboration with Brazilian singer LUDMILLA that’s all about dancing and having a good time. Asake and LUDMILLA’s voices complement each other perfectly, making “Whine” a track that’s worth listening to.
15. “Fuji Vibe”
We all know an Asake album would never be complete without some raw Fuji. “Lungu Boy” closes with “Fuji Vibe,” a track that pays homage to Asake’s roots. The song’s production is heavily influenced by Fuji music, with traditional percussion and rhythmic chanting that create a rich, authentic sound, bringing the album to a fine finish.
Conclusion
Lungu Boy is a masterful album that showcases Asake’s growth as an artist and his ability to blend different genres and influences into a cohesive body of work.
The album may have started to sound monotonous at a point, but the closing songs put an end to that narrative.
Each track offers something unique, whether it’s a catchy melody, a powerful message, or a cultural homage. Asake’s versatility and creativity are on full display, making Lungu Boy an album that will resonate with fans and critics alike.
With “Lungu Boy,” Asake not only solidifies his place as one of Nigeria’s leading music stars but also offers his fans a deeper understanding of the experiences and values that shape his art.
