The Alexander Review: Some of the best records right now

Some of the status quo as regards recording are not followed – mixing, mastering and augmentation. This is because artistes are in a hurry to release materials. Can we face the fact that most Nigerian projects lack the Sucre of a Sound engineer and so when a music critic hear these sounds, they trash it right into the bin.  Here are my opinions for the week, track-by-track:

Labalaba – Tiwa Savage

While Tiwa’s tracks are never short on impact, she just set a new standard on this one – the feel of the vocals, the strong bassline and heavy drums, were all the pieces to a smash.

Rating: 4/5

Magun (Remix) – Niniola featuring Busiswa

Catchy, a different arrangement from the main set, this remix pushed boundary from Busiswa’s funk and uncalm side. The additional chords on the surface of the instrumentals made it a bit weak, though.

Rating: 4/5

In the End – DJ Caise featuring Xerona

Do you know what happens when a DJ jumps on a pop song? You get all the elements in the track. Oh yes! Mad percussions included. Xerona’s sultry vocals are welcoming. Yes, Mama. Bring it on! Let us drown.

Rating: 4/5

Halima – DJ Jimmy Jatt featuring Mr Eazi and Skales

Uncle Jimmy with the pon pon! This sound like a Mr Eazi hit. Skales is a passenger on this one – Total waste of a verse.

Ratiung: 3.5/5

My Dear – DJ Big N featuring Don Jazzy and Kiss Daniel

The tune is nice as it is a highlife tune. Whoever threw autotunes on Kiss Daniel’s verse did not do well. I see a banger here.

Rating: 4/5

Debe – D’Tunes featuring Mayorkun and Hyperdandy

I love the pattern of the bridges Mayorkun and Hyperdandy jumped on, consciously protecting the booming instrumentals. This is really impressive.

Rating: 4/5

BANS – Terry Tha Rapman featuring Paul Play Dairo

Terry infused a dance inspiration a Hip/Hop classic. The result was really good.

Rating: 3.5/5

No Wahala – Beodun

Beodun’s unique vocals did a great job on this addictive instrumental – switching keyboar,  Boom-bam drum pattern, keeps everything in balance. Wonderful!

Rating: 4/5

Sammah – Ikechukwu

This tune is on a way to a post-pop classic, but even better is the innocence; with an acid bassline. Absolutely essential in this party tune.

Rating: 3.5/5

Think To Lose You – Ezi Emelia

I cannot make out the message and feelings of Ezi, but you can hear the soothing vocals; she is not losing that. The song boasts of two keys and minimal instrumentals – your usual Rnb/soul song.

Rating: 3.5/5

Slow Down – Skuki

Your pop has wavy instrumentals and since it’s the duo Skuki, it has irregular vocals doing damage on a supposedly ‘potential’ hit. Awful!

Rating: 2.5/5

Bam Bam – Crowd Kontroller featuring Niniola

There is nothing much here just Niniola spraying graffiti paint and helping Kontroller with his job. Sigh!

Rating: 3/5

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While the hipsters and popstars are all about the Nigerian community of fans inspiring party and club vibes, it’s refreshing to hear a combo from artistes who don’t shy away from traditional styles – Niniola just set a new standard