ALBUM REVIEW: FOUNTAIN BABY

Amaarae established herself as a mainstay of Afro-pop with her critically acclaimed debut album, “The Angel You Don’t Know“, a stellar introduction to her effortless genre-bending prowess and unique artistic flair.

The album’s single; Sad Girlz Luv Money featuring Molly, became viral on TikTok shortly after its release in 2020 and in the following year, the the song received a global remix featuring Kali Uchis, which went on to achieve international success, earning Amaarae her first Billboard Entry as well as Platinum, Gold, and Silver certifications in Canada, Portugal, and UK respectively.

FOUNTAIN BABY – UNWRAPPING THE GOODS

In her sophomore album, Amaarae defies rules and expresses herself on her own terms, free from external pressures. She stays consistent with familiar themes of sexual expression and gender conventions from her previous work. She simply refuses to be boxed.

The album’s most remarkable feature lies in its exquisite sound engineering and track arrangement fleshed with production that elevates the listening experience to a new level.

Based on our own listening experience, the album appears to be organized into two distinct sections. With each section offering a unique musical experience. The first side predominantly delves into pop music, while the second side gracefully embraces the vibrant Afrobeats realm.

THE POP SIDE

The 14-track project thrives on diversity imbued by various elements of genres, mainly pop, afro-swing, punk, and rock. The album opens with the evocative intro All My Love; a breathtaking enchanting string-based masterpiece that exudes cinematic grandeur which sets the tone for a pop experience which is the backbone of this project.

On Angels In Tibet, Co-star, Princess Going Digital, and the amazing three-track run of Wasted Eyes, Counterfeit, and Digisuise, Amaarae effortlessly weaves the vibrant elements of rhythmic Afropop and emotive R&B, resulting in a mesmerizing sonic landscape filled with alluring melodies.

THE AFROBEATS INFLUENCE

Amaarae switches up the tempo on Big Steppa to the more familiar smooth sensual Afro-swing sound she’s crafted for herself. Reckless & Sweet which was released as the album’s lead single earlier in March explores love that comes with a price, as she confronts her gold-digging partner. Aquamarine Luvs Ecstasy and Water From Wine both emanate the same smooth cadence captured on Big Steppa. Despite this apparent duality, the project strikes a sonic balance overall, flaunting Amaarae’s versatility as an artist.

VERDICT

The production effortlessly propels listeners into an exhilarating and enjoyable Pop journey, punctuated by occasional Afrobeats interludes. Amaarae’s celestial vocals and songwriting align effortlessly with Pop-infused production, showcasing the genre as her most formidable forte.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Amaarae is indisputably a distinguished artist with an extraordinary talent that sets her apart. Her lush vocals, combined with a distinctive fusion of smooth R&B, soulful melodies, boundary-pushing experimental pop, and Afrobeats, serve as a true testament to her extraordinary artistry.