ALBUM REVIEW: IN CASE I NEVER LOVE AGAIN (ICINLA)
“Oladapo invites us on a captivating journey through a collection of ten tracks that delve into the complexities of love and relationships”
An Album Review by Wale Olaiya
Tonade Oladapo Adetunji, better known as Oladapo, has been making waves in the music scene for a while now. His journey began in 2018 when he gained recognition through sharing freestyles and covers online. In 2020, he made a significant mark with the release of his debut tracks, “Mango” and “Proud” which not only caught the attention of music enthusiasts but also drew the interest of Mr. Eazi’s music initiative, Empawa Africa.
This recognition paved the way for exciting opportunities and marked the beginning of a promising musical career for Oladapo. His 2022 collaboration with Melvitto was well received, amassing over 700,000 streams on Spotify further pushing him to the limelight.
On his debut album, In Case I Never Love Again, Oladapo takes a solo approach, letting his own voice and artistic talent shine without any featured artists. This decision underscores his capacity to bear the emotional depth of the songs all on his own.
“In Case I Never Love Again (ICINLA)” sets a reflective and soulful mood. Each track is a heartfelt exploration of love’s complexities, offering listeners a chance to delve into the depths of their own emotions.
ICINLA – UNWRAPPING THE GOODS
Oladapo invites us on a captivating journey through a collection of ten tracks that delve into the complexities of love and relationships.
The album kicks off with an intro called “Elevator Pitch,” a short, forty-two-second conversation that incorporates lines from his 2021 single, “Isakaba.” This intro sets the stage for an encounter between Oladapo and a character he’s created, unfolding within an elevator.
In the second track “Perfect Timing,” Oladapo explores the relatable experience of meeting someone special, a soulmate. He adeptly conveys the feeling of being on the edge, highlighting how crucial divine timing is in our existence. A mere second too soon or too late could have altered significant moments in our journey.
“What makes this project truly remarkable is its ability to narrate a story, both in its lyrics and its carefully curated arrangement”
On the album’s lead single “If At All,” Oladapo ventures into a fresh and experimental territory, infusing elements of Amapiano into his music. This standout tune effortlessly meets all the expectations, amassing nearly 300,000 views on YouTube.
Oladapo delves deeper into the lover-boy theme in tracks like “Kilode” and “Bomboy.” However, the album takes a poignant turn with “Voice Note“, where he captures the poignant stillness that lingers after emotional detachment. .
The project’s climax emerges with ”Break Up,” an unfiltered depiction of heartbreak and closure. Oladapo doesn’t hold back as he traverses the aftermath of a broken relationship, delving into the anguish of remorse and the wisdom gained from the experience.
The album concludes with a decisive moment, as Oladapo takes the spotlight one last time on “Over Again,” asserting his final thoughts before declaring his readiness to embark on the journey all over again.
THE PRODUCTION & CREATIVE TEAM
The album seamlessly combines futuristic sounds with Afro beats, creating a captivating and rewarding musical journey. Credit goes to the talented producers involved: Semzi, Kemena, Le MAV, Reward Beatz, Shabba, Big Fish, Sir Bastien, and Black Culture for their contributions to this exceptional blend.
A special recognition goes out to the creative team and the A&R’s Tolu Daniels and Ife Falola for their exceptional work in curating this project. The creative direction and storytelling is truly intentional and extraordinary.
VERDICT
What makes this project truly remarkable is its ability to narrate a story, both in its lyrics and its carefully curated arrangement. It takes us on a journey from that chance encounter in an elevator, through vulnerability, love, heartbreak, and ultimately to self-discovery.
The meticulous attention to detail is so exquisite that it almost paints a vivid picture of how each chapter unfolded. Personally, I find a deep connection with ICINLA because it mirrors my own experiences.
EDITOR’S NOTE
In Case I Never Love Again is a solid body of work that meets R&B standards and expectations. While the project is technically well-executed and showcases Oladapo‘s talent, some listeners may feel that it lacks a deeper emotional connection and personal essence to truly connect.
