Jeremiah Gyang The Love Album Review
What dropped does not break and broke nothing? … Jeremiah’s sophomore album. A songwriter of extraordinary insight, an instrumentalist of ethereal virtuoso, and a spectacular performer. Much can’t be said in a manner of introductions. We’re all conscious of this spiritually conscious brother that gets everyone dancing to his tunes.
This album exhausted the subject of love. Ironically, can we be exhausted of love? I don’t think so. A couple of tracks are familiar hit singles we already hum to in the mornings, on the road, and in our dreams. As for the other tracks? Let’s find out with my track-by-track review:
1. Kaunar Allah
What better way to introduce the love album but with an articulate expression of the most ultimate love of all? The love of God. The originality of the production with a rich blend of live instruments gave it a strong feel. A real classic that has withstood the test of time.
2. Comforter’s Song feat. Asa
Holding his own on a track with the internationally acclaimed Asa is a testament to Jeremiah’s virtuoso both vocally and instrumentally. As far as collabos go, this one’s close to the pinnacle. Steady, gradual, a rich blend of instruments. An enjoyable one!
3. The Only One
Although what stood out more were the lyrics; gentle guitar solos and the wind chime effect were used cleverly to a pleasant effect on the production. In an era with a serious dearth of slow love songs, this one was pioneering where his strong articulate vocal resonation shone brightly.
4. I Want You
Started with a little Spanish flavour that rapidly switched to a reggae jam. Though clueless as to what end that effect was employed. At some point I kept wondering if this song title was confused for the previous track ‘The Only One’. A nice one though.
5. Ke Ce Kadai
Though the previous two tracks and this one run along the same theme; this was the groovy one. An intelligent mix of Northern Nigerian flavour and R n B to produce a hit song. You’ll probably be caught dancing to this one.
6. You’re My Fire
Slow jam baby! A song for you romantic dudes out there to dedicate to your ladies, the a cappella effect on the hook embellished it with a strong passionate feeling. The refrain before the last chorus displayed an exceptional understanding of song dynamics; reminiscent of Boyz II men, a mature song.
7. Give Me You
Another slow one, listening carefully to the production on this track gave the impression how much underrated musical talent we do possess. Why don’t we get more of this? Kept the lyrics simple yet stayed passionate in his singing, a classic bedroom jam.
8. In Love With You
After blazing the trail on slow jams; this was probably intended to get you off your slumber. Some Northern flavour on cleverly orchestrated percussion. The hand clap effect was totally dope and worked to perfect effect, a simple enjoyable hit.
9. Let’s Hold Hands
A political statement? A prayer? A conscious plea? This one reflected his love for Nigeria. A steady one… though I wasn’t really feeling it. He could possibly do more justice to the subject and the music.
10. The Most Beautiful
It had a Rock-Gospel feel, a gradual, steady, pleasant beat. The pitching and transposition on somewhere on the hook: a real vocalist. Simple lines that could steal your lady if you guys don’t start singing them to her yourselves.
11. Daddie’s Song (Rock of Ages)
A slow, soulful one, sung in Hausa. This one was in worship of ‘Baba God’. Not much can be taken from this beautifully crafted enjoyable track. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, you’ll probably be letting it play on for its soothing effect.
12. With You
I kept wondering if he didn’t feature anyone on the track, who were the remaining dudes producing the acappella harmony? Fine singing, I could feel the Boyz II men influence on this, especially when one of them blokes started with the deep baritone speech thingy.
13. Keep It
What crevice of the bag did this cat jump out of? Somewhat techno, up-beat and club-like feel. This one seemed out of place on this album. A brave significant topic not popularly touched on lyrically. A creative experiment that might entice few ear drums.
14. Thank You Lord
A perfect exit track showing appreciation to The Maker. Concise and precise lyrics over a production of pure clarity, a quiet prayerful one.
15. Kaunar Allah remix
Not much to be said about this one, a dance variation of the first track. A touch too simplistic on the drum loops though, an intelligent preservation of the background melody from the original song. A festive, merry exit.
An exhilarating one, he kept his messages simple yet avoiding being predictable by balancing with some inspiring poetic lines. Lots of lines for the dudes to steal for their ladies.
In a ‘sound fashion’ sense, this album was fresh. An album of this quality, in this genre, from this part of the globe… it’s a step on the moon.