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Release date: June 1, 2024
Genre: Afrobeats, R&B, Highlife
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Few milestones are as important as turning 21. It marks the threshold between the carefree days of youth and the heavy responsibilities of adulthood.
For Ayra Starr, this crucial age is the cornerstone of her second album, aptly titled ‘The Year I Turned 21.’
Although Starr will turn 22 in two weeks, he has already made plans to end his 21st year on a high note.
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In his words, ‘The Year I Turned 21’ is more than just an album: “It’s a coming-of-age story. It reflects the roller coaster of emotions and experiences that define the transition to adulthood.
Ayra says: “This album is my story, my growth and my heart. I hope everyone feels it too.”
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With her talent and determination, Ayra Starr is proving to be one of the best African artists. In just three short years, the Beninese-Nigerian singer has gone from being a teen star to becoming a full-fledged musician with fans around the world.
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Ayra Starr
‘The Year I Turned 21′ is the singer’s second album and marks a significant evolution from her debut album, ’19 & Dangerous’.
London, Lauda, Redmolla and Don Jazzy produced the 15-track album.
The album begins with the alt-R&B pop song “Birds Sing of Money,” where Ayra boldly declares, “I don’t watch my tone because I like the way it sounds.”
This statement song sets the tone for the album, showing his confidence and willingness to try different sounds and styles.
The rhythms are infused with hip-hop and assertive lyrics.
Ayra Starr delves deeper into her identity throughout the album, weaving personal narratives with universal themes.
On “21,” a dream-pop ballad reminiscent of Kali Uchis, she sings introspectively, “Where did all the years go?”
This track captures the bittersweet realization of the passage of time, striking a chord with listeners at similar crossroads.
Ayra Starr
Collaborations
The highlights of this album are the collaborations with notable artists such as Asake, Giveon, Coco Jones, Anitta, Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro.
These collaborations added variety to the album and highlighted Ayra’s ability to combine her style with various musical influences.
Ayra Starr’s approach to these features was natural and spontaneous, creating a perfect fit for each track.
On “Goodbye (Warm Up),” Asake’s summery jazz vibe complements Ayra’s vocal delivery, creating an upbeat and feel-good song perfect for the warmer months. In her interview with Billboard, Ayra said that she sent the song to Asake with the idea that her energetic style would blend perfectly with her soft vocals, resulting in a track that radiates warmth and positivity.
On “Last Heartbreak Song” Giveon and Ayra delve into the depths of heartbreak with poignant and moving delivery. Ayra reflected in her Billboard interview that she immediately thought of Giveon for this song and, upon hearing her verse, she felt an overwhelming sense of clarity and emotion. Giveon’s voice captured the essence of her vision, making this collaboration a deeply moving highlight of the album.
“Woman Commando,” featuring Coco Jones and Anitta, is a female anthem that oozes rhythm and empowerment. Ayra always envisioned this song as a powerful statement similar to the return of Destiny’s Child. She said that she wanted strong women from different parts of the world to come together and create a global anthem. Ayra’s childhood love for Coco Jones and her admiration for Anitta’s upbeat vibe come together on the song that celebrates the power and togetherness of women.
“Bad Vibes” featuring Seyi Vibez is an unexpected but perfect collaboration, fusing Ayra’s smooth vocals with Seyi’s street melody to create a captivating and reflective track. Ayra said that she trusted her intuition when she sent the song to Seyi Vibez, believing in her ability to add a unique touch to the song. Their collaboration resulted in a perfect fusion of styles that stood out on the album.
Sey Vibez
“1942” is a reflective piece featuring Ayra Starr’s brother, Milar. The song comes from Ayra’s experience during a trip to Barbados, where a moment of relaxation in a pool with a bottle of 1942 tequila made her realize the reward of hard work. Ayra shared his inspiration with Milar, expressing how that moment of satisfaction and happiness made all the stress and effort worth it.
Featured tracks
“Goodbye,” featuring Asake, is a breakup song that expresses frustration with a toxic ex and seeks freedom for a new beginning. The key theme is to free yourself from toxicity and embrace personal freedom for a better future relationship.
“Control” takes a fun turn by borrowing from Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie,” showcasing Ayra’s playful side while paying homage to a global icon.
“Birds Sing of Money” is a bold opener that immediately captures attention with its confident lyrics and hip-hop beats.
“Last Heartbreak Song,” featuring Giveon, stands out for its emotional depth and soulful delivery, making it a highlight of the album. Its theme is the struggle of a one-sided relationship in which she decides to move on to improve herself.
“The Kids Are Alright” offers a deeply personal narrative that adds an intimate touch to the album, making it stand out for its emotional resonance. Ayra included a voicemail from her mother at the beginning and messages from her siblings throughout the song, creating a heartfelt tribute to her late father. Ayra asked her family to send voice messages as if they were talking to her father, which resulted in a unique bonding moment and a deeply personal touch to the song.
“Orun”, which fuses Afrobeats with juju music, stands out for its spiritual and rhythmic depth. The song pays homage to his Yoruba heritage while exploring themes of destiny and divine purpose.
Ayra Starr
Excellence in production
The production displays meticulous attention to detail and a perfect fusion of various musical influences.
Each track is carefully crafted, combining Afrobeats, highlife, R&B and British genres for a diverse and vibrant sound.
Ayra Starr’s collaborations with producers like London, Lauda, and Don Jazzy help her showcase her versatile vocal abilities across various soundscapes effortlessly.
Tracks like “Birds Sing of Money” and “Control” exemplify the album’s production excellence with their beats, layered instrumentals, and fluid transitions.
The use of live instrumentation, synthesized sounds and vocal effects adds depth and texture to the music, creating an immersive listening experience.
Whether it’s the soft summery guitar notes of “1942” or the rhythms of “Orun,” each track is meticulously crafted to evoke a specific mood or emotion.
The transitions between songs are smooth and fluid, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in Ayra’s world without interruption.
Ayra Starr
READ ALSO: MUSIC REVIEW: In Tekno’s ‘Wayo’, Nico Mbarga’s ‘Sweet Mother’ rhythm comes in handy
Tributes
One of the most moving moments on the album is “The Kids Are Alright,” a tender tribute to his late father. This track features voice notes from his family, adding a layer of intimacy and authenticity.
It’s a deeply personal song that explores loss, memory, and the resilience to move on. The inclusion of voice memos makes listeners feel like they’re part of a private moment.
“Jazzy’s Song,” a tribute to Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy, samples Wande Coal’s 2012 hit “You Bad” and takes listeners on a nostalgic journey.
This track pays tribute to her mentor and connects Afrobeats past and present, highlighting the evolution of the genre and her place within it.
In “Lagos Love Story,” Ayra Starr doesn’t shy away from mixing genres. In telling the story, she combines cinematic lyrics with Afrobeats, painting a vivid picture of romance in Nigeria’s bustling urban landscape.
“Control” pays tribute to Shakira by mixing a melody from “Hips Don’t Lie,” adding a sensual touch with a hint of nostalgia.
Ayra Starr
Verdict
This album is like a musical diary of his journey through adulthood at age 21, dealing with the ups and downs of life and the fame that comes with them.
Staking out his claim as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices, ‘The Year I Turned 21’ is a bold statement of his artistic identity and future potential.
The album has many successful collaborations that add variety and depth without overshadowing Ayra’s style.
The production quality is top-notch, with contributions from big-name producers showcasing a polished and professional sound throughout the album.
However, the album has its weaknesses. Some tracks feel less impactful or fully realized, and despite its nostalgic value, “Jazzy’s Song” may not resonate as strongly with listeners unfamiliar with Wande Coal’s original track, “You Bad.”
The short length of some tracks can prevent listeners from fully immersing themselves in the music, making certain songs feel more like interludes than full tracks.
Balancing mature themes with commercial appeal also poses a challenge, as songs like “Commas” could speak more to a mainstream audience, potentially lacking the depth seen on other tracks like “Last Heartbreak Song.”
Despite these minor inconsistencies, The Year I Turned 21 is a comprehensive and ambitious effort that highlights Ayra Starr’s growth as an artist. Featured tracks show her ability to combine different genres and themes effectively.
‘The Year I Turned 21’ by Ayra Starr is rated 8/10.
Ayra Starr
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