Omawumi remains, in my opinion, the most talented and diligent female musician in Nigeria today. No apologies. So you can imagine how bloated my expectation of this album must have been. Now, let's find out how my nearly exaggerated expectation carried after I listened to the album.
Track1: if you ask me (produced by cobhams)
Please allow me to start with the arrangement of this song. The beat had the james bond thing going, the horns, the gongs, the piano, the bass line all doing their thing. it becomes apparent to anyone who’s got the “ear,” that all of them are deeply engrossed in a soulful, civilized conversation (without one shouting down the other). The beat is exactly what a great beat- like an awesome fashion accessory- should ultimately be and do: it is brilliant yet not overbearing; it calls attention to the voice(the message), and not to itself(the messenger). Like Banky’s perfectly manicured lawn, this beat captures the true essence of the word “order” with nary a note out of place. If you ask me, cobhams artfully shows us, on this song, the difference between a professional music producer and a “beat maker” (we have tons of these). And Thank God! Omawumi, in her characteristic way, rose gallantly to the occasion with a topical storyline, exemplary storytelling and an angelic vocal delivery. This, my friends, is music… correct music.
Track2: When the boss is coming (produced by sizzle Pro)
This song starts off like one that will be inadequate in the most annoying way. You know, as a music buff (oh yes. Me! :D) I’ll say that anytime you hear something like this: ♫when the boss is coming to kill the actor…♪(in pidgin), at the beginning of a song, by a Nigerian, you should immediately adjust your expectations of the song accordingly, for your heart’s sake. But what do I know, Omawumi came through with some life lessons to put my hunch to shame. The production of this track is that next level sh*t. Sizzle Pro is definitely one to look out for. if you love that Avicii, David Guetta, Sweedish house mafia, Calvin Harris type of new sound then this will sure catch your fancy. so nicely executed, not bad at all. Kudos.
Track3: the african way (produced by Don Jazzy)
“The African way” sounds so much like music put together at the behest of the National Orientation Agency and paid for by the Federal Ministry of Information under the close creative supervision of Her Excellency, The Former Minister for Rebranding, you know who. This ill-conceived song sounds way too familiar and prosaic it churns my stomach. I will be shocked if don jazzy, with the benefit of hind sight, doesn’t think this song is JUST THERE.
Track4: the best you can be (produced by sizzle Pro and guitars by umar jawfu of threadstone)
This song has got to be inspired by the songstress’ motherhood experience. I believe it’s only normal that she brings some of those experiences into this project. I love how the first verse is her mother talking to her and teaching her the right way to go and the second verse is Omawumi talking to her child. I just love the refreshing dynamism umar brings to this track, giving it more life and depth. This is definitely a good track.
Track5: i go go (produced by cobhams)
This is certainly my favourite song off this album. I can go on and on and on about cobhams and his unassailable music genius, especially as expressed on this track, but then, I won’t be saying anything new, would I? Nonetheless, this is another cobhams asuquo classic. The bass line teleports me to mars and back, and the delicately arranged ensemble of diverse sounds by the maestro, provides the perfect nesting ground for Omawumi's vocals. She speaks of a love gone sour, and the simple sophistication of this instrumental creates the right ambience for the sad story she tells us. I will love to see a video for this song. i liiiiiiikkkeeeee.
Track6: what a bang bang ft Tuface Idibia (oscar herman acker)
Halfway into this song i picked up the album sleeve again to see who produced the track. It came as a pleasant shock to me to find that this isn't a TY Mix concoction. The beat has a mature, subtle groove that seamlessly morphs into a slightly more elaborate tune with heavy bass presence. This is very impressive work by Oscar Herman Acker. "Incase you no notice, there's a guy on vacation called justice..." that line sure got me. This is a sweet "struggle" song and who better to jump on it than "The King of Naija music" Tu Baba. Once more, Tu face proves his mettle. Nuff said! And yes, I'd love to see a video for this song too. Thumbs up guys!
Track7: Personal race ft Timaya (produced by young D)
"Personal race" is without doubt, the most inspiring song on this album until Timaya starts to wax lyrical about nothing in particular. This guy mouths all the fancy gibberish his prolific mind can synthesize and then rhymes with ding ding, sing sing, bling bling for his punch line. Dear Omawumi, I love you on this track, your song writing and your delivery is top notch. Please do a remix of this song with an artiste who'll actually say something. Thanks.
Track8: You must love me (written and produced by sizzle Pro)
This is not a bad song. I was put off by the voicemail service thing at the beginning though. Give it a listen and make up your own mind. Sizzle pro again! Nuff said.
Track9: Warn yourself ft wizkid (produced by SARZ)
This is one very special song on this album. It makes me laugh everytime I listen to it. You just have to give kudos to Omawumi as this is one "booty song" in a long while where you do not hear " the way you whine it/shake it/roll it/go down low," believe me, it takes exceptional genius and restraint to pull this off in Naija. I also love that she brings her unique sense of humour to bear on the track too or who else can say something like this, "stop! wait a minute... I know you want some sugar in it but the jedi jedi wey go catch you, e no go finish" and "you wan climb tree wey old men dey point from far" in a song and make it sound so nice. Wizkid made no contribution worthy of mention on this track. Dude said nothing! if an artiste invites you to join them on a song, the least they expect of you is to follow through with their story and to tell it your way. If a dangerously gifted musician like Omawumi asks you to jump on a joint, you really should come prepared. SARZ!!! you do well abeg.
Track10: Stay alive (produced by sizzle Pro)
This song is one of the reasons this album is a great one. Nigerians go through a lot daily, and to have a song that just says to you, hey, it's all good, dust yourself up and carry on, is just beautiful. I love how Omawumi works hard to deliver a new experience with every song; jumping on a house beat for this one definitely got me. You dig Zahara? You think Liquideep is doing a great job? You feel Micasa is out of this world and Donald just has the nicest words...? THIS IS YOUR JAM. TeamSIZZLEPRO all day.
Track11: belle ft flavour (soso soberekon)
Who doesn't know this jam? Flavour was every inch the most appropriate choice for this track; he followed through with the theme of the song and actually delivered. By the way, the mother and child convo at the start and finish of this song always leaves a smile on my face. Sweet music!
track12: life goes on ft afay (sizzle Pro)
Honestly, nothing seizes my attention on this one. Good song... I guess. Ok.
The Mob's Take:
Growing up, I did get to watch "wonder woman" a couple of times. For some crazy reason, I can't remember hearing about the "lasso of truth" in that programme. Honestly, I don't remember seeing her use it. Of course, I did my research and it all became clear to me. Her debut album was aptly titled "wonder woman". So this album is a proper follow up to the first; Towing the same theme line, pushing even further the strong woman image she embodies. I like this thinking.
One thing I noticed about the album that i really liked, was how everyone who had a hand in it were duely acknowlegded for their creative inputs. This shows a lot of artistic confidence and maturity on omawumi's part. A little assistance doesn't make you any less the genius you are. Trust me, not a lot of people do this around here. In fact I once had a heated argument with a client over acknowledging a songwriter, the client wasn't convinced. So big kudos to Omawumi for this.
"Lasso of Truth" is no doubt the best Nigerian album I have listened to this year. However, it's not a 10/10 album for me. The features on the album are a tad too predictable. Talented artistes, like Omawumi, shouldn't feel compelled to feature other artistes just because they are popular and just accept whatever they give them. Unfortunately, that happened on this album. Collabos should be born out of a genuine musical NEED.
The album ends in very good time but still left me feeling Like 3 more songs could still come in, especially to make up for one or two songs on the album. And yes, I think "warn yourself" should be getting more airplay than it currently gets(or doesn't get), executive OAPs take note. Big Shout out to Sizzle Pro, he is definitely the "revelation" of this great work. I will be watching closely. Cobhams, you're the best! No contest. Please do yourself a favour and support Good music by buying this album.
Please please and please..... COP THIS ALBUM.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lasso-of-truth/id623954648
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