The fifth album “V” by Nigerian musician, Aşa, is a refreshing mix of Pop, Afrobeats, neo-soul, and R&B. Her smokey vocals are paired with breezy explorations of love in this colorful confluence of genres, styles, and generations.
Asa tells Apple Music that “V is happiness, love, friendship, and a lot of joy.” “It’s new and exciting, but it’s also something you’ve seen before. I’m only demonstrating my willingness to go with the flow.”
Asa says her sense of flow on V is influenced by her sense of freedom as well as her surroundings. “The album was written entirely in front of the water and that definitely contributed greatly to the songs because was so calm,” she explains.
Notably, 19-year-old producer, P.Priime, was in charge of the production of the “V” album, Asa mentioned that he has a wide range and so his worlds and her worlds were colliding.
Afrobeats doyen – Wizkid, Alté maven – Amaarae, and Contemporary Highlife outfit – The Cavemen all made appearances on this beautiful album.
Let’s dive straight into Asa‘s “V” album review – track by track.
“Mayana“, the first track on V is a lovely composition that is truly inspired by the music. Asa stated that the first thought that sprang to her when she was working with P.Priime that day and heard the music he was playing was ‘Nothing but our love’.
This song tells a fictional scenario about a world where love is forbidden, evoking the blissful feeling of being isolated on an island and all you want to do is be with the person you love.
“Ocean“, this song was co-written by WurlD and Asa, with Wurld also doing the background vocals. This is one lit tune about a lover – all of the adoration and desires, you know the kind of vibes you may get from Wurld, Asa came through with that, and more.
“IDG” (feat. Wizkid)”, is a catchy melody and tune that depicts self-love, seeking one’s home, and not wanting to move anywhere with unpleasant vibes. You know you don’t have to try too hard; simply look for love and stay there.
Wizkid was the perfect tone for this song because of his tone and the fact that he is such a terrific melody-maker. I really like how he added a deeper meaning to the music.
“Nike” is that song that wants the listeners to experience all of these feelings and, possibly, touch the textures Asa created here. The song is about losing an amazing lover – exactly what you are looking for – so it will be difficult to love someone else because you will always look at them through the mirage your ex-lover created.
“Show Me Off“ is a feel-good wedding song with a highlife-y sound that is simple, casual, and relaxing. You are thinking about this person you love, and even after a fight – it’s like, “regardless of what happens, this is the person I’d rather spend the rest of my life with”.
“Morning Man“, Asa says that this tune is greatly impacted by location and sounds around and that she wrote the song while simply staring at the sun in the morning. As a wishful, devoted, and hopeless lover, she made up a story to go with it.
“Good Times, featuring The Cavemen” is a joyful highlife tune about remembering a good and special friend. This song has an acoustic feel to it, and Asa found the perfect collaboration with The Cavemen, who look back to bring us real Highlife today. “It’s something magical,” Asa said, “and that was the experience writing ‘Good Times‘”.
“Believer” is a beautiful song about a lover who is a perfectionist to the point of a little fault. This song is also about putting our love to the test. Yes, you have been hurt in love but it shouldn’t stop you from falling in love again.
“All I Ever Wanted feat. Amaarae” is an Alte tune about a pompous and nostalgic reminder to a lover. Asa dips into Alte and enters Amaarae‘s world in this song, which begins with her voice sounding very light and wispy like Amaarae‘s.
Asa stated that this song was not planned to be on any Asa album because she was overthinking simply giving it to Amaarae. When Asa informed her about the song the first time they spoke, Amaarae suggested they do it together.
“Love Me or Give Me Red Wine” is about past relationships and romances. You will hear a few humorous lines from Asa, who is sipping red wine and not caring about anything. That sound is really important in the song’s composition; it just keeps going up, and all you can do is follow it and enjoy yourself.
Critic Review
V is about the strength of feminine beauty, about emerging into oneself and declaring, “I’m beautiful, independent, and love myself; I don’t need anyone else’s approval.”
We know today that it is more important than ever to establish ourselves and not be the person who is trained to follow behind.
Moreover, we should not be against love since it is one of the most beautiful things in the world, and you should not be on the sidelines – love wholeheartedly.
This beautiful and sound message from the “V” album certifies it as one of the best albums up there in recent times. It is so amazing to see Asa do it back then in the days and still do it today.
You can listen to V by Asa here.
