Joeboy made his name in the Afrobeats industry with his unique blend of Afropop and R&B, which is characterized by catchy rhythms and poignant lyrics. His talent to write songs that people could relate to was demonstrated by the Love & Light EP, which helped him become well-known and receive praise for his debut album, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic. His sophomore effort, Body & Soul, was meant to solidify his place as a true star in the Nigerian Afrobeats industry. The project garnered positive feedback, and it appears that the new EP is being issued to take advantage of that interest.
Body, Soul, and Spirit all come together as promised, giving the impression that they are an addition to Body & Soul. Joeboy expands on the concepts of life and love by taking a somewhat different artistic tack. The production of Body, Soul, & Spirit is more emotionally impactful, enabling Joeboy to showcase his vocal skills in novel and captivating ways. One of his best qualities has always been his singing, and it’s the same here. With clarity, strength, and control, each note is struck and held. The ability to sing technically is paired with a knowledge of melody and delivery. He infuses his customary Afropop delivery with an emotional nuance and candour that effectively conveys human feelings.
Nevertheless, the songs’ dreary lyrics, which frequently oversimplify their subject matter, hinder this connection. The engineering of this project is yet another disappointment. On a lot of the songs, Joeboy’s vocals are a little too noticeable, which occasionally overpowers the music and throws off the composition’s sonic balance. Although it isn’t flawless, Body, Soul, & Spirit is a worthy addition to the first Body & Soul album, building on its themes and tonal changes while also prolonging Joeboy’s legacy. Though the project has a few flaws, they are easily forgiven in favour of a passable listen that is strong enough to come highly recommended. The “Body, Soul & Spirit” album by Joeboy is broken down track by track in the sections that follow.
- Only God Can Save Me
The first track on the five-track EP, “Only God Can Save Me,” is a somber and reflective song featuring Yoruba and English vocals by Joeboy over a straightforward composition that primarily consists of a deep bass synth and supporting pads. Afrobeats drumming with a distinctively syncopated arrangement and rattling shakers set the pace. During the chorus, Joeboy refrains from believing that only God can heal him, while bright guitars and ethereal synths offer a light overlay. A lot of odd log drums that wouldn’t be noticed if they were removed are sprinkled in by the manufacturer. Despite being straightforward, the arrangement of the instruments works well with Joeboy’s vocal performance, providing him with plenty of room to showcase his lovely melodies.
- 24/7
Next up is “24/7,” which quickens the pace with its constant Afrobeat snares and faster shakers. Above this instrumental, which features a powerful synthetic bass, are these drums. A happy accent is provided by shimmering guitars, which complement the song’s overall upbeat tone. Joeboy is already in full swing with his upbeat vocals and silky falsetto harmonies by the time the wood drumming and effect-heavy strings play. In the upbeat and comforting tune, Joeboy effectively shouts out, “Brother man, me, I want to dance and flex and feel alright.”
- Telephone
The romantic tone of “Telephone” is established early on with glistening keys and piercing vocal samples. As Joeboy sings about his sweetie, layers of sensual and lovely orchestration give way to percussion-heavy rhythms and steady vocals full of adulation. Also, his vocals are layered, which enables him to harmonize in his distinctive manner over lyrical keyboards and sweeping string pads.
- Enemy
A lush, intricate drumline with dancehall influences and strummed guitars form the foundation of “Enemy.” Joeboy delivers remarkably basic lines that weave a straightforward story about an unhappy relationship and its aftermath. Although he continues to sing with clarity and power, the melodies on this album seem less original, and the harmonies he adds on top of them don’t really improve the sound quality.
- Surviving
“Surviving,” the EP’s final track, features more strummed guitars. Joeboy’s singing, which is strong in this song, is the main attraction thanks to the understated drumming. His whole repertoire consists of deeply moving tunes that are complemented by sombre harmonies that accentuate the gloomy atmosphere the instrumentals produce. Prickly instruments and heartfelt ululations identify these audacious, daring moments that set the song at its peak.
Rating
- Delivery: 1.8/2
- Lyricism: 1.7/2
- Relatability: 1.7/2
- Mixing and Production: 1.8/2
- Replay Value: 1.8/2
