In the vast landscape of music, only a select few artists possess the key to crafting music with the finesse and dexterity demonstrated by Joeboy. Upon listening to his projects, one immediately recognizes his mastery of creating sultry melodies that are both captivating and beautiful.
Immersing oneself in the rhythm of his recently released sophomore project, one is left awe-struck by Joeboy’s ability to deliver a second album that is as effective, if not more so, than his debut. There are no misses or skips; instead, the album is a seamless collection of thorough vibes, apt delivery, and on-point tunes.
Joeboy should be regarded as an artist who knows his essence in the music market and consistently delivers solid projects when the need arises. Since his debut in 2019, he has not only grown as an individual and artist but also in his musical style. The confidence exuded in his sound is more than iconic—it is noticeable and dare I say, alluring. From the melodic croons of “Baby” to the enchanting tracks like “Contour” and “Sip (Alcohol)“, in his two albums, Joeboy has traversed a musical path that showcases his evolution as an artist.
The unwrapping of his recent body of work, titled “Body & Soul,” is nothing short of majestic. The album sets a foot forward in public view with “Body & Soul,” a beautiful rendition that highlights Joeboy’s prowess in making music that tugs at the heartstrings and showcases his songwriting skills. The song resonates with listeners from the very first listen, with its catchy chorus and attractive hook. As one delves deeper into the track, they come to understand the true complexities of the song title, leading to a smirk at how Joeboy’s music often appeals to those in relationships (unfortunately, some of us can’t relate).
One of the remarkable aspects of Joeboy’s artistry is how he meticulously organizes his projects, carrying a consistent streak of romanticism from his debut hit song “Baby” to the intricacies of “Body & Soul.” The sophomore project goes beyond surface-level appeal; it pierces through the flesh and leaves a lasting impact.
Joeboy’s ability to captivate listeners from the very start of the album is truly superb. The collaboration with featured artists BNXN and Odumodublvck in “Normally” is scintillating, showcasing the seamless interweaving of their vocals. It doesn’t overshadow the distinctive flow of the Abuja rapper, who fearlessly asserts, “physically, I be like person wey dey drink agbo.” The timeless magic of BNXN in the track makes Joeboy’s melodious efforts feel like a tiny drop in the mighty ocean of musical enchantment.
It is often believed that an artist’s music project reflects their personality, even if it reveals only a glimpse. “Body & Soul” portrays Joeboy as a lover of intimacy and romance, while also embracing the raw emotions conveyed by heartbreak. Listening to tracks like “Duffel Bag,” it becomes clear that Joeboy intertwines luxury and love, using luxury as a means to express his affection. Although the track doesn’t delve into personal territory, it leaves a sense of conclusion that this is who he is.
Love, commitment, heartbreak, and the allure of being a player—these are the themes Joeboy explores in “Body & Soul.” He opens himself up to the vulnerable world of romance, highlighting his commitment to his woman in “Check My Phone.” In a playful contradiction to the stereotype of Yoruba men and their cheating nature, he sings, “Yoruba boy, I don’t cheat, but you tell me I belong to the street,” expressing his sentiments through beautiful storytelling. Joeboy attempts to allay his lady’s fears while showcasing his “fine boy” nature and ultimately confessing his desire for the one he truly wants.
The chemistry between Joeboy and producer E Kelly is nothing short of mastery, evident in tracks like “Lose Ya,” where the replication of the magic in “Oreke” is vividly portrayed. The mellow log drums and strings in the track amplify the vulnerability present in Joeboy’s voice.
In “Contour,” Joeboy raises the stakes, revealing the mind games played by a woman. He rhythmically glides through the track, serenading listeners with his raspy vocals as he says, “Your ways e no too straight, no dey carry me play.”
“Body & Soul” brings together a gathering of some of the hottest artists in the industry today, featuring collaborations with Ckay and Oxlade in tracks like “Wetin Be Love” and “Woman.” Ckay’s vocals seamlessly blend with Joeboy’s maestro skills, creating a compelling tale of how love can be bland without financial means in Wetin Be Love.
In “Woman,” Joeboy revels in the beauty of a true Amapiano track, featuring Oxlade. The captivating chorus lingers in one’s memory, while the groovy melodies and Oxlade’s contribution make it one of the most enjoyable tracks on the album. Joeboy even interpolates Styl Plus’ popular lyrics, “ori mi wu o, e la gi mo,” adding a nostalgic touch.
Popular Twitter influencer, media personality, and known chronic woman lover, Oli Ekun, lends his vocals to the album in the Interlude. With his alluring Yoruba mother tongue language, Oli Ekun does what he does best—flirtation in its most captivating form.
Throughout the years, Joeboy’s music has remained true to his signature style, centered around love and its various facets, as evident in his albums. Of the 15-track album, nearly all the songs plead the case of a love-struck individual trying to be a committed lover. Tracks like “Better” featuring Tempoe, the producer, vividly capture Tempoe’s key elements with his whistling and drums, giving the song a buoyant rhythm.
However, one song takes a sharp turn in its theme— “Sip (Alcohol).” Described by Nigerians as a casual afrobeats song that depicts pain, torture, and the challenges faced by the youth, it is a tempting track where Joeboy bares his pain, only to have it turned into an internet dance challenge.
Diving into the deep ocean of intimacy, “Slowly” emerges as a track that showcases Joeboy’s artistry not only as a lover boy but also as an artist with a mastery of sensuality. With lyrics like “tonight be the night you go know me,” the track oozes with seductive allure.
The following track, “The Best For You,” featuring Kemma, further highlights Joeboy’s pursuit of love and belief in the power of genuine emotions. It assumes a Western energy, with Kemma’s unmistakable country heart in the vocals, until he adds his touch in Pidgin, revealing it to be a showcase of the featured artist’s musical dexterity and flow on beats.
As a closing acknowledgment to the creator of these emotions, Joeboy ends his album with a rendition to Jah, titled “Halle.” Just as the album unfolds into his world of love, lust, and heartbreak, he seals it with reverence to the source of these feelings. Joeboy, the crafty artist.
Joeboy’s ability to create captivating melodies, coupled with his lyrical finesse, firmly establishes him as an artist worth paying attention to. With each track, he invites us into his world, allowing us to experience the enchanting allure of his sound.
Leave a Reply