Ayra Starr “The Year I Turned 21” Album Review: Hits & Misses

Ayra Starr The Year I Turned 21 Album Review

 

Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated sophomore album titled “The Year I Turned 21”. Here is the album review

 

Hits

• Lyricism
• Production and Mixing
• Replay Value

 

Misses

• Tracklisting

 

“Birds Sing of Money”, even with the energy it intends to bring with being an intro to the album, is easily one of the most forgettable songs on the album. Not that the song itself is not good, but that it might not be the best fit for this album intro because it sounds both too uptempo and theme-different. Perhaps if it came later in the album, it would have its moment and be understood  better in relation to the theme that has been set in the album so far.

 

“Goodbye” is one of those songs from the album with a viral snippet that made people anticipate the 21 album more. There is something about how Ayra Starr makes a song sound so catchy with her delivery, which is genuinely impressive, especially with the catchphrase “Goodbye…goodbye to my ex, hello…hello to my next”. This is similar to her other hit songs like “Sability” and “Commas”.

However, Asake’s verse on this song is quite underwhelming and it almost made the track lose its replay value. Perhaps, Ayra’s intention of making the song a hit made her feature one of the top artistes in the country at the moment on one of her top songs on the album, but this only points to the fact that, sometimes, it takes more than a big name to make a feature a hit. It would have been better if Asake had been featured on a different song and that this track remained a solo one. 

 

“Woman Commando” with Coco Jones and Anitta is easily one of this reviewer’s favorite songs on the album. And no, not because the chorus is so catchy (okay, maybe that also), but it’s one of those multiple feature songs that is actually a jam. Ayra’s verse is top-notch as always, and Anitta comes in with an impressive and dynamic verse that makes the song better

Coco Jones had her moment on the song too, and at the end, one can conveniently say all three women left no crumbs on this song- this is genuinely a top tune. Watch top women and TikTok kids go crazy over it.

 

“Control” is a great love song for people who genuinely care about each other, but one thing that ruins this song is the outro…it’s completely unrelated.

 

“Lagos Love Story” is a wonderful title, and it sounds so aesthetic that this reviewer cannot wait to see the music video (if there will be one). The chorus “let’s make babies” and the line “You should see you from my point of view” are quite unforgettable lines.

 

There is something entirely relatable and meditative about “21” the track. This should have been the album intro because it sets such an amazing theme for the album. Ayra’s analysis of her experience based on her age makes the song even better.

 

On “Orun”, trust Ayra Starr to connect with her religious side and make a jam while doing it. 

 

“Jazzy’s Song” is this reviewer’s favorite song on the 21 album, and no, not because it interpolates Wande Coal’s hit song, but because the song is a tribute to Don Jazzy and both a well-written one. It’s also club-themed and street, which shows Ayra’s dynamism. 

 

“The Kids are Alright” is the most relatable and most emotional song on this album, because it’s a recording of Ayra’s mum encouraging her daughter to enjoy herself and not worry about life. It’s also about Ayra’s late father and a recording of her siblings’ telling their father their latest achievements. It’s quite a great tune and it makes the album sound all-rounder.

 

Ayra Starr “The Year I Turned 21” Album Review

In her own words, “I’m not under pressure to make hit songs, I just want to make good music”. Ayra’s intention to make good music and not hit music alone makes her song so good because it sounds like she puts so much detail into her music and this makes it devoid of a formula or pattern that most artists fall into, especially when one of their songs become a hit or they sound somehow and fans like it. For Ayra, her songs tend to tilt towards the sound she wants.

For “21”, the album is indeed a great one, and one could say she topped “19 & Dangerous”. The songwriting is still top-notch and it sounds like she ticked all boxes – delivery, relatability and replay value.

The only thing the album suffers from is its track sequencing, which could have been so much better

Album Score

Lyricism: 1.6/2

Delivery: 1.6/2

Relatability: 1.5/2

Mixing and Production: 1.7/2

Replay Value: 1.5/2

Total: 7.9/10

 

Go to Home| Read the latest

 

About the Artist

Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, is a talented Nigerian singer, songwriter, and model. Let’s dive into her fascinating journey.

Early Life and Background

Ayra Starr was born in Cotonou, Benin, and spent her formative years both there and in Lagos, Nigeria. She hails from the Yoruba ethnic group. Growing up in a music-loving family, Ayra’s interest in singing was deeply influenced by her mother, a former singer, and her younger brother, Dami, who is also a musician and songwriter. Her family’s passion for music ignited her own creative spark.

Fashion and Music Career

• Fashion Beginnings:
  • At the age of 16, Ayra Starr embarked on a fashion career with Quove Model Management. However, her artistic soul yearned for more, leading her to explore music as well.
• Signing with Mavin Records:
  • Ayra is currently signed to Mavin Records, with the legendary Don Jazzy as the record label executive. This partnership has allowed her to showcase her musical talents on a larger stage.

 

Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim

• Debut Extended Play (EP):
  • In early 2021, Ayra Starr burst onto the music scene with her self-titled debut extended play (EP). The standout track from this EP was “Away,” which spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart.
  • The EP’s mix of afropop and R&B received favorable critical reception, setting the stage for her subsequent achievements.
• 19 & Dangerous Album:
  • Riding the wave of her EP’s success, Ayra released her first full-length album, “19 & Dangerous,” in 2021. The lead single, “Bloody Samaritan,” topped the Top 50 chart, making her the first solo female artist to reach the number-one position.
  • Her talent caught the attention of international audiences, and she was ranked number three on Billboard’s Next Big Sound in August 2021.
• Global Recognition with “Rush”:
  • In 2022, Ayra Starr achieved mainstream international recognition with her song “Rush.” The track charted in several countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24.
  • Notably, “Rush” earned Ayra her first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.
  • She also became the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on a single YouTube video within just 5 months.

Ayra Starr’s journey from fashion to music exemplifies her determination, creativity, and impact on the music industry. With her soulful voice and captivating melodies, she continues to make waves both locally and globally