With such masterful creativity and an ability to connect with listeners emotionally, no matter what language they are singing in, Ibeyi may have already released the debut album of the year.
Instrumentally, their music is sparse. But it always feels full, with emotion and the kind of spirituality that is as deep as the people and circumstances that created it.
As stand-alone tracks they work, but side-by-side, you can’t help but wish they’d try something outside this comfort zone.
Ibeyi is an uneven but sturdily promising debut.
Ibeyi's eponymous debut album is a cultural intersection -linguistically and musically- and also feels like a competently done book of tales.
Words are in English and Yoruba, a little bit in French and they are well-carried by the twins' vocal performance.
The music is a mixture of punchy electronic sounds and sweet acoustic instruments such as piano or traditional drums.
The first four songs are really great. It created an immersion into something that felt different and creative.
The ... read more
On the first listen it has apperent value to be instant underground hipster classic. Everything is there - Youruba paraphernalia, lofi beats and lyrical acrobatics. On the other side, this album suffers from watering it down to appeal to global (western) masses, sometimes suffocating the message of loss, Cuban childhood and growing up far from home
I remember how much buzz this record got, mostly due to the single River. Ended up being pretty good, especially the production, but its biggest downfall is repetition. Even 4 minute songs feel too long and the album ends up dragging.
Old Rating: 79
Verdict: Good, not great. I overrated in my youth but worth it to check out River.
Favorite Tracks: River, Weatherman, Faithful
I remember how much buzz this record got, mostly due to the single River. Ended up being pretty good, especially the production, but its biggest downfall is repetition. Even 4 minute songs feel too long and the album ends up dragging.
Old Rating: 79
Verdict: Good, not great. I overrated in my youth but worth it to check out River.
Favorite Tracks: River, Weatherman, Faithful
1 | Eleggua (Intro) 1:16 | |
2 | Oya 3:52 | |
3 | Ghosts 3:31 | |
4 | River 4:12 | |
5 | Think of You 3:40 | |
6 | Behind the Curtain 4:13 | |
7 | Stranger / Lover 4:11 | |
8 | Mama Says 4:09 | |
9 | Weatherman 4:02 | |
10 | Faithful 3:27 | |
11 | Yanira 3:37 | |
12 | Singles 3:59 | |
13 | Ibeyi (Outro) 1:48 |
#18 | / | The Vinyl Factory |
#21 | / | Time Out London |
#43 | / | Rough Trade |
#49 | / | MOJO |
/ | NPR Music |