Ayra Starr has just released her second album, ‘The Year I Turned 21’, three years on from her debut album. This new album is full of astute messages about coming of age that depict tales of colourful experiences delivered with her signature high energy and independence. There are 14 tracks on the album, and Starr pays homage to the past while creating imaginative stories that offer a modern twist.
Starr radiates energy throughout the album, and on standout song ‘Birds Sing of Money’, she sings an open confession that begins with her “oriki.” Across the album, she nods to her ancestral power while also highlighting life lessons from her early twenties. This is encapsulated by her work with heavyweight collaborators like Anitta and Coco Jones.
Despite the album’s upbeat message, there are some underlying feelings of unease, as Starr speaks on topics such as what it means to grow up in the public eye and the competitive nature of success. This is explored in penultimate track ‘1942’, which is imbued with an underlying sense of pressure. ‘Orun’ is powered by live instrumentals and candid conversations with God, which feel authentic and personal to Starr’s own ascendant rise but are relatable to her audience.
Starr consistently blends genres seamlessly, transitioning from romantic deep cuts to emotional odes about her roots with the help of producers like Louddaaa. Each track flows with an adept narrative style, contributing to the overall cohesion of the album. The album concludes with ‘Jazzy Song,’ where Starr breathes new vibrancy into Afropop, combining it with a Nigerian classic produced by Don Jazzy, founder of her label Mavin Records.
The final track has a reflective edge, as Starr describes how she has managed to stay grounded while dealing with the loss of her father. The song’s hopeful message tells the listener that they can overcome hardship, too. Overall, ‘The Year I Turned 21’ is a tightly-constructed album where love, pain, and joy exist in tandem, providing a unique perspective on coming of age. The album is out now and is available to stream on all major platforms.
Details
- Release date: May 31
- Record label: Mavin Records
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