Album Review: “TEARS OF THE SUN” by Teni Under the Spotlight

Teni The Entertainer’s latest album, “TEARS OF THE SUN,” released on November 17, 2023. Teni, a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entertainer, unveils a 16-track masterpiece that encapsulates her personal experiences, emotions, and the intricacies of life.

Overview of “TEARS OF THE SUN”

Genre and Style: “TEARS OF THE SUN” explores the Afro-Pop genre, delivering Teni’s signature style with a dynamic twist. The album resonates with a colorful array of sounds, reflecting the artist’s versatility.

Mood and Tone: The overall mood of the album is a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from joyous highs to introspective lows. Teni’s charismatic delivery and engaging melodies set the tone for a captivating musical experience.

Features/Collaboration

Notable Collaborations:

1. Odumodublvck on “Devil Dance”
2. Made Kuti on “Ino”
3. Tayc on “Mecredi”

These collaborations bring diverse influences to the album, enriching the overall musical tapestry.

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Track List:

Teni on Track Listing: Unveiling the Stories Behind “TEARS OF THE SUN”:

1. YGBFA

“I recorded the song, A-Z, freestyle. I just wanted a song [in which] everyone could feel free, regardless of what they’re going through, regardless of where they are in their life, regardless of how hard things are, or how much you feel like nobody gets you or nobody understands. Regardless of who you are, just know you’re valid, and freedom starts with you, it’s all you. It’s never about your oppressors. Your oppressors will never give you freedom willingly, you have to take it too. That’s what the song is about, taking your freedom.”

2. Popo

“For ‘Popo’, I wanted to write a story about how people feel used in love. How you can give your all to a person and, all the while, they were really just playing you. We know people go through that all the time. We’ve experienced it not just with romantic love but with anyone we’ve loved. It’s a human experience. So, yes, it’s about love, but it’s also about everything. It’s about human daily interaction and how we are as humans.. So this is a song that captures emotions and how we get attached to people, even though we know they’re bad for us.”

3. Jalingo

“I recorded ‘Jalingo’ in my house in Lagos. There was a time when blogs were saying I nearly got kidnapped, but I was actually at a show where a fight broke out. A lot was happening, and everybody was fighting. It was deep inside one place in Port Harcourt, and for us to leave there, our security officers were shooting. It was chaos in the middle of the night in Port Harcourt. It happened in a village called Buguma. So I wrote ‘Jalingo’ about what happened.”

4. Holy Matrimony

“I just wanted to write a song about love—about the delicacy of it, but how sweet it is. It’s about being vulnerable to love. There’s a lot that goes into telling somebody that you love them and telling them all the sweet things. It’s vulnerable, but you’re saying it anyway because, ‘Hey, there’s only one life. There’s only one life. Why not?”

5. Devil Dance (feat. ODUMODUBLVCK)

“With ‘Devil Dance’, I just wanted to let people know that I’m still their leader. I’m amazing and strong, and no one should try me. I just needed them to know that I do the devil dance like Mayweather. I’m that motherfucker. I’m not the one you should fuck with; I’m not the one you should test. I’m bad like that and no be mouth. I’m a fucking real gee and no one should try me.”

6. Ino (feat. Mádé Kuti)

“I wanted to talk about what happens in Lagos. What Lagos nightlife is like and who the happening people in Lagos are The song also talks about how anything can happen in Lagos. It’s both sweet and bitter at the same time because, in the clubs, we set the party on fire. In real life, things are on fire. Everything is on fire in Lagos; nothing is ever really calm. So that’s what that song is about. I also wanted a house-EDM type of song that could be played at festivals.”

7. No Days Off

“I went to see my friend Cruel Santino, who is an amazing musician. As I was leaving him, he told Genio to play a beat. From the door, I just started singing the opening part of the song. I finished the song and laid a part of the hook because it wasn’t complete then. I finished the hook in LA and finished the verse in London. We also mixed it with GMK there.”

8. Lanke

“I recorded this in LA. I went to see Olamide Baddo; I went to play him the album. Baddo is someone I love and respect, and I’ve always enjoyed his music. We wrote ‘Lanke’ together, and that was fun. It was produced by Blaisebeatz.”

9. Control

“I made this while I was in London to mix ‘No Days Off’. After we finished mixing ‘No Days Off’ with GMK, I asked him if he had any beats for me. So he played the beat, and we made ‘Control! I wanted to make a party song that reminds me of early 2000s Nigerian music but also has a fresh spin. So he played the beat, and I just started freestyling.”

10. Malaika

“Malaika’ was recorded in LA. I flew out of Genio to come be with me in LA, and for three weeks, we didn’t record anything. Then, on the day he was leaving, I just came outside to say bye to him because he was leaving to go to Naija. He was like, ‘We haven’t recorded anything.’ I was like, ‘Don’t worry; for me, I don’t believe in forced vibes. In that period, we were building our friendship. We were building relationships and chemistry. Then I heard a beat as he was going and as I heard the beat, I said, ‘What’s that beat?’ He told me that the beat had disappeared. I was like, ‘No, you must find the beat, then he found it. He had to leave for the airport, so he didn’t record me. My guy, Bunie, recorded me and took my vocals. That’s how ‘Malaika’ came about. At first, I was singing about love, but then God just said to me, ‘After everything I’ve done for you on this project, you cannot even give me one song! So, I had to make a dedication to God.”

11. Apata

Apata is my father’s name. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love, respect, and appreciate him for always looking out for me, even before I was born. So I had to dedicate this one to my dad. Every album I make, every time I speak about myself, I always speak about my dad as well. ‘Apata’ was just a record celebrating his legacy and reminding people that my dad did not die in vain. We are keeping scores but the scores are with his legacy and his bloodline.

Musical Composition

Instrumentation and Beats: “TEARS OF THE SUN” is a testament to Teni’s musical prowess, featuring a rich tapestry of instrumentation. The beats are meticulously crafted, creating a captivating blend of genres.

Song Structure: The album follows a well-defined structure, with distinct intros, expressive verses, and infectious choruses. Teni’s experimental approach shines through as she navigates house, folk, and alté elements seamlessly.

Vocal Performance

Teni’s vocal performance is nothing short of spectacular. Her carefree and relaxed delivery complements the diverse themes explored in the album. The uniqueness of her voice adds an authentic touch, making each track memorable.

Production and Sound Quality

Production Quality: Produced by Sugar Mummy Records, the album boasts impeccable production quality. The mixing and mastering enhance the richness of each track, ensuring a delightful listening experience.

Unique Sound Effects: “TEARS OF THE SUN” incorporates unique sound effects that add depth and character to the album. Teni’s experimentation with different elements sets the album apart in terms of sound quality.

Analysis of the Album “TEARS OF THE SUN”

“As Teni worked on her sophomore album, 2023’s TEARS OF THE SUN, she was inspired to bring all the changes occurring in her orbit to life with music. ‘I wanted to just be about myself, and sing about myself, and what’s on my mind,’ she tells Apple Music…”

Exploring the Theme: The album delves into Teni’s personal experiences, capturing the essence of romance, heartbreak, weight loss, and betrayal. Each of the 16 songs reflects a different facet of her journey, offering listeners a glimpse into her world.

Interpreting the Theme: Teni’s candid storytelling illuminates the album, providing an intimate look into her emotions and perspectives. The album’s title, “TEARS OF THE SUN,” serves as a metaphor for the complexities of life and love.

Summarizing Key Points: “TEARS OF THE SUN” is a musical masterpiece that transcends genres, combining Teni’s signature joie de vivre with profound narratives. The album’s introspective quality and experimental sound make it a standout in Teni’s discography.

Critics, Hits, and Misses

Critics: While some critics note the departure from the upbeat style of previous albums, they universally praise Teni’s ability to embrace vulnerability and experiment with diverse musical elements.

Hits: The album’s hits lie in its eclectic blend of genres, Teni’s captivating storytelling, and the emotive depth of each track.

Misses:

Some listeners may find certain tracks on the album require multiple listens to fully appreciate the nuances of the experimental elements.

Stream “TEARS OF THE SUN”