It’s that time of the year again and it’s looking as though, in terms of albums, it has not been a very good year.
Not only haven’t we got as many albums as last year, but also the quality of the albums released has been incredibly low. Also, most A-list artists didn’t get to drop anything new.
So, on that front, it’s been a silent year. But still, there’s always that diamond in the rough. That one project that just stands out among all the others. This year, we got two.
Joeboy — Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic
Joeboy kickstarted the year by dropping his long-awaited debut album, SBBM, a follow-up to his 2019 EP, “Love & Light.”
The album, if anything, was supposed to boost Joeboy’s profile and create some hype around him, and make it clear he can do a lot better than “Nobody.”
It wasn’t that hard, since once Joeboy put out the project, he’s been doing wonders. More than half a dozen of the songs on the album have taken turns to become major anthems.
His album had that pull, and critically, I tell you, it is one of the better albums of 2021.
Blaqbonez — Sex Over Love
On the other hand, there is the eccentric Emeka Akamafule, aka Blaqbonez, aka Best Rapper in Africa, who decided to turn up earlier this year with a project.
A direct follow-up to his “Mr. Boombastic” EP of 2018, Blaqbonez released “Sex Over Love” earlier in April to generally positive critical acclaim.
The album made some waves, including spur a hit or two. Blaqbonez finally got that mainstream recognition he’s always craved, and it must’ve felt good.
SBBM v Sex Over Love
These two albums are two of my favorites for Album of the Year 2021. They’re both sonically tuned, and demonstrate a gallant show of artistry from the young artists. They both had good singles, too.
But which one should win Album of the Year?
Let’s hear from you.
Joeboy Or Blaqbonez For Album of the Year?
Drop a comment.
