Album: “More Love, Less Ego”
Artist: WizKid
Record Label: Starboy/RCA Records
Release Date: Nov. 11
Rating: 8.5/10
Countless relationships have failed because of lost romance.
For listeners, that is an area that the internationally renowned Nigerian artist WizKid has not failed in. From the smoothness of his voice to the seductiveness of his lyrics, WizKid vividly showcases his romantic abilities on “More Love, Less Ego.”
WizKid rose to international fame in 2016 after collaborating with Drake on the international eight-time platinum track “One Dance” and his gold track “Come Closer.” On the same day as the release of his new album, WizKid’s “Essence” featuring Tems received its triple-platinum certification.
Now, over a year after the release of the deluxe version of his fourth studio album “Made in Lagos,” WizKid reminds ladies that there are few things more enjoyable than romance. In 40 minutes and 53 seconds over 13 tracks, WizKid gives his audience a first-person look into his love life with mellow yet highly energetic and engaging beats.
“I am grateful to have been loved / And to be loved now / And to be able to love / Because that liberates, love liberates / It doesn’t just hold, that’s ego,” Maya Angelou says in a sample on “Everyday,” hinting at the meaning behind the album.
For many fans, the energy of WizKid on a song is exhilarating. From hearing the build up of bass on his songs’ beats to his multilingual ability of being able to perfectly transition between several languages in the same song, WizKid is persistently able to engage his audiences and get them to feel the emotions he wants them to feel.
This album is no different.
From beginning to end, the album flows well with persistent and timeless vibes.
The album goes vibe to vibe starting instantaneously from the first track, “Money and Love.” The Nigerian artist wastes no time with a build-up of bass to give a first-person perspective into his romantic life with the use of sensational and clever lyrics that display his romantic prowess.
The lyrics make it clear that this album is not one for parents to play with their kids listening in the car, as the album is formed like a conversation between him and the mystery woman.
This album is more than just about romantic and sexual prowess. WizKid also focuses on good times with his friends, giving his listeners tracks for a fun night out.
“E-ye, ge-ge / Yo-mah ge-ge-ge / Casamigos / For my amigos,” WizKid sings on the hook of “Bad to Me.”
One of the strengths of the album is its features. The album’s featuring artists include a diverse list from regions around the globe. From American artist Don Toliver, to British-born artist Skepta, to Jamaican artists Skillinbeng and Shenseea and Nigerian artists Ayra Starr and Naira Marley, WizKid gives listeners a culturally wide range of music to choose from.
In “2 Sugar,” featuring up and coming artist Ayra Starr, WizKid focuses on staying positive despite challenges.
“Man I fight my own demons / Keep the bad energy gone / Play with no time when you see us / We got the right energy on,” WizKid sings.
However, there is a lack of subject matter beyond romance, sex and having a good time. For many that is not a bad thing, but in comparison to his past work, the Nigerian artist fails to encapsulate the whole picture of life that he usually would on an album.
From track one of his last album “Made in Lagos,” listeners knew there was something special about WizKid that many artists fail to achieve, which is his ability to connect with his listeners to show them that living a normal life is fun and exciting. He instilled hope and self-appreciation to listeners in his last album to let them know that despite the darkness this world keeps on pushing on them, they can still find joy in their day to day lives.
“More Love, Less Ego” gives audiences an energetic album that works well for honeymooning with a romantic partner, or a fun album to listen to solo.
A.J. Franklin is an assistant features editor and can be reached at aj.franklin@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
