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“Are You Listening?” Review: Taves’ New Project is a Sonorous Blend of Emotions

“Are You Listening?” Review: Taves’ New Project is a Sonorous Blend of Emotions

Are you Listening?

In his latest project, Taves continues his journey of consistency while weaving tales of love and youthful exuberance into melodies.

By Hope Ibiale

On the cover art of Taves’ latest EP, Are You Listening?, he is pictured surrounded by projects from Sade, Asa, and his own music. This imagery conveys a clear message: Taves draws from his prominent musical influences and channels them into the EP. Born Toluwanimi Aluko, the artiste was discovered after he posted a cover of BNXN’s 2022 single, “For Days”, on Instagram. Before this, he was recording on his phone and posting on SoundCloud.

Despite his limited resources, he recorded projects like 2019’s The Nest: First Day Out, 2020’s 17, and 2021’s 18, all of which demonstrate his consistency. In his latest project, Taves continues his journey of consistency while weaving tales of love and youthful exuberance into melodies. Are You Listening? delves into R&B, Afro-Pop, and Neo-soul, and sees Taves more intentional and ready for the main stage.

He sets the project in motion with “Bad Romance”. Over the record’s mid-tempo beat, Taves sings about unrequited love. He croons, “Baby, you are a bad bad romance. No, we could never be”, clearly accepting his fate. Unlike others who might be discouraged, he chooses to remain close to his love interest, asking, “Tell me Sade if you love me for me?”. From the EP’s melodious opener, it is firmly established that the “Bodija” crooner is determined to continue to showcase his penchant for weaving melodies in his records as he had done on previous tracks like “Eleyele” and “Folake”. 

The early release, “Folake”, follows. On this Arieenati & Denz’L-produced track, he delivers a melodious performance, but this time he isn’t the love-struck boy waiting for his affection to be reciprocated. Instead, he provides explicit details of the sexual escapades with his lover. Without filtering his words, he passionately expresses his desires. 

Are you Listening?
Are you Listening?

Are You Listening? is built on a foundation of diverse emotions. One moment, he seeks affection, the next, he eagerly shares stories of his sexual encounters. In “Enchante”, he portrays himself as a martyr for love, singing, “And even if you cast me, I no fit leave, no fit ever tire. When wahala come o baby run put am for my head I gara”, over a Dancehall beat.

Over hypnotic guitar strings and kick drums, he attempts to woo his love interest in “A Million Things”. With dreamy lyrics and a smooth delivery, he expresses his craving for his lover’s affection. Through the first half of this EP, Taves’ ability to navigate each production chop and every instrumental is commendable. It highlights the intentionality invested in the creation of the project and the evident chemistry between him and the producers. This synergy is reflected in the balanced interaction between his delivery and the production output. 

Are You Listening? tracklist
Are You Listening? tracklist

In previous interviews, he has expressed his admiration for BNXN. He was featured on the latter’s album, Sincerely, Benson. This time, they collaborate on “CWT”, which stands for ‘Certified Walking Testimony’. In this track, Taves celebrates his success, boasts about his resilience, and emphasises his disregard for naysayers. BNXN’s contribution reinforces Taves’s perspective, with BNXN referring to himself as an ‘alumni’ of the music industry and focusing on one goal: making money. “CWT” is a groovy Afrobeats song that reflects Taves’s current outlook on life and conveys one of the key messages of the EP. Are You Listening? isn’t just a question for his love interest; it is also directed at his critics.

He returns to impress his love interest in “Economy”. In this infectious Afro-Pop record, he alludes to the societal belief that women are attracted to financially stable men. Prominent guitar strings and drums lay the sonic foundation for the next track, “In the City”. Here, he has one objective; to make his lover fall hopelessly in love with him. His smooth delivery makes the track a standout bop.

Taves
Taves

The project draws the curtain with the sombre record, “Apology”. He expresses regret and yearns for his lover’s affection, and the backup vocals, minimalist production, evocative lyrics, combined with his delivery contribute to the record’s emotional depth.

Across Are You Listening?, Taves skillfully navigates a myriad of emotions and soundscapes, showcasing his versatility as an artiste. His intentionality in production choices and lyrical content is evident, creating an enjoyable listening experience. He has crafted a beautiful project, but my ears can’t ignore the similarities between him and BNXN. Their melodies and flow sound alike. While this doesn’t detract from the EP’s quality and highlights BNXN’s influence on Taves’ music, future projects might benefit from a more distinct sound. Overall, this project is a harmonious preview of what lies ahead.

Lyricism – 1

See Also
Pawon Boy Vol 1 Deluxe

Tracklisting – 1.2

Sound Engineering – 1.4

Vocalisation – 1

Listening Experience – 1.4

Rating – 6/10 

Hope Ibiale is a writer and journalist. She has a keen interest in music, film, and literature. You can connect with Hope on X @hopeibiale and via email: hopeibiale@afrocritik.com.

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