ALBUM REVIEW: BORN IN THE WILD BY TEMS

Tems' Born in the Wild album is an immersive experience that showcases her unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop. The album spans 18 tracks and features a more introspective and stripped-back approach compared to mainstream Afropop. Tems self-produced much of the album alongside GuityBeatz, adding earthy polyrhythmic elements like conga drums and shekere, creating an organic feel throughout the project.

Tracks like “Gangsta” and “Love Me JeJe” marry vintage African music with modern genres like R&B and dancehall, while standout songs like “Burning” and “Boy O Boy” shine through with Tems’ emotive and soulful vocals. The album is filled with both introspective moments and more energetic vibes, such as the energetic dancehall-infused “Turn Me Up.”

Her collaboration with J. Cole on “Free Fall” is notable, although some critics felt his verse disrupted the flow. Tems also taps into themes of self-assurance, faith, and personal growth, as seen in “Hold On,” where she closes the album with a message of hope and perseverance.

Despite some parts feeling overextended with interludes, Born in the Wild solidifies Tems as a versatile artist, successfully blending her introspective lyricism with various influences from jazz, reggae, and traditional African sounds.