After taking a six-month break from the music scene following the death of his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, professionally known as Davido, returned in grand style with the release of his fourth studio album, ‘Timeless’.
The 17-track album arrived on March 31, 2023, via Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment.
It featured guest appearances from Grammy award-winning Beninese singer, Angelique Kidjo; British rapper, Skepta; South Africa’s Focalistic, Musa Keys, and Jamaica’s Dexta Daps.
Others are his compatriots Asake, Fave, Cavemen, and DMW’s latest signees; Morravey and Logos Olori.
The project was received with mixed reactions.
Here is our review of the album.
Over Dem
The album opens with the singer booming slick boasts: “Over dem all. If dem want to turn Goliath, I will be David for life.”
Davido figuratively proclaims his superiority over his foes, before going on to pay tribute to his uncle, Ademola Adeleke, the recently elected Governor of Osun State.
The singer also called out snitches and frenemies towards the end of the song.
Feel
‘Feel’ is a lonely lover’s invitation to reconciliation with an ex.
It’s a romantic song, albeit, a sad one. “I be on the phone/Calling you tonight/I wan make you show me/Make we no dey fight/I no wan sleep alone/Wanna hold you tight/Water full my eyes, but I will be alright,” the singer coos.
‘Feel’ feels like the song that introduces the tone of the album.
In The Garden ft. Morravey
‘In The Garden’ is a gorgeous mid-tempo song that finds Davido and his rebranded DMW 2.0 signee, Morravey, exchanging undying vows.
“If I fall in the garden/I want to give you loving/With the way you hold my hand/I want you to be my man/I want you in the moment/Come around me touch my body/With the way you hold my hand/I want you to be my man,” Morravey choruses.
Kante ft. Fave
‘Kante’ is a song about guilty pleasures.
Davido leaves Fave to run the show, the result is a fascinating piece of melody.
The DMW boss also samples one of his previous songs, ‘Risky’ featuring Jamaican act, Popcaan, on the track.
Na Money ft The Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo
Davido employs the vocal services of legendary Beninese singer, Angelique Kidjo, and The Cavemen in ‘Na Money’ – a love/lust song that marries African percussion with contemporary pop.
The Cavemen pack in melody when they sing; “She say “Body’s perfect, shebi money’s involve”/Me I tell am “No worry, I carry am come”/ Give am Gucci, Prada, give am Fendi and Dior/Give her everything cause she deserve it and more.”
Angelique Kidjo’s magical voice seals the song as a rich work of art.
U (Juju) ft. Skepta
‘U’ is the result of Davido’s surprise collaboration with British-Nigerian rapper, Skepta. The song is about enduring love.
“Say she want big smoke
Who baby?/you want me?/Well you can get this G-wagon here for free/Cause when these guys were switching sides like half time/You one of the only people that were there for me,” Skepta raps.
Again, Davido samples one of his previous songs, ‘Jowo’, and ‘Juju’ by Nigerian rapper, Ice Prince.
Verdict:
The album showcases Davido’s signature sound, blending Afrobeats with other genres like R&B, pop, and hip-hop.
However, it is introspective and monotonous. The sound engineering and the percussions are on point, but the album leaves some things to be desired.
Overall no bangers. The album is great for what he intends to achieve with it but could have been better.
Rating: 7.5/10.