Juls showed his versatility in the choice of selection and arrangement on his debut album ‘Sounds Of My World’
Juls belongs to the vanguard of producers responsible for revolutionising the sound and overarching feel of Afropop and shows his versatility in the choice of selection and arrangement on ‘Sounds Of My World’.
Juls’ variety was demonstrated in his choice of music for ‘Sounds Of My World.’
In the middle of the last decade, his work with Mr Eazi was an integral part of the renaissance that adjusted the general tempo of pop music from Nigeria, which in turn influenced large parts of the continent.
His highlife-indebted sound, which initially graced many years via Show Dem Camp’s “Feel Alright,” catalysed experimentation and helped broaden the mainstream’s musical palette.
- RELATED: Killertunes established himself as an excellent singer on KillaXtra album [Review]
- RELATED: Bella Alubo put together personal experiences and romance on her debut album [Review]
While this mid-tempo, sophistic-pop side of Afropop has and continues to, successfully mutate, Juls remains dedicated to his neo-highlife sound.
That doesn’t mean he’s been stagnant. If anything, he’s been even more inventive, finding new ways to colour outside the boundaries while assuming an unmistakable musical identity.
Across his delightful catalogue, the British-Ghanaian sound architect has consistently adjusted the expectations of listeners’ expectations from a Juls song without upending the general feel, furnishing his groove-driven approach with a wide and sometimes unexpected range of musical influences, including but not limited to R&B, Caribbean Pop, Road Rap, Folk and Amapiano.
While he’s produced music for artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Goldlink, Ko-Jo Cue and more, it’s on his projects four of them so far that listeners get to fully immerse themselves in the experimental but familiar realm of Juls’ musical approach.
- RELATED: Tems continues to evolve with her new EP If Orange Was A Place [Review]
- RELATED: Magixx made a solid statement with self-titled EP [Review]
Today marks the release of ‘Sounds of My World’, which he’s dubbed his “debut album.
” This billing doesn’t insinuate that full-length listens like Leap of Faith and Colour were inconsequential, as much as it raises the stakes for this new project. I’m highly expectant, so let’s get into the music.
Natural ambience. Spoken word poetry is usually so extra to me, and this is no different. I don’t mind it, though, it’s setting a mood that’s consistent with the intro.
“Let go and release, this is your moment of peace.” I hear you, man. These log drums are hitting, but those dreamy piano keys are lulling me to bliss.
Horns and guitars make everything fuller, they cheat codes in hands as talented as Juls’. Jaz Karis is one of those artists I promise to get into every once in a while and I never do, which is a shame because she always wows me whenever I hear that semi-wispy voice of hers.
This is no different, she’s floating with ease, so much allure in her writing and performance. Juls and Jaz are making a vacation, in the end, sound as enticing as going to Mykonos. Didn’t hear anybody say “Music is everything,” SMH. Solid record.
Dusty Amapiano drums! Fuck! This guitar riff has a taste, like biting into some delicious wings on a Sunday morning after church.
That’s oddly specific but that’s how I feel right now. Haile’s voice was meant to soundtrack the most gorgeous moments in life, it’s so vibrant and full of joy.
I know this is the type of song that will fit into a chill DJ set, but it will fit a lot better in intimate spaces, like watching your partner dancing offbeat.
Sweet nothings will forever be corny because love itself is corny. Solid record, another keeper.
Ratings:
Production quality
Tracklisting
Songwriting
Intro
Outro
70%
70%
80%
80%
70%
Mid = 0.00
Average = 0.01
Good = 2.5
Excellent = 2.5
Conclusion:
Mp3bullet gives the EP 80% (Good) general rating