Album: If Orange Was A Place
Artist: Tems
Producer(s): GuiltyBeatz & Jonah Christian
Genres: Afro-beats/ Alternative R&B
Release date: September 15, 2021
Length/Running Time: 5 songs/ 18 min 13 sec
Artist Overview:
Tems is an Alté R&B singer/ songwriter from Lagos, Nigeria. She began pursuing music full-time in 2018 with self-composed songs that quickly became popular in Nigeria, followed by a successful freshman EP For Broken Ears. During the summer of 2021, Tems began to achieve international popularity from her collaboration on “Essence” by WizKid, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance and became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. If Orange Was A Place is Tems’ first EP following her new international success and critical acclaim. The project peaked at #7 on Billboard US World Albums and #9 on Billboard Heatseekers Albums.
Album Summary:
If Orange Was A Place is a 5-track EP by Tems. In the project, she addresses some changes and challenges in her life as her popularity as an artist grows and her career takes off. As her sophomore EP, If Orange Was A Place serves as a reintroduction to Tems. Each song addresses lessons learned as she achieves fame. While each song has a unique message and delivery, the overall theme is giving “I don’t know what you thought this was, but it ain’t that.” Tems beautifully describes the challenges that come when we try to center ourselves and let go of things that no longer serve us.
Song Reviews:
Track 1: “Crazy Tings”
The album’s single “Crazy Tings” opens up the album with upbeat and lively percussion and electric guitar melodies. Tems’ lyrics serve as a reminder that settling for a love less than what you deserve is not an option, especially when you’re on your way to living your best life. On this track, Tems smoothly describes the feeling of telling someone “It’s been cool, but I’m trying to do my own thing, and you’re in the way”. The line “I just think I can do better” puts the nail in the coffin of a relationship that’s no longer serving her, and lets the recipient know that she’s ready to move on. My favorite part “Crazy Tings” is the dance-hall-like groove that makes me unconsciously bob my head.
Track 2: “Found” (feat. Brent Faiyaz):
“Found” describes the process of Tems finding herself amid the chaos of having people around you who may not have the best intentions. The crisp and soulful vocals in this track give the song a refreshing feeling. This track reminds me of the feeling you get when you’re up against a difficult task and you feel defeated, but then you realize that you actually have what it takes to face the challenge. You can feel Tems’ confidence gradually rising as she makes her way through the first verse. The bridge starts with: “Basically, I might not be weak; Basically, I might not be falling”, and reveals that she is recognizing that she might be more powerful than she previously felt. The chorus brings resolution to the issue, with the line “ I found myself”. Tems and Brent Faiyaz showcase the uniqueness of their respective voices over gentle guitar strumming. With the two singers both having distinctively smooth voices, I found myself getting lost in their soulful vibe. This is definitely a song I would put on repeat; letting the melodies wash over me, lulling me into my happy place.
Track 3: “Replay”:
“Replay” makes a distinction between the person Tems used to be and the person she’s grown into. The upbeat and rhythmic tune challenges listeners to get to know Tems for who she truly is. “Replay” displays Tems’ versatility as an artist, showing her ability to still produce rich and smooth vocals while delivering piercing lyrics and picking up the pace of her delivery. Although “Replay” is the only track on the project that was not produced by GuiltyBeatz, the track still flows incredibly well with the rest of the songs on the EP. This is a song that validates my journey. It reminds me of how far I’ve come whenever something or someone tries to bring me back to a place that I’ve outgrown.
Track 4: “Avoid Things”:
“Avoid Things” revisits the topic of letting go of a toxic lover. Tems describes the frustrations of navigating a relationship with a partner who takes her for granted and refuses to put in the effort required to make it work. The steady and warm bassline featured in this track captivates me throughout the entirety of the song. The relaxing melodies backing Tems’ lively vocals bring balance to the track. I would listen to this song when I’m feeling fed up and I’m looking for the courage to speak up for myself.
Track 5: “Vibe Out”:
“Vibe Out” makes me feel like I’m riding off into the sunset after deciding to let go of expectations and just go where takes me. The synth and light percussion under Tems’ voice builds to a beautiful resolution, ending the EP on a solid note. “Vibe Out” is Tems’ way of saying “I may not know exactly where I’ll end up, but I’m going to keep moving forward.” Reminding us that it’s okay to indulge in the unknown, and even if things get shaken up, just keep doing you.
Overall Rating:
If Orange Was A Place reminds us of a feeling we didn’t realize we missed. This soulful and beautifully executed album shows us what it’s like to gain popularity essentially overnight and how that immense amount of success can have some pretty negative impacts on, what we think are our most valuable relationships. Tems uses her unique sound to relay to us that this is our life, our chance, and we must take it. Throughout these five songs, I’ve felt more connected to my inner self and I’m also ready to live my best life along with Tems. I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys songs with rhythms and grooves that unconsciously make you move your body and vulnerable lyrics that you can relate to more than you probably want to.
Similar Artists:
Brent Faiyaz
Snoh Aalegra
Buju
check out the quick review here!
