In Born in the Wild, Tems confidently returns to the spotlight, blending Afro-fusion rhythms with her unique artistic vision. This debut album marks her evolution from captivating EP releases to a full-length project that cements her place as both a creative producer and mythmaker.
Known for her introspective lyrics and authenticity, Tems confronts the pressures of fame by examining her personal traumas, inviting listeners into her world with a poetic honesty that’s as haunting as it is beautiful.
Read on for a detailed track-by-track review of Born in the Wild, where Tems unveils her journey through soulful melodies and reflective storytelling:
Born in the Wild – The album’s title track introduces listeners to Tems’ stripped-down style, immersing us in her introspective world. The minimalist ‘90s influence gives her space to explore personal struggles and reflect on her journey.
Special Baby (Interlude) – A heartfelt interlude features Tems’ mother sharing wisdom about success and fame. This moment offers a glimpse into Tems’ personal support system, adding an intimate touch to the album.
Burning – A melodic, sing-along track, “Burning” captures Tems’ inner struggle, with her vocals shining at the forefront. This powerful song is bound to become a fan favorite for its catchy yet contemplative vibe.
Wickedest – With a bold interpolation of Magic System’s classic 1er Gaou, Tems embraces her true self in “Wickedest,” celebrating her achievements with confidence and vocal brilliance.
Love Me Jeje – In this pre-released single, Tems revisits the Nigerian classic Love Me Jeje, giving it a fresh spin with groovy Afrobeats that connect deeply with her roots.
Get it Right (feat. Asake) – In this Afro-fusion love song, Tems teams up with Asake, blending Afropop, Amapiano, and RnB elements. Together, they create a track that’s both captivating and culturally rich.
Ready – Here, Tems channels her influences, with soothing jazz-pop rhythms that echo Rihanna and Sade. Her lyrics declare her readiness to shine in a sound that’s distinctly her own.
Gangsta – “Gangsta” sees Tems reimagining Diana King’s L-L-L Lies with an edge, blending reggae-inspired beats with introspective lyrics about her career.
Unfortunate – A deeply soulful track that finds Tems singing about estranged love and missed fortune, capturing the complex emotions of love and loss.
Boy O Boy – Joined by jazz guitarist Nsikak David, Tems explores the nuances of a love-hate relationship in this old-school-meets-modern track, conjuring an atmosphere of introspection.
Forever – Produced by DAMEDAME*, “Forever” combines bass-heavy undertones with Tems’ fluttering falsetto, resulting in a funky, jazz-inspired love anthem.
Free Fall (feat. J. Cole) – A standout track featuring J. Cole, “Free Fall” finds Tems balancing vulnerability and resilience, showcasing her talent with a perfectly complementary feature.
Voices in My Head (Interlude) – Reflecting on her support system, Tems recalls advice from her family and managers, creating a grounding moment that adds depth to her narrative.
Turn Me Up – With a reggae-dancehall twist, “Turn Me Up” surprises with its high energy. Co-produced by London, this track brings infectious vibes and a rare gem quality to the album.
Me & U – The first release from the album, “Me & U” showcases Tems’ alternative approach to Afropop, embodying her distinct sound and highlighting her introspective lyricism.
T-Unit – Channeling Lauryn Hill, Tems reveals her rap skills in “T-Unit,” maintaining the record’s introspective tone while embracing a hip-hop influence.
You in My Face – A moody track that pays homage to Sade, “You in My Face” is an expression of love and resilience, with Tems’ vocals guiding listeners on an emotionally rich journey.
Hold On – Closing out the album, “Hold On” encourages perseverance and self-belief, culminating Tems’ journey of self-discovery and artistic growth with an uplifting message.
Final Thoughts
With Born in the Wild, Tems delivers an album rich in introspection and artistry. Her dedication to producing and writing her own music shines through, offering a distinct contrast to mainstream Afropop. Through 18 thoughtfully composed tracks, Tems captures the essence of her journey, merging her Christian faith, self-assurance, and personal resilience into a cohesive narrative that stands as a testament to her artistry.
The album’s innovative production and genre-blending soundscape reinforce Tems as a trailblazer in Afro-fusion, appealing to a wide audience while staying true to her roots. Born in the Wild is not just an album; it’s a story of empowerment and authenticity, offering an essential listening experience for both long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Ratings
Delivery: 1.9/2
Lyricism: 1.9/2
Relatability: 1.8/2
Mixing and Production: 1.9/2
Replay Value: 1.8/2
