Music
Davido’s “Timeless” is here and it’s a superbly constructed work of art | Album Review
The fourth studio album by Nigerian artist David Adeleke, better known as Davido is titled “Timeless.” The 17-track album, which was released in the early hours of Friday, March 31, 2023, is distributed by Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment.
Skepta, Fave, Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Focalistic, and The Cavemen have all contributed to the project.
The top focal track, “Champion Sound,” was released to rave reviews as the album’s lead single on 19 Nov 2021.
The ‘OBO’ crooner also talked about the process he went through from his previous album to the latest.
Davido also gave Chioma Rowland, his wife, a shout-out while appreciating his fans and the people who ensured the completion of the project.
“At long last – WE are back. The journey from my last album to this album has been a whirlwind to say the least,” Davido wrote on Twitter.
He said he recalled sitting and staring over the ocean not too long ago, “wondering if I could get here again, after all I’ve been through… but with your love & support, we made it.
“I’m not sure what comes after this but I wanted to give you my heart, soul and energy. Today I present you “TIMELESS”.
The portrait of OBO, as he is fondly called is created in the album art by combining a depiction of nature and African heritage. The route to the hourglass suggests that Davido will take the listener on a journey through his mind.
If you look closely, the vegetation speaks of his output and fruitfulness, the elephants portray his majesty, and the flying dove can allude to the loved ones he has lost over the years. He also asserts that nature will always exist and defy timing, regardless of what happens in life. In other words, in accordance with the album image, he is “Timeless” because he is a part of nature.
Davido declares in the opening track of the 17-track album, “Ova Dem,” that he has overcome the traumas and betrayals he has experienced over the previous few years while reiterating his confidence in himself, his work, and his beliefs. He pokes fun at his critics while admonishing them that he is still a stronger person and is not intimidated by their plans.
In “No Competition,” OBO introduces the laid-back and upbeat song by congratulating his lover and wife, Chioma, declaring, “Nobody fit contest.” She is praised for having all the qualities he wants in a woman and more. Asake’s flawless entrance and performance highlight one of the main reasons why he is currently regarded as one of the best acts to emerge from Nigeria. One of the best tracks on the album thanks to the duo’s outstanding performance on this song.
The album’s second feature and third track have new DMW signee Morravey answering present and making a statement intro on “In The Garden.” The soulful singer rides on the smooth amapiano-type beat and has the vocalist implying that she is ready to “Change Status” and shower him with love. Next, Davido comes in and does what only Davido can do on a collaborated track -Kill It.
Ever needed a track that blends themes of braggadocio, gratitude, and self-belief? Then “Godfather” is that track. Davido sits on his throne and crowns himself as the “Godfather.” He accredits all his blessings to God and warns critics to steer clear of his path as he confirms that he has a very formidable squad behind him and thus cements his status as a legend in the game.
“For The Road” is a beautiful piece with that OBO melody. Davido seems to sing for a love interest who is a cheat and isn’t ready to stay in check. He appears ready to let her go but makes a request -“Gimme one for the road.”
Fave dishes out melodic tunes on “Kante,” and The Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo all come in on “Na Money,” As expected, a collaboration of such quality is only bound to be top-tier sound. Skepta is no new name to the Nigerian music community, and his delivery on “U(JuJu)” will be remembered as one of his most resonating.
“Legends Can Never Die(LCND)” is a tribute to all the dead friends and family OBO has lost in recent years, most recently his Son Ifeanyi. Many will indeed see this song as a tribute to his Son, as The playful kids’ voices at the end of the track point it in that direction even more. It is a very evocative track and will get listeners in their feelings.
Newcomer and another new DMW signee, Logos Olori, will be a name that will be heard in the industry for a long time if his delivery on “Picasso” is to be considered. Olori was in his feelings on this track as he rode savvy on the beat. His brilliant compatibility and combination with OBO were a treat of silky vocals and unforgettable melodies. “Timeless” is blessed to have this soft track on its list, as this is one of the great songs of the album. Themes of Love, Relationship, and Desire and a hint of unrequited love may be heard in the lyrics as the duo tries to woo a love interest with another attraction.
The album’s final highlight and closer, “Champion Sound,” features amapiano rave Focalistic. The duo does, in fact, flow on the beat with style, displaying talent while also providing melody and harmony. The intention is to get the listener up and moving. There is no reason the listener shouldn’t finish the listening experience bouncing and grinding to the beat as the album plays to fading end, unless they don’t enjoy high-quality amapiano music or don’t value good sound.
Davido’s lengthy break has produced this excellent gem, which many reviewers will rank higher than his previous work. This is a superbly constructed work of art. In fact, Davido puts up a fight and asserts his “Timeless” legacy, refusing to be “boxed.”
The album is expected to be successful due to the quality of the featured artists and Davido’s standing as a collaborator and connector in Afrobeats and world music.
