The opening track of this 39-minute sophomore album by Rema, titled “March am”, breaks you fully into this brand new sound from the artiste which I believe was previously partly established by the lead single of ‘HEIS’. Rema reveals a different side of the artist we have never known since his debut, especially in songs like “Now I Know”, with telltales of true experiences.

Sonically, this album demands ears that listen, minds that think and a body that can move to whatever beat it can find to experience it fully.

Here are some of my thoughts on the 11-track energy-packed album:

MARCH AM:

• A villain-type beat welcomes you the moment you press play, setting the tone for the entire album which is one demanding to be seen and heard without apologising.
• This track doubles as a fight and manifestation song in the way a war cry is encouraging and terrifying depending on what side you belong to. Take my advice and be on Rema’s side here.

AZAMAN:

• I like to consider this song the hype song of the album. Rema just wanted to praise all the people he thinks are bigger than him, wealthier that is, and rightfully so too because as he said “We dey find money like say na shazam”
• My least favourite track because it sounds like I would only like to bump into it in public and vibe than on my phone in my room.

HEHEHE:

• My most anticipated song of the album especially after the snippet we got on social media.
• Many people said he channelled Don Jazzy and Playboy Carti in this, I can’t confirm for Carti but Don Jazzy? I see the influence.
• Though I like this song, I’m so grateful it wasnt a repeated rhythm, meaning no other song sounded like it on the album and that’s great to avoid redundancy

YAYO:

• For me and Yayo, it was love at first listen.
• With that beat and how he bounced on it, Let it not catch me outside at a rave, for it is over for me and my waist.
• This track proves how much this album is filled with catchy choruses which adds to its replay value.

BENIN BOYS (ft Shallipop):

• The lead single of the album and all our actual first love.
• I hardly ever like lead singles because artists always release the worst songs as leads to me, but this was a good song and is the best feature on the album.
• Something about Shallipopo add-lipping will always get me.
• People listening to this song before the album dropped and claiming they didn’t expect it to sound how it did after it dropped surprised me.

HEIS:

• I initially thought this was a sam[le of Swahili song but it might not be and I have reasons to believe it. Correct me if I’m wrong.
• Not this being his “sos” track. He just wanted to make music praising himself and rightfully so, considering how much he has achieved in the industry.

OZEBA:

• Might we say “the most energetic song on the album” because however, you choose to dance.
• Know everything is fast and perfectly paced.
• If this song doesn’t get played in the club more frequently, then DJs, wake up!
• You know a song is the most commercial of the album when it isn’t beating the evil or demonic allegations.

EGUNGUN:

• This felt like a filler song on the album and if it is then, it is the best filler song on any album this year.
• I know why It’s even a filler song but I will keep that bit to myself.

VILLAIN:

• Sampling Lana Del Rey is kind of slay, whatchu think? The sample work on most albums released this year has been exquisitely executed. I just have one sample that didn’t click which I will be talking about when writing about that album.
• Rema said “Fine fine girls like Tiwa” and my only reply was “Yes” lol!
• Slowly creeping into my top two and I’m not talking number two.

NOW I KNOW:

• I tried writing annotations on Genius to this song but I was restricted so, I will be dropping my annotation here:

“Presumably, These opening lines allude to part of Rema’s life he chooses to unpack to our listening.

He speaks about his childhood experiences and the loss of the chance to process said experiences, some of which were traumatic but then neglected only to resurface years after”

• A perfect conclusion to a beautiful album.

The streets claim to have been appeased by the album for they believe it was made for them, as many would agree, regardless of how we word it. Some asked me to start rating albums over 10. So, HEIS gets an 8/10 from me. What would your ratings be? Let me know below.

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