Ayra Starr’s Receipt at 21: A Fan’s Review of ‘The Year I Turned 21’
Celebrating Ayra’s Growth: A Stellar Album at 21
As a Day 1 fan of Ayra Starr since her breakout days with the Ayra Starr - EP in 2021, I can proudly say I've watched her journey from a newly signed Mavin act with enchanting celestial tunes to a global icon. And now, she has dropped an album that's giving everything a 21-year-old global sensation should give.
The Year I Turned 21, her aptly named second album, follows her debut 19 & Dangerous released three years ago. From the titles alone, you can tell Ayra has been taking us along on her beautiful journey to stardom. She mentioned she envisioned this album like a TV show, with “every song as an episode,” and it shows. The 14-track album explores themes ranging from cutting off exes, fear of failure, processing grief, new love, finding fame and fortune, to gender positivity.
Ayra masterfully fuses R&B and Afropop, drawing inspiration from highlife, dancehall, and gospel music. This album's eclectic mix appeals to a wide spectrum of audiences, and I’m excited to see how far this project will go. The album boasts production from heavyweights like London, P2J, Mystro, Loudaa, P-Prime, Sparrq, and Ayra’s brother, Milar. Johnny Drille also contributed as producer and mixing & recording engineer on several tracks. With such a lineup, it’s no surprise this album is an absolute banger.
From the jump, Ayra sets the tone with Birds Sing of Money. IMO, it’s her version of a 'Rihanna - Man Down' type vibe, and she absolutely kills it. Hats off to London for the beat. Ayra boldly declares she's in control, checks the haters, and lets you know the birds are indeed singing commas, and she cannot be bothered. A solid intro to the album.
Then comes Goodbye (Warm Up), the second track featuring Ololade Mr. Money himself, Asake. This track is straight-up vibes. They both clear their exes with style, saying goodbye and warming up for the next adventure. The opening lines, "Goodbye to my ex, yes / Hello to my next," set the playful IDGAF tone for the track. P2J’s production, especially the chords, has me in a chokehold. And I might get dragged for this, but Ayra's verse on this song could outrap some of your faves. I said what I said.
Commas is the third track and already a massive hit with over 45 million streams on Spotify and 34 million views on YouTube, so I won’t dwell on it. Ayra then teams up with Anitta and Coco Jones for Woman Commando. The production is top-notch, and there's a beat like a triangle that bursts my head every time I hear it. This song is sweet and could easily become an anthem for the girlies.
Control, the fifth track, is one for all those crushing on Ayra. She's chilling at the club, giving you all the green lights and just wants you to take control. I am sure all those crushing on Ayra on hearing this song have imagined they are the one she is singing to lol (Imagination go too wound you). Also produced by London, the song is a refreshing vibe that teases a night out of ignorant indulgence.
For track six, Lagos Love Story, Ayra explores the theme of newfound love. "So na this one una dey do" is my favorite line. Ayra finally tastes sweet love and is astonished by the experience. I can relate, Ayra. Love is sweet, and love from we Lagos boys is even sweeter.
Rhythm & Blues, the seventh track, was released as a single and is a total banger with over 10 million views on YouTube and 22 million streams on Spotify. It took a few listens for me to appreciate it, but it's a beautiful song.
Ayra slows things down with 21, track eight, where she reflects on growing up and the milestones she's reached. She touches on the challenge of being young and making life decisions in a society that often labels young people as too immature. It’s a hopeful song that acknowledges her journey and future.
Next is Last Heartbreak Song featuring GIVEON. It's a beautiful heartbreak song produced by Loudaa. GIVEON's silky voice shines, but Ayra truly owns this track. The video has garnered over 1.7M views in the 5 days since its release.
Track ten, Bad Vibes featuring Oluwaloseyi Seyi Vibez, produced by Mystro, grew on me. Seyi Vibez has been on fire and didn't disappoint. "Igi gogoro má gún mi lójú," meaning "a tall tree’s branch won’t injure my eyes if I look from afar," sets the tone. Ayra and Seyi are keeping bad vibes at bay and sticking where the money is.
Orun, track eleven, produced by Loudaa, is a highlife gem. Despite its mellow and groovy beat, it explores mental health and depression. It's a beautiful song about falling and rising, learning from mistakes, and finding hope. Definitely one of my faves on the album.
Jazzy’s Song, track twelve, produced by P-Prime, is a certified bop. Ayra intentionally uses the popular melody from Wande Coal's You Bad, signaling good vibes and a playful side to her. Now we have a more carefree Ayra, which is cool—she’s 21, after all.
Track thirteen, 1942 featuring her brother Milar and produced by Johnny Drille, shows Ayra's vulnerability and self-reflection. It’s a beautiful collaboration that looks forward while reminiscing on the journey so far.
The second-to-last track, The Kids Are Alright, pays homage to Ayra's late father. It features taped recordings from her siblings and mom, updating their dad on how everyone is doing. It's a heartfelt track that helps channel grief from a place of love.
Finally, the last track, Santa with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, ends the album on a high note. Rvssian, who previously teamed up with Rema on Beamer, delivers another bop. Ayra’s verse is hard-hitting, and although I don’t understand the other verses lol, it’s still a cool ending to the album of the year Ayra turned 21.
The Year I Turned 21 is out on all platforms and is running up numbers. The album had over 375 million cumulative first day streams which is mind-blowing and it is still setting records. Let me know which opinions you agree or disagree with and which songs tick your boxes. A part of me agrees with AOT2 that this album is well on its way to winning album of the year. What do you think?
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