Album Review: Odunsi (The Engine) - Rare.

''Odunsi (The Engine)'' graces us with his debut album dubbed Rare and what a perfect name to describe his first body of work, because Odunsi is definitely a rare gem when it comes to his style and delivery of music. The album Rare consist of fourteen (14) tracks with a few records initially released to promote the release of the album and Odunsi features the likes of; Davido, Nasty C, Runtown, Santi, Tay Iwar and a host of others. Join me as we take a listen and review Rare by Odunsi (The Engine). 


Rare: The song Rare Is the introduction to the 'Odunsi' album and also the title of the body of work and i must say what a fantastic way to kick start an album as he allows us to feel the essence of his beautiful and unique vocals on a smooth ballad tune with an introduction of spoken word at the end of the record giving us an imagination of the atmosphere in Lagos mixed with their appreciation for his craft. This is certainly a great way to start this journey for his fans and listeners.     


 

Falling: This record is one of the leading record off the Rare album and we see Odunsi (The Engine) take us back to the era of disco music of the 70's. Falling is a classic love interest song that has that ''feel good'' vibe to it and it gets you grooving consciously or unconsciously. This is a solid A&R work/choice of representation to the Rare album as it was taken as the lead single for this project and it is definitely one of the favorite record off this body of work. 


Take Me There Feat. Hamzaa: The record Take Me There is a perfect representation of a modern 808's/trap like music with a blend of the disco flavor as well. We see Odunsi feature Hamzaa on this track who also added extra spice and flavor to a well written song by Odunsi but sadly too short  for me to call it a proper record. However, the vocal experts by what appears to be Odunsi's buddy, narrating his musical experience and evolution as an artiste really gave this record depth and the quality it deserved.  
 
Outcast: Outcast is a mid-tempo record that has the brilliance of the piano on the baseline and a kick of hip hop to the snare and to cap it up is Odunsi's songwriting skill on the record. He talks about real life experiences growing up and where he is now, which makes it a great conscience record but maybe to short for the listening pleasure of fans. This then could be classified as an interlude and not a full - fledged track. 


Divine Feat. Davido: This is by far one of the favorite records off this project as Divine was previously released in support of the forthcoming Rare project and it features non other than the rave of the moment, Davido who gave the record that afropop drive. The call and response concept of the record is brilliant and Davido was certainly the right pick for the track. This is one record that deserves a visual interpretation. 

 
Wanted You: Odunsi keeps the consistency of this project with Wanted You having that proper disco/electronic vibe. This is another solid record off the Rare album which captures the essence of Odunsi (The Engine) vocal prowess and i would like to see Wanted You have at least a lyric video with a disco like theme to it. This is one of the solid records off this body of work.


 
Angel Feat. Duendita: This is a soulful ballad Odunsi has put together and he features the delectable soul vocalist  Duendita. The quality she adds to this record is unmatched as we see both acts glide through the soothing soul vibe of the beat, thereby giving the record that wholeness. This is an appropriate track to have been selected for the Rare project. 



Take a Break: This is an awesome dilemma of a story in a record, as we can see Odunsi use his local dialect (Yoruba) to express his words on what appears to be a (sorry) letter to his mother/loved ones who seem to have felt some level of disconnect from him maybe because of his quest to survive in an ever demanding music industry. Take a Break is a heartfelt song that was brilliantly written by Odunsi.     



Express Feat. Santi & Nasty C: This is one feel good track and i must say one of the favorite record off the Rare album. Odunsi recruit Santi and South African heavyweight Nasty C on  the mid - tempo song Express. This track embodies all that new school kick and vibe and what makes it so interesting is that the record is light, very likable and easy to digest. The record Express is one record that deserves a visual interpretation.  


Dance floor: This record which appears to have a similar ensemble as that of Falling, both on the same project and a very good attempt by Odunsi. However, the track is shorter than what is expected of a song and only makes it feel like a long extension of Falling. 



Star Signs Feat. Runtown: The production of this record is impeccable and which has the best feature off the Rare album. Runtown shares the glory with Odunsi on what i describe as the best track of the this entire project. The record has all the right elements to become a great  radio hit from the likes of; the concept/songwriting skills of the song by both (Odunsi & Runtown), production output, and the maintenance of consistency of Odunsi's style of music. The is the best record off this body of work and one that deserves proper promotion with musical video. 


Green Light Feat. Tay Iwar: What do you expect when two eccentric and genius artist come together? They will certainly create Magic!!! And that is exactly what Odunsi and Tay Iwar have done with Green Light. This another solid record and perfect choice of a feature by Odunsi as both acts show their vocal dexterity on this beautifully produced track.   



Hectic Feat. 234Jaydaa, Amaarae & Solis: This record Hectic personifies everything awesome as we see Odunsi alongside 234Jaydaa, Amaarae and Solis delivery one of the best track off this project with everyone holding their fort with their vocal abilities. This record had an amazing transition from a slow soulful melodic vibe to that mid-tempo 90's R&B groove. This is an appropriate record to have made the tracklist of the Rare album. 




Bonus Tracks


Alte Cruise Feat. Zamir (LOS) & Santi: This record unveils another review about himself as with two vocal experts of his friends talking about his creativity. Alte Cruise is one swagged out record that features Zamir of (LOS) and Santi who is making his second appearance on this project as they all nailed their verses. This is yet another solid record off the Rare project.  



Here are my final thoughts on this album by ''Odunsi (The Engine) - Rare.'' This is one superb album by an alternative Nigerian artist like  ''Odunsi''  it was a fun listen.The album indeed had a Rare, organic and earthy feel to it. Something we rarely hear on this side of the world. The album had an array of very talented artist who all added great depth to this project such as; Davido, Santi, Runtown, Nasty C,Duendita, Tay Iwar, 234Jaydaa, Amaarae & Solis. However, i have reservations with the production output of the entire work even though the individual records/tracks stood out but the mastering of project was weak and could have had a better sound engineer put everything together as solid body of work. Therefore I would like to rate ''Rare.'' an 8.5/10 because this album is as good debut attempt, great track listing, production was fair, lyrics/melody on point, creativity impeccable, songwriting skills genius, vocal prowess was rare and beautiful. Odunsi (The Engine) is definitely one talent who deserves to have an international reputation out of Nigeria if well managed and of course will have longevity in his career with a legendary status. Recommendation: Keeping doing your thing as an artist/producer, you are on track and we love what we hear.   

In case you haven't listened or downloaded Odunsi (The Engine) - Rare. please download it here:

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