Tay Iwar graces us with the release of his debut album after he caught our eye with his 2014 mixtape dubbed Passport and now he returns with this brand new project titled Gemini. The Gemini was released on the 26th day of March, 2019, and consist of sixteen (16) tracks with some reputable features from the likes of; Odunsi (The Engine), Santi, Sute, and Preye. This is one project we have all waited for in the last 5 years and now it is finally here, we do hope this would definitely be worth the wait and listen.
Satisfied: Tay introduces his listeners to the Gemini world with this alluring soulful like acoustic interlude of about 2 minutes by serenading his lady on how Satisfied he is with the love of he has for her. This love song has a great composition of the right lyrics and it is indeed a good way to kick off this project.
Monica: This is a feel good mid-tempo track Tay has put together and is characterized by many forms of that modern day influence of trap music and with just the right balance of it to support a solid record dubbed Monica. The interesting thing about this record is the fact the Tay confidently infused a bit of humor to this record with a skit at the end of the track which added some form of versatility and flavor on the record.
Weather Song: This is yet another beautiful track that i can classify as an interlude, considering the length of the record and as we see Tay unveil further the brilliance of his songwriting skills on a love song like the Weather Song, using all the four season to describe the depth of affection he has for his love interest. This is by far one of the best records in all totality off the Gemini project.
Its Okay: Tay follows up Monica with another interlude dubbed Its Okay. This record used the vocoder technology that was made popular in R&B music in the 80s. Therefore, giving Its Okay that needed electronic/retro vibe and a dash of flavor to the song. Tay's imagination in music composition is apt, as we see how he gives the right amount of musical influence to create a record like this love song Its Okay, by giving his love interest the assurance not to be afraid in the relationship but above all he has got her back in the midst of it all.
Stranger: This is a soothing and fresh ballad that showcases Tay's vocal prowess as he glides on the wave of the keys on the piano and the bass guitar, giving the record Stranger that classic touch. This is a solid song to have made the track-listing of this project.
Fools: This is one of the leading singles off the project in my opinion and by far the best record of the Gemini project. Fools is an up- beat song and it is that record that gets you started on your first listen and doesn't fade off but have a lasting impression on the listener. The record, a beautifully written love song talking about the dilemma in a relationship and looking for a solution in that situation is laced on a brilliantly produced record giving it that fresh pop sound with a mix of the R&B touch. This is a natural hit If well promoted and with a well executed video Fools can become a crossover hit for Tay.
Keeps: This is a typical Tay classic ballad with that brilliant expression of his lyrical genius and vocal dexterity on a laid back produced beat with a mix of poetry at end of the record, giving Keeps the depth and quality it deserves. This record has one of the best hook off Gemini thereby making the track an unforgettable one off the project.
Utero: Tay has so much of that Maxwell's influence on Utero record and he still maintained the originality of his sound thereby making the record a solid R&B collector. This is by far one of the best records off Tay's project and can easily be picked as a supportive single off the Gemini album.This love song has all the relevant elements (lush melody, beautiful production, solid songwriting skills, and an unforgettable hook) a record deserved to be tipped as a ballad classic.
Diamonds: This is one amazing interlude Tay has titled Diamonds and from the concept, to the sound of production as well as Tay's magnificent vocals added a great deal of depth to the record. This shows how much thought Tay's team put into the selection of the track-list.
How: This is one of the best distrust/breakup songs i have heard by a Nigerian artist. Tay switches up his style on How with a freestyle kind of concept and the content has that edgy touch that makes it a provocative sound you want to listen to. The record also has all the right influences of the day modern trap music but still maintains and embodies the essence of a proper soul/R&B vibe.
Space (Feat. Santi & Preye): This is the first song off Gemini project with guest artists and we see Tay recruit talented acts Santi and Preye on this amazing number dubbed Space. The compliment of Santi and Preye's verses exposes further the purity of Tay's vocal ability and they all brought this beautiful mid-tempo record to life. Space is one of the solid records off the project and can become a lounge favorite.
SuggarDaddy (Feat. Odunsi (The Engine)): This is the second feature on the Gemini project and it features the eccentric act Odunsi (The Engine) who largely sang in the Yoruba dialect thereby adding so much color and flavor to the record. SuggarDaddy already a radio favorite across Nigerian has what it takes to be one off the leading singles off this project. The record which was beautifully produced and with the support of Tay's brilliant songwriting skills which is focused on common society's ills that effect quality relationships shows the depth of his creativity.
Don't Know (Feat. Sute Iwar): This is the last of Tay's feature on the Gemini album and this time around Sute Iwar makes his guest appearance on Don't Know. This is a song that is characterized with a classic mix of hip hop and R&B, as we see Sute add quality to his slick and soothing R&B produced track. This is an appropriate record to have made the track-list of this body of work and most importantly a record produced by Tay himself.
Sidelines: The is another one of the few up-tempo tracks on the Gemini album and Tay did a great job with the lyrics for Sideline and with the compliment of his vocal stunning, as well as the backup on the record, added so much flavor and brilliance to the record. This is a well written and executed breakup song but not necessarily among his best works but overall a great song for this project.
Miracle Girl: This is one experimental record by Tay on the album and Miracle Girl can be classified as an alternative/rock song with heavy influence and vibe of the electric guitar as well as we see Tay bringing out his inner Lenny Kravitz (Lol!) just to show us how far he can push his vocal abilities. Miracle Girl is one of the best records off this project and also one of his best work i have heard from him till date.
Call U: This is certainly a superb way to end a project of this magnitude, with a cathedral entrance and a mix of playful gaming sounds on Call U and of course with Tay's smooth and subtle vocals which serenades his love interest on his desire and quest to start his day with her only makes the song/interlude whole and awesome. Great effort!
Here are my final thoughts on the album review of ''Gemini'' I enjoyed listening to the project and it was certainly a joy ride because it had the right mix of different elements that everyone can relate with in at least one of the songs on the album. Tay's debut album ''Gemini'' is a SOLID project putting into consideration his careful thought on his line up of featured artist such as: Odunsi (The Engine), Preye, Santi and brother Sute Iwar who were all appropriate features that gave the project a proper sense of direction and concept Tay was trying to achieve. However, Gemini is not your average body of work that you can easily get into it, but it would require several listens before a record(s) on the album grows on you and this is indeed a difficult/dicey feat to achieve if you are not already a fan of his and this can be sway listeners to either direction and the overall purpose might not be achieved, so based on that, my conclusion and rating of ''Gemini'' would be an 8/10.
In case you haven't listened or downloaded Tay Iwar's - GEMINI album please download it for free here: DOWNLOAD HERE
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