E.P. Review: Tems - If Orange Was A Place

 

Nigerian born Alternative R&B/Soul/Afrobeats singer, song writer/producer Temilade Openiyi popularly known as ''Tems'' releases her 2021 E.P consisting of FIVE (5) tracks as unveiled on the (14/09/2021). Now here are my thoughts on the extended play brought to you by Tems. She's currently signed to RCA Records. 

Crazy Tings: This is a great way to kickstart this project as we hear Tems introduce listener's to a mid-tempo record with a vibe and  background to a hip-hop snare. Crazy Tings is a liberating breakup record about moving on from a toxic relationship into a life of freedom. The layering of the content immediately draws you into the dilemma spoken/sung about in that subtle vocal prowess mixed with that afro vibe and also wrapped around the strings of the bass guitar making it an wholesome record worthy of introducing listener's to the project. Produced by: Guilty Beatz.  

Found feat. Brent Faiyaz: This record shows us Tems soulful persona in how alluring and powerful her vocals can be as she sings on a soothing basic strings of the box guitar and with the help of American act Brent Faiyaz who compliments this record lyrically and vocally to give it that sweet melodious vibe that can make this record a instant lounge hit. Produced by: Guilty Beatz.

Replay: This is a super experimental and well written record by Tems. The song has all the right elements (a good hook, groove, lyrics and a beautiful song buildup) to be a radio hit in a very subtle way with the song arrangement. A well executed video can pop this record up on a different level. This is by far one of the favorites off the EP. Produced by: Jonah Christian.

Avoid Things: This is one of the leading records of the ''If Orange Was A Place'' extended play as we see this mid-tempo hip-hop beat ushers Tems into the lead, as she puts some reggae vibe to the chorus on Avoid Things. This song has an infectious way it gets to you and makes it easy to fall in love with the record. Avoid Things should be naturally become a radio hit if well promoted with a music video. Produced by: Guilty Beatz.

Vibe Out: This is one of the only upbeat record, as well as the longest track of 4min: 57sec in the project. The record sees Tems playful side with her trying to get at her love interest but at the same time just trying to keep it cool. It is an obvious fact that Vibe Out is the best track off the extended play. Why? because the beat is dope, infectious, the harmonies is outstanding, the adlibs is catchy and unforgettable, the hook is appropriate and Tems lyrical prowess is unmatched. The best way to wrap up a project is definitely a Vibe Out. Produced by: Guilty Beatz.

My final thoughts on the tracks analyzed  above for the ''If Orange Was A Place'' E.P. is a super SOLID effort by Tems and deserves a 8.5/10 and of course listener's could have only wished for more tracks on this project because the song selection, sequence, guest appearance and arrangement is almost perfect, showing that Tems is indeed in control of her space and ideas. Then the producers and sound engineer in the person of Spax did a brilliant job bringing Tems vision into life with the compliment of their production, mixing and mastering skills of the records to give it the level of satisfaction fans or a listener would appreciate. Excellent effort!!! 

In case you haven't  listened or streamed Tems - If Orange Was A Place E.P. please do so it below:

 DOWNLOAD HERE