Maleek Berry came into the limelight after kicking off the StarBoy outfit with label mate/international act Wizkid in 2013 as a producer and now his evolution into an artist is impeccable. 2017 Maleek Berry released a couple of pop crossover #1 singles like; Kontrol, Been Calling and in 2018 he has decided to grace us with an extended play titled First Daze of Winter: EP. The EP was released on the 10th January, 2018 and consist of Six (6) tracks, which promises to be nothing less than hits, judging from the quality of work he has put out in the previous year.
Been Calling: Is the lead single off the EP with an amazing visual description to go with it. Maleek Berry's fresh 'new skool' vibe is brilliantly displayed on this mid-tempo record, and it is certainly a great way to kick off this extended play Maleek Berry who had a great run in 2017. looking at the track list of First Daze of Winter EP we can only unveil more beautiful content as we ride on this track #1.
Pon My Mind: Pon My Mind is strong afro-pop single off this project, judging from; an unforgettable hook, to a brilliant production, an easy to listen groove and an afrocentric visual to cap it all up. Maleek Berry is such a joy to listen to especially the fact that we first knew him when he blossomed into the music scene as a prolific producer but has successfully transcended that to becoming one of the most dynamic new skool artist to be reckoned with. Pon My Mind is one of the best single off this EP.
Own It: This is a record that sounds like something i have heard before? Yes i think Own It is a predictable sound from Maleek Berry and for me that is underwhelming for my ratings, however, this record is a relevant and an appropriate choice of song to be on any body of work but for my ratings of Own It on this EP is certainly an average record.
Sisi Maria: Growing up in the 80s the term Sisi Maria is usually referred to a lady who is fine as hell and everyone wants to be with... This is certainly a very creative approach by Maleek Berry, showing us his broad writing skills as he uses terms like the title of this song that listeners can relate with on a high-life/afrobeat infused sound, making it one of the favorites on the First Daze of Winter EP project.
What If: is another record we see why we love Maleek Berry in the first place. He switches up his style giving us that classic retro R&B feel good trill, with that modern touch to it. What If is that kind of record that slowly hits you with its mellow vibe you don't see coming and you don't want to do anything else than just have a chilled day with your significant other. This is by far one of the most appreciative track off this EP as Maleek Berry shows off his vocal dexterity.
Pulling Me Back: This record has that 'Maleek Berry' feel good signature sound, as he laces his vocals on Pulling Me Back making it a very suitable closure to the First Daze of Winter: EP. Pulling Me Back is a great love song that is well written with that subtle afrobeat influence to it and can end up being a favorite for listeners if chosen and well promoted.
Maleek Berry, who has finally given us a dose of his debut body of work and surprisingly he had no guest appearances on the EP but it ended up being a very enjoyable listen. The EP had a great balance of ballad, mid-tempo and afrofusion records which gave listeners an insight of the essence and eclectic creatively of Maleek Berry. Therefore, I would like to rate this Extended Play a 7.5/10 as we see Maleek Berry give his listeners a personal collections of records for their playlist and also radio friendly songs. Overall this is a brilliant work I enjoyed listening to it and look forward to more work from this dynamic artist.
in case you haven't listened or downloaded First Daze of Winter: EP please download it here:
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