Love, Damini

Since debuting in the front half of the 2010s, Nigerian Afrobeat star Burna Boy has steadily increased his global presence, breaking into pop music at large with 2019s African Giant, then climbing a few rungs higher with 2020s Twice as Tall. With his sixth album, Love, Damini, the versatile singer expands his sound and is rewarded with Top Ten placements in several countries while hitting number 14 on the Billboard 200. From its bevy of producers to its barrage of A-list guest stars, Love, Damini was already poised for dominance, but the albums more personal nature is a bigger part of its appeal. Deftly clashing genres and subjects, Burna conveys romantic longing, sexy swagger, and despair over a lengthy 19 tracks that feature an eclectic range of guests. Contributions from South African vocal legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo bookend the record while in between, Burna hosts global titans including Jamaican deejay Popcaan, English singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran, and Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin. Despite its panoply of styles and personnel, the album remains consistently interesting while still adhering to the Afro-fusion vibe that is his hallmark. ~ Timothy Monger

シーアやポップ・スモーク、ジョン・レジェンドらとのコラボも経て着実に支持を広げるなか、2年ぶりの新作が堂々の到着。トニ・ブラクストン"He Wasn't Man Enough"使いのキャッチーな先行カット"Last Last"が全英4位まで上昇した勢いもあって、アルバムも全英2位のヒット済み。レディスミス・ブラック・マンバーゾと声を重ねる"Glory"(エンチャントメントの"Gloria"を引用)を入口にP2Jらが簡素なビートを用意し、ダンスホールにもハイフィーにもバチャータにも聴こえる塩梅の心地良さはいつも以上。Jハスやポップカーンはもちろん、カリードやブラスト&ケラーニ、Jバルヴィン、エド・シーランらメインストリーム志向のゲストも多彩で飽きさせない。なお、ジャケは数種類あるのでご注意を。
bounce (C)出嶌孝次