No Longer At Ease landed on my desk unsolicited. I had heard of Nneka prior to this but while what I heard was good, I wasn’t too impressed. I felt she was trying too hard to be relevant and “conscious” so I was initially reluctant to listen to it. That is until a comparison was made with Asa’s album. The fact that the CD packaging was standard, not the usual paper envelope crap that most Nigerian CD’s are forced to use, was definitely a big plus.
Unlike previous reviews, I’m not going to go track by track because that format simply won’t work in this case. No Longer At Ease is an album is meant to be listened to and digested as a whole. It maintains a consistent and occasionally raw perspective on life. In fact this paradigm through which she views the world occassionally had me wondering just what pains this young woman must have gone through.
From the title of the album which I’m sure is reference to Chinua Achebe’s classic by the same name, since a lot of the same themes are evident throughout this album, to the album cover art which portrays an innocent optimism tempered by experience and an indomitable spirit, to the choice in musical styles which range from her own take on reggae, to hip hop to jazz to a little 70′s style surf rock.
My only grouch with No Longer At Ease is that the emotional range is too narrow, but thats countered by the suprisingly diverese production and vocal styles used. And talking about production; the quality is superb. The intrumentals are always at the right balance with her voice, never overpowering and always complementing her voice.
Creativity, passion, talent, depth, awareness, hints of a channeled and focused anger, a sprinkling of humor, almost childlike energy and innocence at times and a self confidence created like a diamond in the intense fires and pressures of life are just a few of the elements that contributed to making No Longer At Ease a true work of art.
In my opinion it is one of, if not, the most innovative, artistically consistent and complete albums of our time. No Longer At Ease sums up the nigerian musical and cultural renaissance. There is much to say about No Longer At Ease and I’ll have to come back to it once I’ve fully digested it.
Let me issue a warning now. If what you seek is the typical bubble gum, formulaic compositions that so many artists musicians are drawn to, you will be disappointed.
My recommendation? Buy it, enjoy it, study it, appreciate it and keep it safe. 10 years from now you’ll be glad you did.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1n4gHp2t20
