Asake's Work Of Art is a Gospel Album
... they are more gospel than many so-called gospel songs.
Beyond their verve and vibes, Asake's songs are "heavenly sounds from the streets". Many of his songs often convey messages of faith, hope, and salvation, with lyrics that draw from Biblical and Quranic scriptures. The religious themes of some of his songs are characterized by his praising and supplicatory lyrics, soulful vocals, and passionate delivery, which often feature call-and-response patterns. And, at times, they are more gospel than many so-called gospel songs.
Though Asake has been hinting at his religious inclination from his breakthrough debut EP Ololade Asake and his record-breaking album, Mr. Money With The Vibe, Work Of Art stands as a luminous testament to his power of spirituality and creativity. With its intricate tapestry of themes and emotions, the album weaves together a rich musical narrative that delves into the depths of human experience and the divine connection.
Earlier this year, Asake shares the spiritual resonance of Work Of Art through 'Yoga’. The opening of the song brilliantly incorporates 'Mo Capitaine', a 2003 song by the Mauritian legend Michel Legris (Sega Mauricien). The worship and relaxing aura of 'Yoga' serves as a fitting catharsis for Asake after a glorious tour of the US and the tragic incident that happened at O2 Academy in south London.
Lyrically, the song transcends the literal meaning of "Yoga" (which means "union" in Sanskrit) to embody the idea of complete alignment with the divine. The chorus repeats the call to yoga. "Yoga, yoga, I dey on my way, I dey maya, make nobody kill my yoga yoga," Asake sings in the chorus, emphasizing the essence of serenity in adversity.
In the song's verse, Asake deftly blends indignation with supplication and his vocal balanced fierce energy with meditation.
The verses evoke imagery of deep communion with God. The lyrical depth lies in the song's ability to encapsulate the essence of spiritual connection and surrender through its captivating words. 'Yoga' video, directed by TJ Omori, incorporates Senegalese traditional spirituality to illustrate Asake's quest for innermost peace. But to bestow a solemn and fortissimo outing on Work Of Art, Asake puts 'Yoga' as a coda and replaces it with another solemn and fortissimo song, 'Olorun'.
'Olorun' opens with a sonorous, silky bass guitar, follows by a lush horn that hints at the chorus, then soulful voices of ladies singing: "Emi kọ, ọlọrun ma ni, Emi kọ o ọlọrun ma ni, Awa kọ oh oh, Emi kọ ọlọrun ma ni (It's not me, it's God. It's not us, it's God).
After the chorus, Asake enters with an array of rhetorical questions that add dramatic effect to the song. "Ta lo gbọn t'olorun (Ọmọ ọgbọn)," he sings. "Kosi anybody to lo gbon t'olorun. Ti wọn ba buga ẹ oya gba fun olorun. Awọn ti wọn buga mi wọn ti sapa mọ (Wọn ti sapa mọ). (Who's wiser than God? There is nobody as wiser as God. If they brag to you, you should give everything to God. Those who brag to me have hidden somewhere.)
The song's lyrical depth is evident in its portrayal of God as the creator of all things, an omnipotent force deserving of worship. In the first verse, Asake paints a vivid picture of the majesty of God, drawing us into a space of awe and reverence. He talks about how he was down in 2020 and nearly gave up on his dream. But when he drops the spotlight 'Omo Ope' in 2022, and gets connected with his label boss Olamide, he breaks through. After the success of Ololade Asake, he goes naked in his room and prays to God to guide him as he moves on in his musical journey.
After a declaration that nothing can happen to a child of God, Asake ends the song with a heartfelt proclamation that he is a new man. "Alhamdulillah, I'm a brand new man," he sings. A soul-stirring affirmation of faith, by exploring the theme of surrender to a higher power, 'Olorun' sets the spiritual tone for the album.
'Awodi' is a heartfelt expression of devotion, blending praise for the divine wonders with a sincere plea for protection from malevolent forces. Creating a powerful and spiritually resonant composition, Asake cleverly captures the duality of acknowledging God's greatness while seeking refuge from negativity. "Akabi ka u la, oya ka bi lori awa o, (the one who wards off evil, wards off evil from our heads)," he sings at the end of this song, after thanking God for the wonderful things he has done for him.
With a brilliant interpolation of 'Ocean Drive' by the Lighthouse Family, 'Sunshine' unveils a deeply personal, introspective, and inspiring side of Asake's spiritual journey. The song lyrically grapples with the struggles and challenges faced on the path to success. The poignant verses highlight moments of doubt and uncertainty, while the chorus resonates with the idea that even in the darkest times, God's light can illuminate the way. The song's lyrical depth lies in its candid exploration of vulnerability and the eventual triumph of faith over adversity. On God, Asake is a motivational speaker moonlighting as a pop artist.
In 'Lonely At The Top,' Asake navigates the theme of loneliness, humility, and accountability in the face of success. The song lyrically dissects the complexities of fame and the emptiness that can accompany it. In the first verse, Asake sings about his loneliness, pursuit of money, and how he turns deaf to criticism and unmoved by haters. In the second verse, he slightly flirts with a lady and brags about his capability to shower her with love and money.
Asake's introspection and inspiring lyrics make this album transcends the boundaries of conventional secular music, its lyrical depth touches upon profound spiritual concepts. Asake crafts a musical piece that resonates with spiritual seekers, fun seekers, and appreciators of artistic expression. Work Of Art is a true masterpiece in the realm of secular and gospel music.