As a longtime Davido fan, my colleagues gave me the burden to write a review of OBO’s new album 5IVE. Please, social media management is my full time job not music critic.
The Album
Starting with the cover art, simple yet intentional, the name 5IVE clearly marks his fifth studio album, and I love how the visual concept reflects that. A small but powerful detail.
On sequencing, the album could’ve been better arranged. One moment I’m ready to dance and the next, I’m feeling deep and inspired so the emotional shifts felt a bit abrupt.
Song Breakdown
The features were solid. While Titanium with Chris Brown is a good song, it didn’t feel necessary as they’ve collaborated before and given us stronger moments. But TEK with Becky G? That was a standout feature. Unexpected and refreshing.
Lately showcased Davido’s range as an artist . Anything and Be There Still were lyrically resonant, almost like Davido hyping himself up. He subtly and unapologetically reminds us of his longevity, his relevance, how he has conquered not just in the industry but personally as well. I just like that he hyped himself up he’s reminding us (and probably himself too, i mean if you don’t hype yourself up, who will?).
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Davido album without something for the lovers. 10 Kilos fits right into the lineage of Holy Ground, No Competition, Jowo, and Aye. He knows how to romanticize love in a way that feels familiar yet fresh.
With You wasn’t his strongest lyrical moment, but Omah Lay really delivered even if I’m still trying to catch everything he said. It’s my second least favorite on the project, and it seems like it’s getting extra spins from fans trying to push the narrative that it’s more Omah Lay’s than Davido’s.
CFMF is a vibe, though I paused when Davido mentioned his “face me I face you” days. Maybe it’s not his story, but that’s the beauty of music, it speaks to broader experiences so I’ll let that slide. Lol.
Holy Water with Musa Keys and Victony? The melodies are unreal. Can’t explain it yet, just know it hits.
Final thoughts
No bad songs here, Baba Ibeji delivered! Even when the lyrics fell a bit flat, the production held everything together, shoutout to the producers. It’s not my favorite Davido album, but music you like tends to age well. Let’s see how it grows on me.
Okay, bye!
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