Description
Rasheed’s moving and enlightening fifth studio album The Awakening opens with the catchy, guitar-driven Indie-pop Smoke Signals – an alarm call of personal meltdown. The record immediately changes pace with Artificial Intelligence which sets the sobering subject of technology in over-drive to soothing, Eastern-infused instrumentation. Next is Animal, an infectious dance track with all the urgency of the impending extinction that it explores. Its message is aptly followed by Everyone’s Going (A Little Bit Crazy) a pop-rock protest song which speaks volumes about the times we’re in of political, global, social and emotional tensions … a fast-paced world and inner hurt.
How? open the space in that the album title speaks of. It’s sparseness and centring pace invites us to question, reflection and on a journey of introspection. Crying for the World is both a personal confessional and an expression of empathy to everyone that somehow also marries a West End/ Broadway style signature song with hip-hop beats. Letting Go is a touching, tender ballad of surrender and a real song-writing gem. If I only Had the Courage takes us on a journey of transformation both reflected in its ballad-like start to its rousing closing flourish. Appreciation and Let Go of Seeking pick up the pace; these up-tempo dance track usher in a sense of change, hope and celebration. Free is a cool collaboration which sees Rasheed team up with Ashley David Simon whose energising rap elevates the track and the listeners’ consciousness. The album closes on a high and highlight with Bring Love Back an infectious, heart-felt mid-temp pop anthem. If that weren’t enough Rasheed gives us a bonus track: AI (Deep Compassion Remix). Here Rasheed transforms the beautiful instrumentation of Artificial Intelligence – a touch of alchemy and a true call to Awakening.
Credits
All songs written by Rasheed Ogunlaru, ©Rasheed Ogunlaru 2020 except: Free © Rasheed Ogunlaru & Ashley David Simon 2020; Animal and Bring Love Back ©Rasheed Ogunlaru & Marcin Kovacs 2020. All tracks produced by John Hamilton at EQ Studios, London – except Animal and Bring Love Back produced by Marcin Kovacs. Cover photography by Ajamu, art by Marcin Kovacs. All vocals; Rasheed Ogunlaru except Free ft Ashley David Simon with additional background by John Hamilton.
With thanks to everyone involved in this project. Dedicated to one and all. With love, Rasheed
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