Patoranking Three Album Review: A total upgrade from Wilmer

When Patoranking released his “Wilmer” album in 2019, it became evident that he had yet to grasp the intricacies of creating a cohesive album. While the album boasted individual tracks with hit potential, it suffered from the inclusion of songs like “Lege Lege” and spoken poetry that failed to resonate with listeners. Additionally, “Wilmer” obscured Patoranking’s true musical strength—dancehall reggae—by venturing into various genres, leaving listeners somewhat confused.

A Return to the Basics

In his latest offering, “Three,” Patoranking takes a step back and reevaluates his approach to crafting an album. This reflection is evident in the composition of the twelve tracks on the project, which exhibit a newfound clarity in his musical direction. Throughout “Three,” a consistent sonic mood prevails, a stark departure from the hodgepodge of styles that characterized his previous work. While the lyrical themes may vary, Patoranking leans more toward love songs in this album.

Sonic Cohesion and Rediscovering Reggae

The standout quality of “Three” that distinguishes it from “Wilmer” is Patoranking’s commitment to simplicity and a return to his dancehall reggae roots. Even when the beats deviate from Jamaican influences, he infuses his vocals with a Jamaican flair, maintaining a unified sonic identity throughout the album. Collaborating with some of Africa’s finest talents, such as Sauti Sol, Flavour, and Tiwa Savage, Patoranking skillfully matches each artist to their strengths, creating an authentic Nigerian/African project with immense potential.

International Appeal

While “Three” may initially find its footing in the African market, it represents a significant improvement over “Wilmer.” With effective promotion, it’s entirely conceivable that at least five tracks from the album could gain international recognition. Patoranking’s adept fusion of reggae influences and collaborations with top-tier artists positions “Three” as a compelling addition to his discography.

Album Themes and Musical Diversity

“Three” is primarily themed around expressions of love. While exploring this theme, Patoranking seamlessly weaves together three fundamental genres: Afropop, dancehall reggae, and pop music.

1. Celebrating African Beauty with “Black Girl Magic”: The album opens with “Black Girl Magic,” the sole pop song on the record, produced in collaboration with DJ Coublon. This track exuberantly celebrates the beauty, character, and love of African women. Patoranking’s lyrics eloquently extol the impact and allure of African women, creating a groovy pop jam with a nostalgic ’80s vibe.

2. Dancehall Reggae Influences: Patoranking embraces his dancehall reggae roots with tracks like “Brrr,” “Lion in the Jungle,” and “Love is the Answer.” “Lion in the Jungle” is an anthem of motivation, where Patoranking reveals that his life choices were fueled by his intrinsic determination to succeed. He identifies himself as a “lion in the jungle,” emphasizing his unwavering commitment to victory and a refusal to accept failure. “Love is the Answer” addresses global issues of hatred and underscores the belief that love is the sole solution.

3. Romantic Melodies with “Mon Bebe”: Collaborating with modern high-life pop star Flavour, Patoranking delivers “Mon Bebe.” This mid-tempo ponpon beat track features Igbo and South African choir elements, serving as a heartfelt celebration of love between Patoranking and his beloved. The song, devoid of heavy beats, feels like a choir performance dedicated to a special lady.

4. Club Bangers: “Yo Body” emerges as a potential party anthem, with Patoranking expressing his admiration for the physical beauty of an African lady. The track combines RnB-style sequences with a Caribbean-flavored sound, creating a sensational club banger. In another track, Patoranking collaborates with Tiwa Savage, utilizing a ponpon beat to paint a picture of a man expressing his love and asking a lady out. Their mutual declarations of affection result in an irresistible club hit.

5. Collaborative Gems: Patoranking’s collaboration with Sauti Sol yields another club-worthy track heavily influenced by reggae dancehall. This song provides the perfect backdrop for ladies to showcase their dancehall moves, making it a standout club hit.

Conclusion

In summary, “Three” represents a remarkable improvement compared to “Wilmer.” With a consistent sonic mood, a return to his dancehall reggae roots, and well-executed collaborations, Patoranking has created an album that holds the potential for international recognition. Themed around expressions of love and blending Afropop, dancehall reggae, and pop music, “Three” is a testament to Patoranking’s growth as an artist and his ability to connect with a diverse audience.