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Boy Alone
Boy Alone is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Omah Lay. It was released on 14 July 2022, by Keyquad and Sire Records, while its deluxe edition was released on 15 June 2023.[1][2] The standard edition features guest appearances from Tay Iwar and Justin Bieber, while the deluxe edition features guest appearances from Ozuna and Aitch.[2] Production was handled by Niphkeys, Tempoe, Semzi, Orlandoh, P.Priime, P2J, Tunesfactory, Harv, Sammy SoSo, BGRZ, Debox and Avedon. The album serves as a follow-up to his second EP, What Have We Done (2020).[3][4] BackgroundIn an interview about the deluxe edition of the album with OkayAfrica, Omah Lay stated that he began recording Boy Alone in 2021, during a period of emotional turmoil, which marked a shift from the carefree energy of his earlier projects. "I was in a new place when I made Boy Alone. I was in a dark place," he explained, using the album as a way to express his mental struggles. The album’s core tracks, "I’m a Mess," "Understand," and "Soso," reflect this emotional depth, with Omah Lay stating they "embody the premise of the album." Although most of the album was completed by 2022, he felt it wasn’t fully ready until he finished "Soso." In 2023, he released a deluxe edition, aiming to show "the other side" of his journey from darkness to light.[5] RecordingOmah Lay took 18 months to complete Boy Alone, with the album delayed due to his tendency to overthink, as he revealed that the project came from deep introspection. The second verse of "Bend You" was particularly challenging for him to write, taking the longest of any part on the album. Omah Lay also mentioned that Boy Alone represents staying true to himself, a concept tied to the album’s title, which is also his father’s name.[6] Critical reception
Standard edition reviewsThe standard edition of the album received critical acclaim and has been hailed by many as one of the best debut Afrobeats albums. Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria gave Boy Alone an 8.4/10, praising its emotional depth and Omah Lay’s ability to blend relatable songwriting with moody production. He called it "a commendable debut album" and noted that the album gets better with each listen, offering a mix of "deep cuts, commercial hits, and cult favorites." Alake highlighted how Omah Lay "survived the pressure" of expectations, delivering a project filled with both substance and melodies.[7] Adedamola Jones Adedayo for Afrocritik described Boy Alone as Omah Lay’s exploration of love, selfhood, and the struggles of fame. He praised the album’s emotional depth, noting that it reveals Omah Lay's vulnerabilities while balancing themes of love and identity. Adedayo highlighted the standout tracks, such as “I’m a Mess,” which Omah Lay describes as the most personal, and “Understand,” where he reflects on betrayal. The album offers "an overview of appreciable sex," blending introspection with sensuality.[8] Emmanuel Esomnofu for The Native praised Boy Alone as a profound exploration of mental health and hedonism, showcasing his growth as an artist. The album combined raw lyricism with intricate production, reflecting his experiences and struggles while maintaining a connection to his Port Harcourt roots. Esomnofu noted, “Boy Alone is a dazzling showcase of his ingenuity,” and highlighted tracks like “Understand” and “Woman” for their lyrical depth and sonic appeal. The review emphasized the album's potential to be a classic in Afropop.[9] Patrick Ezema for The Lagos Review highlighted Omah Lay's debut album Boy Alone as a beautiful exploration of themes like escapism through drugs and sex, emphasizing its hazy production that complements his introspective lyrics. He noted that Omah Lay's writing has matured, shifting from blunt expressions to more veiled and nuanced statements, exemplified by the track “Soso.” Ezema stated, “When it does appear, like on Omah Lay’s Boy Alone, and with its sonic lushness intact, it should be afforded its accolades,” underscoring the album's significance in the contemporary Nigerian music scene.[10] Deluxe edition reviewsAdeayo Adebiyi from Pulse Nigeria praised Omah Lay's deluxe edition of Boy Alone, highlighting his personal growth and desire to help others heal through music. The six new tracks showcase Omah Lay's emotional depth and artistry, particularly in songs like "Reason," where he asks, “Are you having fun or are you doing this to survive?” This version retains the album's heartfelt exploration of mental health while blending Afropop, Afro-R&B, and Amapiano, ultimately elevating an already acclaimed debut. Adebiyi remarked that Omah Lay "seems to have figured out a way to give his already critically and commercially acclaimed debut even more acclaim."[11] Agwuma Kingsley of Modern Ghana's described the deluxe edition of Boy Alone as "something several listeners can relate and find a strong connection with," stating that Omah Lay expresses misery that others can find relatable when they listen to the project.[12] Jubril Lawal, of the Upper Entertainment's review of Omah Lay's Boy Alone (Deluxe Edition) praises the album for its emotional depth, unique sound, and Omah Lay’s ability to express complex themes like depression, anxiety, and sexual expression. Lawal highlights the relatability of Omah Lay’s music, saying he "tells us exactly what’s on his mind." Tracks like "I'm a Mess," "Attention," and "Safe Haven" stand out as hidden gems. He concluded that Omah Lay’s unfiltered storytelling and self-production make him a powerful voice in Nigerian music.[13] AccoladesBoy Alone was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2023. Track listing
Charts
Release history
References
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