Sometimes the best stories are the ones that effortlessly glide through the entire emotional spectrum — like 'Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps', Adekunle Gold’s debut album. Released in 2019, the Nigerian singer-songwriter produced a musical experience that resonated deeply with souls across the globe. Bringing his unique brand of Afro-pop and soft rock into the mix, Adekunle expertly navigates the rollercoaster of human emotions. Each track is a dance between sweet humor, sincere vulnerability, and intense feelings that leave us thinking.
'Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps' arrives at a poignant time. It's a world where Gen Z is trying to make sense of ubiquitous online life, constant social changes, and the barrage of news that often feels both empowering and overwhelming. Amidst this, music has remained a universal narrator, capturing the essence of society's pulse. This album not only entertains but envelops listeners in experiences that are both personal and shared.
From laughter that hits like a fresh breeze to moments of cultural nostalgia, Adekunle’s album has the warmth of a long conversation with an old friend. Tracks like 'Jore', a hit, tease with sweet harmonies and narrate the intoxicating first brush of love and longing. It's that catchy, comforting reassurance you look for when Netflix just won't relax you.
But where there's laughter, there’s room for tears, too. The delicately crafted assortment of melodies in 'Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps' isn’t afraid to invite vulnerability to the dance floor. Songs like 'Fame' take listeners on a reflective journey, peeling back the layers of what it means to achieve recognition and the loneliness that lurks in those shadows. It's a narrative many can whisper to when they lean toward societal expectations.
Each song is a little universe. Tracks touch on relatable themes like love, success, heartache, and resilience. Even within joyful tunes, there's an underlying authenticity that acknowledges life’s trials. Adekunle skillfully charts this balance without ever feeling like he's playing it safe.
The goosebumps slip in through melodies and lyrics that linger long after the music stops. 'Before You Wake Up' delivers a profound sense of anticipation and devotion that Gen Z listeners, always chasing dreams and connections, find profoundly relatable. It's upbeat but carries an emotionally packed punch that lingers.
A politically liberal listener might appreciate Adekunle's subtle commentary woven through his work. He touches upon self-discovery and perseverance within societal structures. For instance, 'Somebody', with its engaging rhythms, is not just about longing for companionship but transcends into themes of self-awareness and acceptance.
While some may be tempted to box Afro-pop as light and purely for entertainment, this album challenges those notions. It breathes intellectual and emotional depth, merging cultural sounds with universally understood sentiments. Adekunle’s blend of English and his native Yoruba in song lyrics brings authenticity and cultural richness, expressive of Nigeria’s dual-lingual society that Gen Z prides itself on embracing.
Critics might argue that lighter tunes overshadow the complexity of more somber themes, but that's part of its allure. Music has the freedom to be many things simultaneously: both an escape and a reflection of one’s present state. It doesn't demand you feel one way but takes you through an array of feelings, asking only for a moment of your attention.
Listening to 'Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps' provides a connection that transcends borders, much needed in a world often divided. It’s an auditory sculpture of feeling, leaving room for contemplation and comfort. Adekunle captured the spirit of an age in an album, with carefree and thoughtful lines that match the hope and challenges of life in these times. Gen Z, a cohort standing at crossroads of change, carries the common thread of these themes in their journey. This album doesn’t just belong to Adekunle — it belongs to everyone who listens and lets its emotions flow through them.