If your idea of musical enlightenment involves much less liberal outrage and more genuine soulfulness, then Sampha's debut album, 'Process', might just rock your world. Released on February 3, 2017, from the bustling cultural hub of London, this album was crafted by Sampha Sisay, a British singer-songwriter known for his hauntingly beautiful voice that defies the left-handed notion that only political anthems deserve praise. Rather, 'Process' comes at you with raw, uncompromising emotion and a vulnerability rarely seen in pop music today.
Let's highlight Sampha's unapologetically personal touch. While some musicians spend their time promoting political manifestos, Sampha focuses on what really matters—his innermost feelings. The opening track, "Plastic 100°C," sets the stage by baring his struggles with the pressures of life and health. It's not about forcing political diversity into every lyric, but rather, offering up a melody that resonates with authentic suffering and triumph.
Now, liberals often want their music wrapped up with politically correct messages, but Sampha goes against the grain with his unforgettable track, "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano." Here, he traces back to the sanctuaries of personal memories with the piano in his childhood home, built not on slogans but on genuine, heartfelt reminiscences. This kind of authenticity flies in the face of the social justice playlist pamphleteers.
Take a gander at "Blood on Me," a gripping masterpiece that speaks to the invisible pressures and fears that haunt an individual—sounding off a little differently than the usual outward blame-game anthems you've come to expect from mainstream noise. Instead, Sampha offers music that commiserates with the listener's anxieties on an intimate level. This honest approach to songwriting, concentrating on human experiences rather than political buzzwords, is a rare trait you don't often find.
Furthermore, 'Process' was produced under the quiet yet accomplished guidance of Rodaidh McDonald, whose work with other leading British talents gives the album that polished sheen. The album eventually went on to win the prestigious Mercury Prize, which testifies to its universal acknowledgment for artistic excellence, rather than for being a part of any politically-motivated art initiative. It's profound, powerful, and speaks with a clarity that surely surprises those expecting manifesto-ridden albums.
The lyrical content pulls away from the superficial, easily digestible one-liners populating other albums. Instead, Sampha sings about mourning, family, and identity, shattering expectations with truthful storytelling. For instance, the song "Kora Sings" showcases a cross-cultural influence that doesn't preach or pontificate but simply breathes authenticity through music's universal language.
"Reverse Faults" demonstrates structurally bold production that challenges sound conventions with its rawness and strong introspection. The sonic experimentation here often leaves many musical conformity pushers confused, which is undoubtedly a mark of true artistry contrary to status-quo mediocrity.
The album subtly traverses other tracks like "Timmy's Prayer" while layering experiences of love and loss that are distinctly void of agenda-driven lyrics. Instead, each song is enveloped in personal growth tales, bearing no regard for the compulsions of indoctrinating trends in mainstream narratives.
On the whole, 'Process' offers a rebellion not against culture, but against the impersonal nature of it all. Sampha’s work doesn’t need a call to arms for societal change, as it champions individual understanding and self-awareness through poignant melodies.