'Black Star Elephant' is the debut album from Norwegian-African pop/hip-hop duo Nico & Vinz.
It's important to start with a clear distinction, 'Black Star Elephant' is more than an album. 'Black Star Elephant' is a personal adventure of songs and vignettes from along the journey created by a duo whose focus was once old-style rap music. With a change of direction has come a groundbreaking change of sound and an album that delivers beyond what a typical album is supposed to.
Nico & Vinz are leading a revolution of African beats mixed with pop music. This album is a massive showcase of that with highlights for this being on 'Imagine' and 'My Melody'. This is not however what the album is limited to and lead single 'Am I Wrong' proves that the charts love this duo for their incredible ability with pop music. This music significantly contributes to the wandering journey nature of the album with dips into Asian sounds also present ('When the Day Comes').
The lyrics are the most striking part of the album. It's been a long time since an artist offered an album that was so full of motivational messages. Most of the songs on the album attempt to tap at our conscience whether that be regarding money ('People'), perseverance ('In Your Arms') or love ('Runnin') among so many others. Nico & Vinz are two people with beautiful voices who have chosen to use them to spread messages of hope and motivation through their music. It's a brave move, when they could've easily made a pop album full of #1 singles, but instead chose to create positive energy with their ideals on the state of the world.
'Black Star Elephant' is a piece of work unlike any other heard before. It is an experience that takes you on an exciting journey, it's music which is grounded and soulful and it's the right lyrics that make people think about the many issues the duo tackle with their songs. In a sense, they are modern prophets whose uplifting music makes us want to follow every word they say and to consider our own actions. This album is a masterpiece and should give the duo tons more attention than they've received up until now.
10/10
Click here to watch the video for their global smash hit 'Am I Wrong'
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