Standard edition reviews
The 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 reviews
Adeayo 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]
