The Year I Turned 21

Last updated

The Year I Turned 21
Ayra Starr - The Year I Turned 21.png
Studio album by
Ayra Starr
Released31 May 2024 (2024-05-31)
Genre
Length40:24
Label Mavin
Producer
Ayra Starr chronology
19 & Dangerous
(2021)		The Year I Turned 21
(2024)
Singles from The Year I Turned 21
  1. "Rhythm & Blues"
    Released: 13 September 2023
  2. "Commas"
    Released: 2 February 2024
  3. "Santa"
    Released: 4 April 2024

The Year I Turn 21 is the second studio album by Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr. It was released through Mavin Records on 31 May 2024. The album contains guest appearances from Asake, Anitta, Coco Jones, Giveon, Seyi Vibez, Rvssian, and Rauw Alejandro. It serves as the follow-up to her previous album, 19 & Dangerous (2021). The album debuted at number one in Nigeria.

Contents

Background and release

Ayra Starr announced the title of her second studio album, "The Year I Turned 21", on 2 May 2024, along with its cover art and tracklist. [1] [2] The album was conceived during a period of personal growth and introspection. [3] In an interview with Billboard , Starr revealed that the album was inspired by her experiences navigating adulthood, love, and self-discovery. [4] The album was recorded over several months in 2022 and 2023, with production credits from notable producers such as London, Johnny Drille, and P.Priime. [5] Starr drew inspiration from Afrobeats, R&B, and pop to create a unique sound reflecting her artistic evolution. [6] The title "The Year I Turned 21" holds personal significance, as Starr turned 21 during the recording process. [7] In an interview with Uproxx , she explained that the title represents a milestone birthday that marked a turning point in her life and career. [8] The album was released on 31 May 2024 through Mavin Records. [9]

Singles

The single "Rhythm and Blues" was released on 13 September 2023 as the first single from the album. [10] Later, "Commas" was released on February 2, 2024, as the second single. [11]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Clash 8/10 [12]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [14]
The Native 8.1/10 [15]
Pitchfork 7.6/10 [16]
Pulse Nigeria9.1/10 [17]

Tamil Makinde of NME stated that "Starr confidently blends genres, segueing from romantic deep cuts to emotional odes about her roots, produced by the likes of Louddaaa. She weaves a narrative thread through a collage of sounds with adept storytelling. In tracks like "Lagos Love Story", she flirts with reckless romance, while in "Last Heartbreak Song", an R&B-powered duet with Giveon, she finds the strength to move on. In "The Kids Are Alright", she weaves intergenerational conversations, and each track radiates a clear vision". [14] Kadish Morris of The Guardian gave the album 4/5 stars, praising Starr's vocal range and experimentation with various sounds and cadences, stating: "Here, she puts that big voice to work. [13] Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria gave the album a 9.1/10 rating, stating that "The Year I Turned 21" is an accomplished sophomore effort that excels in all aspects, showcasing Ayra Starr's confidence and superior talent. [17]

Track listing

The Year I Turned 21 track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicProducer(s)Length
1."Bird Sing of Money" Oyinkansola Sarah Aderigbigbe
2:42
2."Goodbye (Warm Up)" (with Asake)
 P2J 2:43
3."Commas"
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Prince Omoferi
2:37
4."Woman Commando" (with Anitta and Coco Jones)
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Andy Bauza
  • Jones
  • De Macedo Machado
  • Chukwudubem
  • Clinton
Ragee3:28
5."Control"
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Emmanuel Isong
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Isong
  • Tanner
  • Hunter
  • London
  • Jay Keys
  • AOD
2:33
6."Lagos Love Story"S. Aderigbigbe
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Hunter
  • London
  • Off n Out [a]
2:35
7."Rhythm & Blues"O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Ayomikun Emmanuel Aro
  • Uzoma Samuel Onyenucheya
Sparrq2:23
8."21"
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Bankole
  • L. Thomas
  • Tanner
  • Mike Hector
  • Tomi Mikael Mannonen
  • Fwdslxsh
  • Kill September
  • Hector
2:22
9."Last Heartbreak Song" (with Giveon)
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Evans
  • Omoferi
  • Kehinde Alabi
Louddaaa2:29
10."Bad Vibes" (with Seyi Vibez)
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Michael
  • Tanner
  • Balogun
  • Ajayi Olusegun Michael
  • Mystro Sugar
  • Ikenna Ohaeri [a]
2:48
11."Orun"
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Omoferi
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Kehinde Alabi
  • Omoferi
  • Louddaaa
  • Godwyn Guitar [a]
2:37
12."Jazzy's Song"
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Michael Collins Ajereh
  • Oluwadamilare Aderigbigbe
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Ajereh
  • Chukwudubem
  • O. Aderigbigbe
  • Oredope Peace
  • Ekpe
 P.Priime 2:14
13."1942" (with Milar)
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • O. Aderigbigbe
 Johnny Drille 2:26
14."The Kids Are Alright"S. Aderigbigbe
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Remy Jones
Remdolla3:14
15."Santa" (with Rauw Alejandro and Rvssian)
  • O. S. Aderigbigbe
  • Jorge PizarroKelvin Thomas
  • Kilian Johnston
  • Lucas Sikidila
  • Nathalia Marshall
  • Chukwudubem
  • O. Aderigbigbe
  • Rangel
  • Alejandro Ocasio
  • Richard McClashie
  • Rvssian
  • Richard "M.R.I." McClashie
  • Kenobi
  • El Zorro
3:13
Total length:40:24

Note

Personnel

Accolades

Awards and nominations for The Year I Turned 21
OrganizationYearCategoryResultRef.
African Entertainment Awards USA2024Album of the YearNominated [18]

Charts

Chart performance for The Year I Turned 21
Chart (2024)Peak
position
Canadian Albums ( Billboard ) [19] 89
French Albums (SNEP) [20] 72
Nigerian Albums (TurnTable) [21] 1
UK Albums (OCC) [22] 80
US Billboard 200 [23] 195
US World Albums ( Billboard ) [24] 4

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References

  1. ↑ Victory, Orimemi (2 May 2024). "Ayra Starr announces second album 'The Year I Turned 21'". TheCable . Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  2. ↑ (anonymous) (2 May 2024). "Ayra Starr Releases Artwork, Track List For 'Sophomore Album'". Media Trust . Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  3. ↑ Stephanie, Sengwe (31 May 2024). "Ayra Starr Says New Album Is Rollercoaster Of Emotions". People . Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  4. ↑ Heran, Mamo (30 May 2024). "Ayra Starr Talks Sophomore Album 'The Year I Turned 21". Billboard . Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  5. ↑ Bisi, Ademola (1 June 2024). "The Year I Turned 21 By Ayra Starr: Not 19 But Still Dangerous". African Folder. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  6. ↑ Peter, Okhide (31 May 2024). "Ayra Starr Talks New Album, inspiration, and Artistic Growth". NotJustOk . Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  7. ↑ Bella, Naija (31 May 2024). "Ayra Starr's "The Year I Turned 21" is a Coming-of-Age Album". BellaNaija. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  8. ↑ Wongo, Okon (31 May 2024). "Ayra Starr Interview: 'The Year I Turned 21' & Stardom". Uproxx . Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  9. ↑ Zachary, Horvath (2 June 2024). "Ayra Starr Releases Her "Coming-Of-Age Album" "The Year I Turned 21"". HotNewHipHop . Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  10. ↑ Will, Schube (14 September 2023). "Ayra Starr Shares New Single 'Rhythm And Blues". UdisCover. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  11. ↑ BellaNaija (2 February 2024). "Ayra Starr Drops New Single "Commas"". BellaNaija . Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  12. ↑ Robin, Murray (31 May 2024). "Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21 | Reviews". Clash . Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  13. 1 2 Kadish, Morris (31 May 2024). "Ayra Starr: The Year I Turned 21 review – magnetic Afrobeats". The Guardian . Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  14. 1 2 Tami, Makinde (31 May 2024). "Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21 review: breathing new life into Afropop". NME . Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  15. ↑ Blossom, Maduafuka (31 May 2024). "Review: The Year I Turned 21 by Ayra Starr". The Native . Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  16. ↑ Chokrane, Boutayna (6 June 2024). "Ayra Starr: The Year I Turned 21 Album Review". Pitchfork . Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  17. 1 2 Adeayo, Adebeyi (31 May 2024). "Ayra Starr's The Year I Turned 21 is simply incredible [Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  18. ↑ "African Entertainment Awards USA 2024: All the nominees". Music in Africa. 4 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  19. ↑ "Billboard Canadian Albums: Week of June 15, 2024". Billboard . Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  20. ↑ "Top Albums". SNEP (in French). Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  21. ↑ "Official Top 100 Albums: May 31st, 2024 - June 6th, 2024". TurnTable . Archived from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  22. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  23. ↑ "Billboard 200: Week of June 15, 2024". Billboard . Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  24. ↑ "World Albums: Week of June 15, 2024" . Billboard . Retrieved 11 June 2024.
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