[REVIEW] The Year I Turned 21 (Album) - Ayra Starr
With her sophomore album, Ayra Starr solidifies her position as a rising star whose potential ascends to the heavens.
On Ayra Starr’s debut album, 19 & Dangerous, I fell irresistibly in love with “Rush” (one of my favorite songs ever). I've been following the sabi girl's songs, collaborations, and projects ever since. Never disappointed, I had high expectations for her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21.
The Year I Turned 21
Release Date: May 31, 2024
Genre: Afrobeats, Afropop, and R&B
Runtime: 41 minutes
With her sophomore album, Ayra Starr solidifies her position as a rising star whose potential ascends to the heavens.
1. Birds Sing of Money
With a cold, unapologetic opening, the Nigerian talent hits you in the gut. Mesmerizing and confident, her vocals transcend the sharp beats of the drums and snares, complemented by the soothing sound of violins. While listening to the track, I envision cruising through a city during the nighttime in a top-down convertible. As I pass the twinkling skyscrapers, an aura of security and confidence flows through the wind, breathing in the essence of success.
I can almost confidently look anyone in the eye and say, “You’ve never heard a track quite like this one.” A chill, shit-talking anthem, “Birds Sing of Money,” sets the tone for an authentic album where Ayra Starr reminds us that she’s forever “that girl.”
Favorite Lyric(s):
I don't watch my tone 'cause I like how I sound, bitch
I heard a bird sing "Commas" outside/Run from anonymity, peace in my mind
I told my bitches hold me down, hold me down 'cause these niggas are a plague
2. Goodbye (Warm Up)(ft. Asake)
In contrast to the chilly open, "Goodbye (Warm Up)" introduces a sultry, inviting beat. This is the song that you play in summer, perhaps during a pool party, to get your guests’ hips moving. With the theme of leaving an ex behind in their struggle, empowering sexiness infuses itself into the track. Asake lends his expertise to the Amapiano-styled production, flawlessly matching Ayra’s vibe.
Favorite Lyric(s):
Goodbye (Goodbye, it's a warm-up)/To my (To my, ayy, it's a warm-up)/Ex (Ex, it's a warm-up), yes (The chorus is just too crisp and smooth)
3. Commas
If you haven't heard the hit single "Commas" yet, here's your chance to experience Ayra Starr’s artistry at its best. Ayra’s affirmation jams are my manifesting gold mines. Their optimistic energy surges through the rhythms, instilling me with gratitude and opening the gateways to majestic possibilities. “Commas” is like the big sister to my favorite song, “Rush”—melodic proof that Ayra is consistently growing as an artist without losing her true self.
Favorite Lyric(s):
I carry God, so I fear nothing
You need to put your body and soul/Leave your worries alone
4. Woman Commando (ft. Anitta & Coco Jones)
Voices of Afrobeats, Latin pop, and R&B assemble to create a masterful anthem for feminine-identifying folks. Each woman stood their ground on the track, staying true to their identity while complementing the fast-paced, Afro-pop track. Riddled with lyrics in English, Spanish, Nigerian Pidgin English, and Yoruba, this song sets the mood for a group of girlfriends preparing for a night out at the club.
Hell, I’m masc, and even I’m moving my hips a little.
Favorite Lyric(s):
Tonight e be ladies night (Yeah, yeah)/I no wan know your zodiac sign/Pisces, Leo, Gemini/All of us fine, the way that we high
5. Control
A seductive track, Ayra instantly pulls you in with her arresting vocals. The temptress interpolates Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie” in the chorus, making the track an instant earworm. When I listen to the track, I imagine a dark club where an individual’s mere outline and aura capture your attention. Instant infatuation. Instant attraction. Instant lust. This is a song where you can wine and grind with a potential lover—but make sure you don’t put on too much of a show on the dancefloor.
Favorite Lyric(s):
I'm lit tonight/You know my lips don't lie/I want you to take control
6. Lagos Love Story
As the title suggests, this is a cute, lovey song about being blissfully in love. In the post-chorus, Ayra relatably sings, “I don’t fall in love.” However, she’s been hit with Cupid’s arrow and is so inescapably in love that it feels surreal. For the hopeless romantics, this is for you. For the happy singles, this song is dangerous; you may find yourself wanting a special person. It evokes a longing to dance under the sun's rays with a lover.
Favorite Lyric(s):
Thought I had confidence 'fore I met you/Now my head done dey swell e don full
Prayed Ciara's prayer, God came through/You should see you from my point of views
7. Rhythm & Blues
“Rhythm and Blues” is another single from the album. It’s a romantic song with a seductive and playful atmosphere. It reminds me of the beginning of a relationship, where one starts realizing, “Okay, this may be the one.” A timeless sense of youthfulness resides in the track, as if the mentioned romance forever renews, brimming with endless fun and thrilling adventures.
Favorite Lyric(s):
My rhythm, my blues (Yeah, yeah)/My heart it beat to your rhythm from Monday to Sunday
8. 21
Taking notes from the SZA songbook, Ayra reflects on her life and age on a dreamy R&B beat. She emotionally croons how she’s “just twenty-one,” establishing the track as a rare, vulnerable gem in her arsenal of hits. Though I’m in my late twenties, “21” resonates with me. Sorry, Ayra; life only gets more complicated.
In an idyllic world, we’ll get a remix with SZA.
Favorite Lyric(s):
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten/I was at the house tryna figure out who the fuck I am
Oh, twenty-one/What it feels to be more than twenty-one/I've never known, I've never tried, never loved
9. Last Heartbreak Song (ft. GIVĒON)
I was hesitant when I saw GIVĒON’s name as a guest on the track. He typically does well on dark R&B beats. However, he held his own on the vibey, mid-tempo track. He and Ayra harmonized well, gifting us a dynamic heartbreak anthem that we can sway to.
Favorite Lyric(s):
It feels one-sided now/You don't have to pretend about it 'cause it's crystal clear now
Guess it's bye to the good times/And I'll be gone by the sunrise
10. Bad Vibes (ft. Seyi Vibez)
Ayra's latest single, "Bad Vibes," is like the intimidating older sister to "Commas" and "Rush," exuding an aura that demands respect. Stirring choir chants and an immaculate verse from Seyi Vibez assist the sabi girl in warding off bad vibes. In the bridge, she leans into rap-singing, infusing her cadence with quotable bars.
“Bad Vibes” is a reminder that no one can replicate or renounce her mystique qualities.
Favorite Lyric(s):
No dey throw bad vibes/Where the money dey, that is where I'm at
The Lord is blessin', I'll see if I can match it (Yeah)/If something's comin', I'll see it from my lashes
11. Orun
In this vulnerable song, Ayra asks Ọlọrun (the creator of the universe and all living things in the Yoruba religion) for assistance. Despite her career's success, she still grapples with occasional bouts of sadness and needs occasional uplifting. Though the song has a groovy, carefree rhythm, the lyrics are raw and pleading. As a spiritual person, I rely on the guidance and support of my ancestors through stressful times. This lovely track reminds me to look to the heavens when I need strength.
Favorite Lyric(s):
I wish I didn't wake today/But no, I gotta face my pain
I know I've been bad/But I'm sorry, I learned from my mistakes
12. Jazzy’s Song
“Jazzy’s Song” samples Wande Coal’s “You Bad (feat. D’banj),” which was produced by Don Jazzy. In the song's title, Ayra pays homage to the heavyweight Nigerian producer. Though the upbeat track is only two minutes and fourteen seconds long, it carries an incantation to boost any mood.
Favorite Lyric(s):
Last year I made money/But this year I want a billion more
13. 1942 (ft. Milar)
Ayra slows it down with another introspective, vulnerable track. As she ascends to the top, there's little opportunity to bask in her accomplishments. Yet, when she does, a wave of gratitude and astonishment engulfs her. Enjoying a glass of 1942 tequila by the pool with her loved ones made her appreciate the blessings she has and never wants to lose.
The lyric “I don’t wanna lose” carries a variance of emotional weight, a sense of fear, responsibility, and thankfulness. She doesn’t want to lose the fortunes she has obtained and wishes to continue taking the world by storm while not losing herself.
As a creative who wishes to showcase their creations to the world, I aspire to have that same feeling one day, as bittersweet as it is.
Favorite Lyric(s):
All the time we put into the job/My first time scratching pass the surface/Make me realize/I don't wanna lose
Scared that maybе one day I might lose it all/Can't let thе negativity to win the brawl
14. The Kids Are Alright
“The Kids Are Alright” is a sentimental track, a tribute to her late father, that features voice notes from Ayra’s family. Regarding the song, Ayra stated, “Turning 21 is a big [moment] and you start to notice things—like certain behavioural patterns are reflections of certain childhood trauma, or things that you’ve gone through in the past. I noticed that I had not really mourned the death and the loss of my father, and it was something I was holding at the back of my head.”
This tear-jerking track serves as a fitting finale, highlighting Ayra Starr's transformative experience in "The Year I Turned 21."
Favorite Lyric(s):
Hope you can see what I turned into, oh/Hope I'm out here making you proud, oh/Hope God doesn't judge you by your sins/And when you knock on Heaven's gate, oh/Hope they let you in, oh
15. Santa by Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro & Ayra Starr
“Santa” seamlessly fuses Afropop and Latin pop, resulting in a catchy and rhythmic melody. Ayra’s suggestive vocals and melodies add an alluring touch to this global hit. Another piece of evidence that the "it girl" is here to stay.
Favorite Lyric(s):
Touch on my body feel like ecstasy/No other person, only you I see
Closing Remarks
My Favorite Tracks:
Birds Sing of Money
Commas
Bad Vibes
Control
1942
21
Tracks I’d Recommend to First-Time Ayra Starr Listeners:
Goodbye (Warm Up)
Commas
Bad Vibes
Control
21
Santa
Last Heartbreak Song (ft. GIVĒON)
I’m convinced that Ayra Starr cannot and will not make a bad song. Though she’s only 21, she has exuded an otherwordly maturity since her emergence in the music industry. As she grows as an artist and person, I’m excited to see where she goes and the blessing she’ll receive. The Year I Turned 21 covers all areas possible, leaving me completely satisfied. She surpassed my high expectations and showed me she is even more than I perceived.
I'm thrilled to report that my first-ever album review has earned an outstanding A+ rating. If you’re in the mood to be stunned and listen to matchless music for 41 minutes, listen to Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21.
If you are new here, I am a writer of Black and queer fiction. My fiction is humorous, contemporary, and usually has some kind of lowkey spiritual element. Subscribe for more reviews, short stories, and other creative content. It’s free!
If you have requests for reviews (books, music, film, etc.) or short stories, please send them here.
Follow me on Twitter (X)!
Read free, first drafts of my novels on Wattpad!
Don’t forget to like, restack, and share the post!
