It’s no secret that I’m underwhelmed by a lot of the new music these days. But what is it about the artists of the early 2010s that makes me miss them?
Earlier this week, I saw a tweet by Tinie Tempah.
Disc-Overy spawned the likes of "Written in the Stars", "Invincible" (ft. Kelly Rowland), "Miami 2 Ibiza" (with Swedish House Mafia) and "Wonderman" (ft. Ellie Goulding), amongst other popular tracks such as "Pass Out" and "Frisky".
And yet, as much as I loved those tracks and they dominated radio back then, I realised that, in 10 years, I had not heard Disc-Overy in it’s entirety. Enter Apple Music.
I listened to the album, all 44 minutes and 45 seconds, with two things in mind. One, will I like the album as a whole? Two, what is it about this album and era of artists?
"Intro" sets the tone. It’s empowering. Tinie raps about relatable feelings. “Find out what my cerebellum for”, “how do I go back to this when I’ve already tried that”, “this is for my inner child, said he wants his life back”. It’s a path of discovery that anyone who questions the world around them enough, is all too familiar with.
In “Simply Unstoppable”, Tinie firmly declares, “I don’t ever wanna hear another siren”. This, I notice, is a RELIEF to hear someone say nowadays. I can’t get behind music that glorifies that life. What I can back, is someone who doesn’t want to be involved even if they have grown up around it.
This album inspires. “I used to be the kid that no one cared about, that’s why you gotta keep screaming till they hear you out.” Both lyrically and sonically, "Written in the Stars" is such a raw and real track. It was a masterpiece then and still is now.
Disc-Overy is vulnerable and honest, respectful towards women and romantic love– it’s not money and bitches (which is something else I can’t get behind).
"Just a Little" addresses ego and accountability when entertaining a good one for the wrong reasons. “Cause when you take the lead, you’re gonna flag a fool.”
"Invincible" (ft. Kelly Rowland) is a love song.
Tinie packed a lot in this album. "Wonderman" (ft. Ellie Goulding) highlights the harsh realities of the particular type of success that brings fame. It’s not for everyone and it is hard. You give up a lot when you’re destined to be a force for good. “Traded friends for fans, cement for sand.”
And what people don’t tend to realise, it’s hard for the people around you too. “So you think you could love me? Well you gotta be stronger than most. Cos my ex didn’t like it, and my friends they don’t like it” croons Emeli Sandé on "Let Go", as Tinie follows up with “Tell me of the pleasures of being a normal citizen."
Finally, there’s variety. "Miami 2 Ibiza" was an absolute club anthem.
All of this, is why I miss the early 2010s mainstream sound.
Catch these tracks and others on this month's playlist, all right here.
Love and light,
Steph
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