The Soil – Nostalgic Moments Track By Track Album Review

Here is a track by track review of The Soil’s latest offering Nostalgic Moments

Unspoken Word (Intro)

The unspoken word intro reminds me of Buhle’s live performance on Impossible. The way she carries the song, the emotion projected thereof sets the tone for this beautiful piece of music. The Nostalgic Moments are soulful, heartfelt and mature. The intro takes one on a journey of triumphs and failures, definitely one of my favorite songs on the album! The intro carries me through a series of emotions and is probably the most emotional song on the album. I remember sharing with a friend suggesting that movie producers in Africa should look into using this piece as a sound score. Who knows? It could happen soon.

We are One

Lyrically, this is the best song on the album. The subject matter projects a level of maturity on the group’s awareness to global issues. It largely embraces and advocates love for humanity. This song for a lot of people will be a remake of Joy.”  Peace, love and happiness is all we need ” blurs out of the chorus and speaks about change and unity and I think this was a necessary piece to this puzzle in a world where a lot more music is dumbed down. This was The Soil showing they can hold their own lyrically and I believe the song moves the album a step up

Susan

Susan is a love song that is well crafted . It’s one of those songs you listen to and want to fall in love again and again. The song features Khuli Chana and he lays a proper verse that rhymes well and fits into the song well. Great collaboration I must say. Listening to Master P say ” Thetha nawe Susan ” for a second felt like I was listening to Hugh Masekela. Great song and could definitely be a radio single. It’s truly a song to hark about.

Noma Ungahamba

“Noma Ungahamba ngizohlala ndikuthanda”, another love song about love: That feeling of loving someone so much, that they will always have a place in your heart (Too deep!). Master P delivers yet again a great beat. Ntsika and Buhle shine on the song. A very nice song to sing to, when missing someone you truly care about or when far from your loved ones.

Streets of Soweto

Master P kills the intro on this song. Need I say more? The beat and rhythm is on point!. Playful, groovy, lovely and soulful as usual . Ntsika and Buhle’s vocals sync and Master P gets to sing and it’s too marvelous. “Walking down the road, down the road of Soweto, I met a lady in black “; Ntsika’s singing is earth shattering here. Beautiful song indeed.

Hamba Uyosebenza

For me this song is the highlight of the album. Amazing collaboration which was long overdue . ” Hamba Uyosebenza , Hamba Uyosebenza” a song that encourages people to work and build their families and communities . Of all the new age Ladysmith Black Mambazo collaborations I have heard, this one takes the trophy and receives the greatest of accolades. Buhle and Ntsika shine so much on this song and Master P holds the beat so well to the end. The synergy between The Soil and Ladysmith Black Mambazo is flawless. I say, this song will make a great sound score for radio and TV adverts.

Ndibambe Kanje

Groovy and fun. ” Pata Pata Ndibambe Kanje oooh Ndibambe kanje” This is a feel good song and perfect to dance to . One of the highlight songs in the album, it oozes colour and vibrancy. When I streamed the album on iTunes I instantly fell in love with the song. I predict this as the 2nd or 3rd radio single for the album. It has great bass to it as well, so you will really love it if you looking for something to brighten up your day.

Before

A very soft song with a slow tempo, that celebrates a good relationship. It’s not my favorite song though but the chorus is on another level with all the rhyming. It is one of those songs that have potential to grow on you. So if you are big on RnB songs, this is definitely a track for your ears.

Andinanto

Andinanto reminds me of Sedilaka (The only gospel song on their previous album). Andinanto carries the same 1 gospel song concept on every album. ” Andinanto apha esandleni ” This will be a favourite for gospel lovers.

Asante Sana

Asante Sana is a swahili term for “thank you” A song probably inspired by their (The Soil) travels in Tanzania, Thus the Swahili title and the Tanzania mention. It’s very slow and chilled and is just perfect for any day.

Mkhuluwa

This song has a traditional feel that makes it very different to all songs on the album. It’s a great song which makes it definitely worth a listen. It mostly reminds me of home and family values. True African feel and is on point. Lyrically and vocally, the song makes you feel proud of your African roots.

Overall Nostalgic Moments for me is a 4/5 . How does it compare to the previous album? Lyrically I think Nostalgic Moments delivers better .This albums diverse subject matters project musical maturity and growth. The production on Nostalgic Moments also surpasses their initial offering. The consistency elevates the group in an industry with a lot of one hit wonders. The Soil proves they not just a passing fade and this offering does not disappoint at all. Nostalgic Moments is a great album with commercial success potential. Definitely a 4/5 album for me.

Get  all the Nostalgic Moments song lyrics  on Kasi Lyrics here

Buy the album on iTunes here