Released 7 years ago this October
Power
Amanda Black · 2019
66 min · 18 tracks · soul
Soulful melodies intertwine with powerful lyrics, reflecting a journey of empowerment and self-discovery in contemporary South African music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hamba — Hamba stands out with its infectious rhythm and uplifting message about resilience and moving forward despite challenges. Its vibrant production and catchy chorus make it a highlight of the album.
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Famous — This track delves into the complexities of fame and personal identity, featuring poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. Its blend of soulful vocals and contemporary instrumentation showcases Amanda's artistry.
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Power — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching theme of empowerment, combining strong vocal delivery with evocative lyrics that inspire self-confidence. Its anthemic quality makes it a memorable centerpiece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional and contemporary sounds effectively, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that progressively build in intensity and emotional weight.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, integrating traditional South African musical elements with contemporary soul.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contemplative conclusion to the album's themes of empowerment.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing and flow
- contemplative reflective moments
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Power is Amanda Black's sophomore album, following her debut album, Songs About You, released in 2016. By 2019, she had established herself as a prominent figure in the South African music scene, known for her fusion of traditional sounds with modern soul influences. This release marked a significant step in her evolution as an artist, showcasing her growth and deeper exploration of personal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- H.E.R.· Jorja Smith· Lianne La Havas
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Ndilinde
The bridge features a shift in perspective as the singer pledges unwavering support to a loved one during their struggles.
This moment emphasizes commitment and loyalty through a direct address, contrasting earlier verses that maintain a more introspective tone.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 2:12
- 2 Baninzi 3:16
- 3 Hamba 4:24
- 4 Mmangwane 3:49
- 5 Bayile 5:31
- 6 Famous 3:39
- 7 Ndizele Wena 2:38
- 8 Egoli 3:05
- 9 Vuka 4:39
- 10 Afrika 2:48
- 11 High Interlude 0:49
- 12 Love Again 4:03
- 13 Khumbula 4:15
- 14 Phambili 5:14
- 15 Ndilinde Prelude 0:56
- 16 Ndilinde 5:45
- 17 Thandwa Ndim 4:34
- 18 Power 4:46
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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