Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic cover

Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic

Joeboy · 2021

42 min · 16 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and contemporary R&B that captures the essence of youthful romance and self-discovery.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Count Me Out — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and introspective lyrics about overcoming heartbreak, establishing Joeboy's lyrical depth early on.
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    Focus — With its danceable beat and catchy chorus, this song encapsulates the youthful exuberance of romantic pursuits, making it a standout anthem perfect for summer playlists.
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    Number One — A heartfelt dedication to love, this track showcases Joeboy's smooth vocal delivery and has become a fan favorite due to its relatable theme of devotion.
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    Lonely — This poignant ballad highlights Joeboy's emotional range, exploring feelings of isolation amidst success, which resonates deeply with listeners navigating their own struggles.
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    Celebration — Closing the album on an uplifting note, this track embodies joy and gratitude, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and positivity that contrasts earlier themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends Afrobeats with R&B effectively, showcasing strong melodies and production but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
  • The production employs layered vocal harmonies and rhythmic percussion typical of Afrobeats, creating a vibrant soundscape.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo groove throughout
  • for uplifting gatherings
  • romantic vibes for intimate moments
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • catchy tunes for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, epic compositions
  • seek intense emotional depth

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 4, 2021, 'Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic' is Joeboy's debut studio album following his successful EP 'Love & Light' from 2020. At this point in his career, Joeboy had already gained significant attention with hits like 'Baby' and was poised to solidify his status as a leading voice in the Afrobeats genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Rema· Fireboy DML· Santi

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Count Me Out 1:48
  • 2 Focus 2:32
  • 3 Number One 2:39
  • 4 Police 3:09
  • 5 Door 2:32
  • 6 Show Me 2:48
  • 7 Runaway 2:42
  • 8 Lonely 2:56
  • 9 Consent 2:38
  • 10 Call 2:45
  • 11 Oshe 2:13
  • 12 Oh 2:49
  • 13 Door 2:32
  • 14 Sugar Mama 2:26
  • 15 Better Thing 2:50
  • 16 Celebration 2:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata