Studying Abroad cover

Studying Abroad

Masego · 2020

34 min · 11 tracks

A vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop that transports listeners through lush soundscapes and smooth grooves.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mystery Lady — This track epitomizes Masego's signature sound, combining sultry melodies with intricate instrumentation, making it a standout love song that showcases his vocal prowess.
  • →
    Passport — Opening the EP with an infectious groove, this track introduces listeners to the themes of travel and adventure that permeate the project, setting the tone effectively.
  • →
    Polygamy — In under two minutes, this track creatively explores complex relationships with a playful yet thought-provoking narrative, displaying Masego's lyrical depth and charm.
  • →
    Bliss Abroad — This song captures the essence of exploration and joy in new experiences, featuring catchy hooks and dynamic instrumentation that exemplify Masego's artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong writing and production but has some uneven pacing in its running order.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the last three tracks introduce more varied rhythms and textures.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation with prominent use of brass and woodwinds, creating a rich sonic landscape.
  • Vocals often intertwine with instrumental sections, allowing for moments where the music takes precedence over lyrics.
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
5/10

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

  • vibrant exploration of romance
  • short bursts of joy
  • playful energy for gatherings
  • for travel playlists
  • casual background for studying

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer immersive albums
  • seek deep lyrical introspection

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Studying Abroad' was released in November 2020, Masego had established himself as a genre-blending artist known for his unique style, having gained significant attention with his 2018 debut album 'Lady Lady.' This EP marked a continuation of his exploration into themes of love and identity while showcasing his growth as a musician and producer.
Stylistic neighbors
Tom Misch· Anderson .Paak· Hiatus Kaiyote

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Passport 3:17
  • 2 Silver Tongue Devil 3:15
  • 3 Mystery Lady 3:48
  • 4 Polygamy 1:52
  • 5 Sides of Me 2:00
  • 6 Bye Felicia 2:38
  • 7 Bliss Abroad 3:11
  • 8 Smith & Westin 3:38
  • 9 Well Traveled 2:46
  • 10 Yebo/Sema 3:48
  • 11 Mystery Lady (Sego’s remix) 3:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata