Work of Art cover

Work of Art

Asake · 2023

36 min · 14 tracks

A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and contemporary sounds, creating an infectious energy that invites movement and celebration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sunshine — This track highlights Asake's uplifting melodies and catchy hooks, encapsulating the joyful essence of the album while showcasing his vocal range.
  • →
    Basquiat — Incorporating rich cultural references, this track serves as a testament to Asake's artistic identity, blending visual art with musical expression in a captivating way.
  • →
    Lonely at the Top — This introspective piece reveals Asake's personal struggles and ambitions, contrasting the celebratory nature of other tracks with deeper lyrical themes.

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 album showcases strong writing and production but has some pacing issues due to its length.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, maintaining an upbeat tempo for the first six songs before introducing slower moments.
  • Asake frequently employs call-and-response vocal patterns, engaging listeners and encouraging participation.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, blending traditional Afrobeats elements with contemporary production techniques.
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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • short bursts of vibrant energy
  • playful storytelling throughout tracks
  • for upbeat gatherings
  • quick, engaging listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive tracks
  • seek deep emotional introspection

Where this album fits

Career context
Asake's 'Work of Art' is his debut studio album, following a series of successful EPs that established him as a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene. Released on June 16, 2023, this album marks his transition from promising newcomer to a leading artist in Afrobeats, showcasing his distinct sound and lyrical prowess.
Stylistic neighbors
Rema· Davido· Tiwa Savage

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Olorun 2:36
  • 2 Awodi 2:16
  • 3 2:30 2:18
  • 4 Sunshine 3:05
  • 5 Mogbe 2:58
  • 6 Basquiat 2:14
  • 7 Amapiano 2:45
  • 8 What's Up My G 2:50
  • 9 I Believe 2:25
  • 10 Introduction 2:18
  • 11 Remember 3:02
  • 12 Lonely at the Top 2:37
  • 13 Great Guy 3:05
  • 14 Yoga 2:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata