Fevered expectancy gave way to orgasm, ultimately, when Tall Racks Records artiste Rowlene released her 11:11 album. The adopted title had misled some fans into believing the album would drop on 11 November. Rowlene released her project 13 November on Apple Music and other digital platform.
Perhaps because she had apprised fans of the imminence of her album, Rowlene’s “11:11” was one of the most anticipated albums this years. When it eventually dropped, some fans were chuffed with it, but others were not quite so.
At any rate, it is impossible not to spot Rowlene’s remarkable evolution as an artiste with the release of her “11:11” album. In fact, compared to previous works from her, including her “Robot” compilation, we think Rowlene has finer creative flowers in “11:11.”
This pop compilation houses 12 tracks in all, beginning with “Stop” and ending with another track also titled “Stop,” a collaborative work with label boss Nasty C. Other artistes who found features spots in the album include Manana, Omari Hardwick, and the Nigerian singer Nonso Amadi.
The artistes on the track are kinda few for a work of this length. While one cannot give the reason for this, it is clear Rowlene is completely in accord with herself. the gifts of the guests notwithstanding, Rowlene owned the show with this body of work.
With “11:11” Rowlene manages to weave a fine tapestry of her experience which might as well pass for the experiences of many out there, from love to longing to social commentary. It’s musical pleasure all the way.
And although she started her story with “Stop” and also ended it with a song of similar title, you might find it hard halting at either “Stop,” the songs having such remarkable – you might say possessive – charm.
Rowlene is the first and only artiste signed to Nasty C’s Tall Racks records. Nasty C’s reason is that he just wants to focus on her at the moment. Rowlene herself confesses that Nasty C is about the only person who understands her.
So far the musical synergy between them is evident. Nasty C was instrumental to the making of “11:11,” which he hyped massively even more than Rowlene herself. In retrospect, the hype wasn’t in vain as the finished work is actually something to be chuffed with.
Rowlene manages to meld RnB and pop into one fine tapestry for a musical experience that is outright entertaining. This work is as much a credit to her as it is to her hood, Cape Town. The denizens of the town should be pleased with what one of their own has done in just forty three (43) minutes with her “11:11” project.
“11:11” dropped just in time for the weekend. It is one of the compilations released this week that you should check out. You can call it a gift for the weekend, which is indeed what it is. Embrace it, then, and let the songstress warm you up a lil with the fire of her creative orbit.
We rate it 3.5 stars out of 5. how would you rate it?
