Words Aren't Just Enough - WAJE (Album Review)

Over the years, I've come refer to Waje as the real "voice of Nigeria". Waje paid her dues as a singer, rising from the underground right to the very top, so the expectations were quite high for her debut album titled "Words Aren't Just Enough" (W.A.J.E.).

"Words Aren't Just Enough" for me, made only a few singles available to pass judgment on the album pre-release, mainly "Oko Mi" and  "I Wish". When the 'I Wish' video was released, there was no doubt some new life had been breathed into the music industry again. The rest of the album though, is a mix of every possibility.

Del B produced the first track, "Oko Mi", which is a feel-good, wedding sort of song. It's an above average effort, yet not measuring up to my hopes for the album. Then the vocal duel I was looking forward to between Waje and Tiwa Savage in the Spellz produced "Onye" never was. Still, it is a fairly good one too, with that mid 80's Christy Essien sound to it.

Perhaps due in part to my challenge in comprehending the Igbo language, I'm unable to fully appreciate the depth of "Ijeoma". There's just something inspirational about it and Waje flavours it with a certain melody only she can bring. "Fine Girl" comes across to me as the anti-climax. It's the girl power, independent woman song, yet aside from the chorus, I heard nothing Waje about it.

Burna Boy came through on "Grind", but it really was Waje herself who made this track the first one worthy of applause. This Leriq production comes off as a buffer between the 'okay songs' and the stuff platinum is made of. Everything on this track contributes to a perfect melange that would either move the intellectual to the dance-floor, or the timid to the bedroom floor.

"Time Na Money" is the point where this album really takes flight to a whole new level than we've heard in a long time. Waje really threw down on this one lyrically, emotionally, philosophically, and the rhythm is completely off the chain. Most settle for track 6 as their favourite, and there's no argument, this is R&B that can stand its ground anywhere in the world. "Sizzle Pro" went decades back to pull that 'New Jack Swing' tone into this track.



The slow Rub-A-Dub styled "I Wish" which birthed that video exposing us to the true versatility of Waje was produced by Pappy Jay. From the moment this video was released, the anticipation for a Waje album was ignited. 'I Wish' may not have sparked a revolution in the music industry, but it showed the Nigerian music audience that there was an alternative to the generic noise the music industry worldwide has been forcing down listeners' ears in the name of "commercial music".


"No Be You" is another of those very emotional songs which undoubtedly brings us upfront with reflections that could pass for glimpses from the artiste's life and love stories. Repeatedly listening to this Cobhams produced track has the power to move. Vocally speaking, this is one of those tracks. Think Mariah Carey, think Whitney Houston, think Waje on 'No Be You'.

It's another Cobhams production, and like the track title, "Higher" maintains the pitch and features another display of vocal dexterity. Very inspirational and very relevant to the ups and downs everyday people have to surmount to make it in life. It could be said to be a summary of Waje's career; where she's been, where she is, and where she's heading.

Afro-Soul fuses with rap lyrics from Eva Alordiah and Phyno in "Black And White" which is laden with philosophy for dealing with, and tolerating fake people. I heard what Eva did there, and Phyno kept it real too, Waje it was who carried the flow of this one though. Well arranged too. EKelly on this one.

"Only You" had M.I rapping and also lacing the beat, however, it marks the beginning of the album for me. It really is just there, and "Na The Way" followed in similar vein with Sarkodie failing to deliver his acclaimed lyrical prowess. Same ol' "money no be problem" flow. J Martin did the track justice, and takes production credit too. "No Tomorrow" is a electronic/dance/pop track in the same league as the previous two, altogether seeming like the "album fillers". The surprise for me was that it was produced by Cobhams.

"One More Time" is yet another electronic/dance/pop track which signs off the album on an upbeat mood. Looking forward to better things ahead, focusing on working things out despite the odds, Sizzle Pro co-wrote, and also produced the closing tune.

A wonderful album with world class hits sandwiched in between. Artful crafting of rhymes, lyrical prowess, and outstanding vocals set 'Words Aren't Just Enough' afield from the unfortunate "clang and bang" fast becoming the norm. I was disappointed at the scoring of the tracks, and also, the price (could've been N500). The album would easily have gotten a 4-star rating if a few tracks were dropped off the project. All the same, for a debut album, this is quite a feat.