5 instant standouts from Patoranking’s new album ‘Three’

'Three' is now available to stream

Written by The Native - 28.Aug.2020

Friday is a good day for many reasons, but a big one around here is all of the new music that regularly awaits us. In a weekend packed with new full-length releases from Tiwa Savage, Nasty C, and more, one release I was particularly looking forward to was that of Patoranking’s–a chameleonic master at party-ready hits from “Girlie O” to “Suh Different”. The hitmaker makes his return with his third studio album ‘Three’ arriving just a year after the release of his sophomore album ‘Wilmer’.

Aptly titled ‘Three’ to represent the three-fold experience of life, love, and happiness that underscore his latest offering, the new project is anchored by the up-tempo promotional single “Abule” which reminded listeners of their connection to their hometowns. ‘Three’ contains melodies for before, during, and after the club bolstered by groovy features from Tiwa Savage, King Promise, Sauti Sol, and Flavour, who all throw in their own distinct regional flair to the reggae-inflected tunes of Patoranking.

From the incredible sonic quality which sees him trying on a range of different sounds to back his intricate songwriting that details private encounters in an appropriately humid club, ‘Three’ definitely houses some unmissable gems that deserve their flowers. While we get more and more familiar with Patoranking’s cocktail of reggae, afrobeats, pop, dance music, and more, we’ve decided to put together a list of 5 instant standouts while listening to the new project (tweet at me whether your standouts differ from mine @tamimak_)

“Yo Body“

A quick peruse through Patoranking’s Twitter will soon reveal that the Ebutte Metta-native regards himself as ‘the next big thing after Bob Marley’. A gargantuan statement to make from any artist, seeing as the reggae legend is revered worldwide by a host of different artists, but on “Yo Body”, Patoranking puts his money where his mouth is and delivers an up-tempo steamy number to whine and dance to.

“Whine It” featuring Sauti Sol

Sauti Sol has easily become my favorite group from East Africa and boy are they putting in the work right now. From releasing their own project ‘Midnight Train’ earlier this year to featuring on Burna Boy’s most successful project yet ‘Twice as Tall’, everything they have touched so far has been straight fire so it follows that “Whine It” is no exception. Like Patoranking says, ‘this is a whining song, the perfect whining song’ and I guarantee that you can’t listen to this number without wanting to get on the dance floor and throw that ass in a circle (LOL!).

“Black Girl Magic“

After the video for Beyoncé and Wizkid’s “Brown Skin Girl” left many black women like myself and the women at the NATIVE feeling loved, accepted and seen, Patoranking single “Black Girl Magic” joins the ranks of songs preaching about the beauty and allure of black women around the world. Over an array of trumpets, keys, and groovy house percussion, he delivers a love letter to black women accented by his rich melodious voice. It’s super sweet and catchy.

”Abule”

Although “Abule” was a pre-released single from ‘Three’, it’s probably still the most enjoyable number on the project for me. What once sounded basic on the first listen soon becomes lyrics that linger on the lips thanks to the catchy afropop production from Telz. As the tumultuous year beats on, songs like this remind me of where we are coming from and how much further we have to go, but with my faith undeterred from the events of this year, I’m pleased to have a song like this to cushion the emotions.

“Matter” featuring Tiwa Savage

Since their fun, light-hearted collaboration “Girlie O” back in 2014, Tiwa Savage and Patoranking have not linked up for another song together. But on “Matter”, they come together yet again for a catchy afropop love song infused with all the sentimental tenderness that we would expect in its lyrics. The charming love song allows them both to excel in their area of expertise, delivering honey-toned memorable numbers and I could definitely imagine this number being played at wedding after-parties (after the 40-plus guests have gone home, of course!)