Album Review - “Black Star” by Amaarae

Coming off the audio-heaven that is Fountain Baby, Amaarae follows up with Black Star, a direct 180 from the previous album’s composition, focusing more on dance hits and afro-house instrumentation, rather than sticking to an established sound that her 2023 project. While the sound may differ, the results and impact are the same: a fun, dance-ready project captures the essence of nightlife scenes while still keeping Amaarae's core message: fucking and getting money. 

Amaarae’s voice is naturally angelic; it flows, cascades, and breezes into your ear like the whisper of a soft-spoken siren. So it’s no surprise that when said-siren sings over club-ready instrumentals, it gives you the itch to twerk, hustle, and two-step the night away. Over the 40-plus-minute album, she gives you the perfect nighttime experience for pre-club energy or post-club shenanigans. 

It would be a crime not to mention the project’s star-studded list of features. While icons like Charlie Wilson and Naomi Campbell make appearances, showstealers like the equally light-voiced PinkPantheress grace the track “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt. 2.” Each artist offers their unique flavor as a tool to craft perfect records; it's ultimately the gift of Amaarae who turns each song into one of the best albums of the year. 

Overall, Black Star is a tremendous followup to her 2023 outing, creating a cohesive wondrous project that everyone should experience while discovering the gift that is Amaarae.