Album review: Ricky Tyler’s Happy 2 Be Alive

31 May 2024 - 12:00

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Ricky Tyler’s Happy 2 Be Alive is a sonic revolution – a raw and edgy record that shatters conventions and pushes boundaries. It is a reflection of the 29-year-old South African’s maturity as an artist, and builds on the foundations he laid on his previous album Small World (2020).

Happy 2 Be Alive is a body of work that can’t be swept under the carpet.

The new, 10-track collection showcases his extensive palette comprising R&B, hip hop, pop, electro, house and even Afrobeats. It offers listeners a rich and immersive auditory experience, highlighting the Def Jam Africa signee’s introspective lyrics and engaging storytelling. The album navigates a spectrum of feelings, from gratitude and love to grief and frustration, creating a revealing diary of Tyler’s life. It also explores themes of mental health, personal growth, fame, relationships and faith.

From the lead-off track, ‘East Side’, his voice pierces through the atmospheric production, setting the tone for the rest of the album. The album’s basslines and harmonies are reminiscent of The Weeknd’s House of Balloons era, but with a distinctly personal and well-formed flair.

Standout tracks like ‘Video Games’ featuring the super-talented Kenyan singer Karun and the Tyson Sybateli-assisted ‘No More Discos’ showcase Ricky Tyler’s ability to craft infectious hooks and melodies, while ‘Hold On’ and ‘W.Y.E’ reveal a more introspective side with lyrics that confront various personal challenges. ‘Sunday Drive’, featuring Tellaman, lays bare his power of raw emotion and unbridled passion.

The production, handled by Playground Productions and Ricky Tyler himself, is up there with the best of them. Each track is a masterclass in mood-setting with varied patterns that keep the listener hooked for the duration of the entire offering. Happy 2 Be Alive is a body of work that can’t be swept under the carpet. It is a declaration of Ricky Tyler dominance in an ever-improving African music space.