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Album Review: Josh Osho – L.I.F.E (Released 25th June) ✭✭✭✭

JOSH OSHO
L.I.F.E

Josh Osho is set to release his debut album ‘L.I.F.E’ (Learning Is For Ever) on the 25th June. Josh’s musical talents were first recognised by Island Records president Darcus Beese; who you may know as the guy who discovered Amy Winehouse, with the knowledge of this you expect to hear something great and some amazing talent, and Josh Osho’s first album ‘L.I.F.E’ doesn’t disappoint.

Dubbed “the UK’s answer to John Legend”, South Londoner Josh Osho is a naturally gifted singer-songwriter with a life-story packed full of the stuff that films are made of.

At just 20-years-old the album is a stunning mix of soulful R&B and acoustic tracks. If you didn’t know anything about Josh, you would never be able to guess his age, with depth and honesty in his lyrics and a dreamy husky voice, it’s beyond his years.

There are 14 tracks on the album, the singles ‘Redemption Days’ and ‘Giants’ feature twice, once with Josh on his own and the second time ‘Redemption Days’ features Ghostface Killah, who is quoted saying “I usually don’t work with a lot of people, but my man Josh is in another lane”. Redemption Days is a beautiful song, powerful lyrics, it is about getting through the bad times, simply uplifting, and then add one of the most important rappers of all time, clearly a massive hit (the single is out now to purchase). ‘Giants’ features Childish Gambino, the added hip hop element to this song, brings another edge to this song and raises the bar.

The rest of the songs are just Josh; and it makes no difference, there is no need for added artists or gimmicks, it is simply about the music and the lyrics. It is very rare for me to come across an album where I enjoy all of the songs, no skipping required with this album.

Footsteps’ is a stand out song, with an African drum-patterned background and matched with Josh’s voice it makes it a catchy song, equally loving the lyrics. ‘Imperfections’ is a song that you want Josh to sing to you personally. Finally ‘Ebenezer Hotel’ a bluesy song about the time Josh had to live in a half-way house and where life went in a bad direction, great hook with the lyric “had to dance with the devil”, bitter sweet.

Rounding up, the album is lyrically empowering, musically perfect, and I hope when it’s released it gets the credit it truly deserves.

4 out of 5 stars ✭✭✭✭

Review by Christina Benneworth

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