On "More Love, Less Ego," Wizkid enjoys the lavish lifestyle of a megastar.

More Love, Less Ego (MLLE), Wizkid's fifth studio album, was released on November 11th, 2022. Although it doesn't provide the same satisfaction as "Made In Lagos (MIL)," the album's beautiful sound embodies the spirit of its curator. It was created to continue where "Made In Lagos (MIL)" left off.

 On "More Love, Less Ego," Wizkid enjoys the lavish lifestyle of a megastar.

More Love, Less Ego by Wizkid

Afrobeats' international ascent was redefined by the chart-topping, enormously popular "Made In Lagos," therefore there was certain to be intense scrutiny for the album that follows.

When Wizkid released the album's lead single, "Bad To Me," critics and fans had differing views on the Amapiano song's quality. . Wizkid returned to his classic style in "Money and Love" when the current industry template failed to produce the desired result. While the track may not have received a warm welcome overall, it did offer sonic similarities that were sufficient for some listeners.

 On "More Love, Less Ego," Wizkid enjoys the lavish lifestyle of a megastar.

Bad To Me by Wizkid (Official Video)

With the previous songs, it was simple to draw attention to the richness of the beat, which blended jazz guitars, percussion, and horns to create an exotic composition. Wizkid can produce a melody that matches the caliber of the beat to make for good songs, even though penmanship has never really been his strong suit. 'MIL' was boosted thanks to this combination and the help of a smartly chosen lineup.

Wizkid wants to duplicate the musicality of "MIL" in "MLLE" by using comparable sonic templates, such as a constant flowing melody, excellent production, and rich features, while talking about the carefree, prosperous, and hedonistic lifestyle of a megastar.

 On "More Love, Less Ego," Wizkid enjoys the lavish lifestyle of a megastar.

Gaining as much pleasure as possible is a reoccurring subject throughout the entire album. While the album's catchy title, "More Love, Less Ego," suggests that it aims to promote love and rein in a global star's egotistical inclinations, the substance instead conveys a sometimes romantic, usually sexual kind of love.

Money & Love by Wizkid (Official Audio)

He frequently brags about his fortune, his extravagant lifestyle, and how much money he's ready to spend on women. He states in the song "Money and Love" to "Fly to Mumbai" and "My pocket full of money." Additionally, he maintains his sex game and gives women a taste. He makes use of a well-known melody and fairly predictable lyrics that are elevated by the album's signature excellent production and lavish sound engineering.

 On "More Love, Less Ego," Wizkid enjoys the lavish lifestyle of a megastar.

The first five singles have a tune and delivery that are similar to "Made In Lagos," giving the impression that they are an extension of that song. He talks about popping bottles and swooning over attractive waistlines that stimulate his senses and tempt him to spend his money. 

The fact that he repeatedly repeats the same thing in the same way may bore some listeners, and even while the beats are exotic, they might not totally make up for these repetitive parts.

2 Sugar by Wizkid, featuring Ayra Starr (Official Video)

To maintain a unique template, music must meet or exceed the present template in order for listeners to experience similar satisfaction. Wizkid expresses some uniqueness in "2 Sugar" and asks that negative energy be kept at a distance. The Ayra Starr-assisted song borrows from "Essence" but falls short of reaching its caliber. The performance by Ayra Starr is unremarkable, and Wizkid certainly doesn't surpass himself. Additionally, despite the beat's luxurious tone, which blends log drumming and riffs, Nothing about it improves the composition.

Everyday by Wizkid (Official Audio)

Within the first 20 seconds of the song, someone who has heard "MIL" might be able to predict what the rest of "Everyday" will sound like. Before touching on the difficulties of daily living and discovering pleasures in the Las Vegas lifestyle he can afford, Wizkid provided some context for the song's title and the album's title in the introductory monologue. Although this aural predictability doesn't inherently degrade the music's quality, it does degrade its enjoyability because some listeners can only tolerate so many variations of a single song.

Slip N Slide [Official Audio] by Wizkid feat. Skillibeng & Shenseaa

The exciting song "Slip and Slide" by Jamaican singers Skillibeng and Shenseea features Shenseea in particular.

After the album's unimpressive opening five songs, the whispering lyrics, seductive melody, and slightly bouncy tempo give an environment that conjures a raging sexual desire in listeners and sets the record up for a pleasurable listen.

Flower Pads by Wizkid (Official Audio)

It's understandable why many listeners will choose "Flower Pad" as one of the album's top tracks. Rumba music's hollow percussion combine with riffs and a dash of Spanish to create an unusual sound. While the song, like "Slip and Slide," has an international sound, it appeals to a wide audience due to its sheer enjoyment and the stimulating element it provides.

Wow (feat. Skepta and Naira Marley) by Wizkid [Official Audio]

The album continues where "Slip and Slide" left off, and even though the auditory element is still present, the tracks are just all-around better. On the opening, sexually explicit Swing Record "Wow," Skepta is impressive and Naira Marley's verse is classic.

Pressure by Wizkid (Official Audio)

In the song "Pressure," which Wizkid performs for his love interest and acknowledges her hold over him, the singer offers what I believe to be his best melody and flow on the album. He masterfully and luxuriously navigates the amazing P.Priime beat.

Special (feat. Don Toliver) by Wizkid [Official Audio]

Wizkid maintains a consistent melodic progression and flow pattern throughout "Plenty Loving," even when he switches to an Afrobeat-Esque theme, and "Special," when he employs a Highlife melody. The subject remains constant as he fluidly switches between English, Pidgin, and Yoruba while talking about ladies, sex, and pleasures. Don Toliver's vocals in "Special" accomplish their intended purpose, and Juls beat transports listeners to an African night of serenity as they sip palm wine and take in the scenery as seen through the curved waists of attractive ladies.

The final track on the album, "Frame," just repeats the same idea but with somewhat improved lyrics and a catchy rhythm that lets Wizkid broaden his vocal range.

Frames (Who's Gonna Know) by Wizkid [Official Audio]

Final Reflections

Wizkid wants to duplicate the musicality of "MIL" in "MLLE" by using comparable sonic templates, such as a constant flowing melody, excellent production, and rich features, while talking about the carefree, prosperous, and hedonistic lifestyle of a megastar.

The album provides aural coherence thanks to amazing sound engineering, which provides the opulent sound required to enhance the content and provide satisfaction.

The first five tracks on the album made for a lackluster introduction, therefore the album's sequencing should have been improved. With a rhythm that is obviously repetitious and lyrics that are all too familiar, it would have been more satisfying to have some of the best songs as the opening tracks.

The album plainly borrows from "MIL" in many ways, and because the tunes don't live up to that standard, perhaps only significant financial success will make up for its shortcomings.

Overall, the sound engineering is excellent, but listeners would expect no less from an Afrobeats megastar who has won a Grammy, and it doesn't, in my opinion, fully make up for the vapidity of the substance, melody, and delivery, however innovatively done.