Body, Soul & Spirit

## **Singles from *Body, Soul & Spirit***

1. "Only God Can Save Me"
Released: 3 November 2023

***Body, Soul & Spirit*** is the second extended play (EP) by Nigerian singer Joeboy. It was released on 17 November 2023 and preceded by the one single "Only God Can Save Me" on 3 November 2023.

He shared of the inspiration behind the record: "I have been through a rollercoaster of emotions since the release of my album. From my relationship with God, and seeing the dark side of love, to experiencing betrayal, and trying to survive against all odds, I have had to really dig deep to keep my sanity intact, while putting on a brave face and keeping up with appearances. The songs on this EP embody my journey through this emotionally draining period. Usually, I have people around me during my recording and writing process, but for this project, I was all alone with a mic and a pen, because creating this project coincided with me learning how to record myself in the studio, which meant I was able to completely offload all those pent-up emotions into this project".

## Synopsis

An offshoot from his May 2023 sophomore album, *Body & Soul*, Joeboy's *Body, Soul & Spirit* EP adds an extra dimension to his outlook on life and love. Channelling his signature falsetto over fluid Afropop, the singer-songwriter offers brooding interrogations of companionship, self-realisation and faith. Fusing chronicles of romance delivered atop upbeat instrumentation with philosophical musings layered over moody soundbeds, Joeboy deftly swivels between the emotive and cerebral. The existential "Only God Can Save Me" commences the offering in this vein, with the lyrics "My eye dey red/Many things for my head/Many things on my plate/I dey scratch bear-bear" revealing his disposition. An ode to Joeboy's unshakeable focus, the anthemic "24/7" follows, before "Telephone" tenders revitalisation over shuffling percussion. The candid reflections of the acoustic "Enemy" then dovetail with the spiritually tinged lyrics of closer "Surviving", maintaining this offering's introspective quality.

## Critical reception

Adeayo Adebiyi of *Pulse Nigeria* wrote, "he offers insights into his personal worries while maintaining the same willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve" and continued, "his music carries the unmistakable essence that distinguishes him". *The Native* assessed, "There are grooves to 'Body, Soul & Spirit' but in service of the singer's aching lyricism and delivery. The music feels stripped, at least by Joeboy standards, and it lets him better explore the possibilities of his voice apart from yodelling alongside blaringly mixed arrangements. There's still some gaps in virtuosity Joeboy still has to reach if he wants keep leaning into the approach of excavating his experiences and woes. I don't expect it to be the predominant part of his artistry, but it would strengthen his dynamism as a singer and songwriter".

## References

1. ↑ Adebiyi, Adeayo (20 November 2023). "Joeboy Gets Personal on New EP 'Body, Soul, & Spirit'". *Pulse Nigeria*.
2. ↑ Adebiyi, Adeayo (20 November 2023). "Joeboy Gets Up Close & Personal in 'Body, Spirit, and Soul'". *Pulse Nigeria*.
3. ↑ Peter, Dennis (19 November 2023). "A 1-Listen Review of Joeboy's New EP, 'Body, Soul & Spirit'". *The Native*.