Madness for Two EP by Adam Nabeel | Album Review
Omani artist Adam Nabeel blends Arabic, Afrobeat, and Spanish influences to great results on his second EP.
Omani native Adam Nabeel broke out on the scene with his debut single “Bad to the Bone” in 2018. This release and his subsequent EP Downtime laid the foundation for the Hip-Hop/R&B tinged sound he was aiming for. Nabeel would come into his own with the 2020 single “Thunder”. In his conversation with Voyage LA, he discussed how he progressed his sound into the African influence flavor that encompasses his current work:
“During the pandemic, I spent a lot of time developing my sound and production and found myself creating this sonic universe that I call ‘Afro-rabia’. It’s a combination of different sounds that have inspired and moved me. My single ‘Thunder’ was the introduction to this world, and I’m excited to share more of it.”
His latest EP, Madness for Two, expands on this sound mixing R&B, Afro-fusion, and hip-hop influences to make something unique to Adam.
The EP opens with the Arabic/Afro-fusion sounds of “HOLD”. The song is coated in the sultry sounds of satiny synths and rich organic beats that paint the song in the colors of his home of Oman. He uses his inspiration from artists like Drake much more fluidly here. The sensuous blend of sounds adds to the passion he wishes to show the woman he desires, “If you don’t hold me back/ I’ll hold you close/ We send some time/ My room on fire.” I like the mystique that these influences give to this track.
“WYA” falls a little more in the realms of western modern R&B. The use of synth guitar takes me back to the early 2000s, while the Afrobeat textures and hazy vocals color the song in a modern sandy smoke. Adam’s bad-boy edge works well against the hypnotic swirl of instruments surrounding him, “If you ain’t heard baby/ I do the worst baby/ You got to learn baby/ Shortie turn baby.” The song can feel a bit flat in a sea of similar-sounding alt-R&B that has begun to surge the airwaves in recent years. The African flair does help take the track a step above others in the genre.
I like the large feeling that the strong hit of the percussion gives to “EYE2EYE.” Adam gives the song a smoothness through the backing synths. Nabeel brings out some of his best swagger on this piece. He stands his ground trying to get her on the same level, “You said, ‘Hey baby don’t you leave’/ You can see it in my eyes/ I said, ‘Believe me I won’t leave’/ If you see me eye to eye.” The strength here comes in the subtle flow that Adam pours out in each of the verses. Its luxurious sound only adds to the performance.
We get more of the Afro-fusion sound on “MONEY ON YOU”. I do wish there was some more variety sonically to this track to help it stand out from the opening track. There also isn’t much depth to the commonly told story of a man pouring out his pockets from the spell cast by a gorgeous woman. It’s a great track to mellow out the mood in a club setting, but not one I would personally search out to vibe to.
“HEART” has some of the best vocal layering on the record. Nabeel’s rich vocals mix wonderfully with his “Afro-rabia” style. Adam’s vocals melt together like candle wax. Mixed with the gentle thumping beat, he easily sets the sense for a tantalizing piece made to get couples closer on the dancefloor. His cooed lyrics beckon his lover to let him know their true feelings, “Tell me if you got something on your brain/ If you’ve got my heart/ Nothing’s ever gonna change.” This is probably my favorite song from this EP. His style feels the most fleshed-out making for a truly unique listen.
The EP ends off with the hypnotic sounds of “CTRL”. While I enjoy the ambiance that the Middle Eastern influence brings to the track, I feel that some of the production clouds Adam’s vocals. The warbling effects in the background give the song a bit of a sea-sick sound that is at odds with the rest of the track. His lyrical content feels extremely similar to “EYE2EYE” and “HOLD.” Because of these similarities and disjointed sounds, it is the weakest song on the project for me.
For my introduction to Adam Nabeel’s work, I enjoyed the way that he takes the African and Middle Eastern influences of his childhood into a more Western sound. I can’t help but hear ties to Drake’s work throughout this project. The hazy, half-sung flow reminds me of songs like “God’s Plan.” Nabeel doesn’t come off as an imitator. He has a sound all his own. I do wish the songs delved a bit deeper than pieces on being pushed and pulled by a woman. All in all, it’s a good foundation to start with. I think these would be great tracks to get you moving in the club. I look forward to hearing where Adam’s sound will evolve on his next record. My overall thoughts on Madness for Two:
Loved it: “EYE2EYE”, & “HEART”
Liked it: “WYA” & “MONEY ON YOU”,
Disliked it: “CTRL” & HOLD”
My overall rating: 5.0 out of 10.
