RESTLESS(EP) – SIMI: A FAN’S OPINION

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So I downloaded the RESTLESS EP and drowned myself in emotions delicately placed over borrowed instrumentation from urban classics such as 1 Republic’s “Too late”, Bruno Mars’ “Grenade”, Beyonce’s “Halo”, Rihanna’s “Man down” and Adele’s “set fire to the rain”.

What struck me almost immediately was Simi’s sultry beckoning coo. But the girl excels even better at her songwriting. Wittily skipping from English to Pidgin and back again, keeping her message funny and relatable are strong marks for this young lady clearly having fun with this project.

Simi clearly leaves you yearning for more just as the 5^th and final track begins to fade away. *sighing*

But then you can hit the replay button and enjoy the ride all over again!

On “20nine”, performed over “too late”, Simi relates the story of a girl done wrong persistently by her man and she can’t let go because she’s on the fringe of 30, the age mark which spells doom for the spinster in our times and clime. This song is sad and funny all at once, highlighting the bad boy’s no goodness and the forlorn “I’ve come to terms with it” attitude of the girlfriend, who still wants to settle down with said bad boy!

“Range Rover” is clearly my favourite as Simi calmly but resolutely states that she will not date a poor man, citing the poor economy as a solid reason. I laughed from the get go. However, there are those who will fail to notice the sarcasm dripping from this one. I’m tempted to think that 20nine is a fall-out of the unachieved expectations highlighted in this track. Rihanna’s “man down” instrumentals, serve as a palette for this.

“Misbehaviour” was sung over “Grenade” instrumentals. Simi’s wit is all over this, claiming impossible acts she’ll take on  just to prove how deep her love is for a guy wey just dey misbehave! Including daring to slap a policeman! For Naija, you wan die?

“Why you forget” to Beyonce’s “Halo”  and “Not Okay” to Adele’s “set fire to the rain”, continue on this trend of excellent vocals with witty lyrics about lost love over familiar beats and showcase Simi’s extensive vocal range, especially as she’s credited with backing vocals and vocal arrangements.

For an EP that was recorded in a corner of her bedroom, this is exceptional. I’ve heard stuff from world class studios that don’t come close.

Do I have to rate this?

I will anyway.

4.5/5

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