Burna Boy's Twice As Tall: An Album Mix Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's dive into Burna Boy's Twice As Tall album and explore what makes this mix so special. This album isn't just a collection of songs; it's a whole vibe, a journey, and a statement. So, grab your headphones, and let’s get into it!

A Sonic Adventure: The Essence of Twice As Tall

Twice As Tall by Burna Boy isn't just an album; it's a cultural reset. Released in August 2020, this album served as a powerful follow-up to his Grammy-nominated African Giant. The sound engineering, mixing, and mastering of this album elevated it to a global stage, resonating with audiences far beyond its Afrobeat roots. The production quality is top-notch, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds, showcasing Burna Boy's unique style, and solidifying his place as a global music icon.

The album features a blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, pop, and hip-hop, creating a diverse and engaging listening experience. The vocal production is crisp, with Burna Boy's signature gravelly voice cutting through the mix with clarity and power. Guest appearances from artists like Chris Martin, Stormzy, and Youssou N'Dour add layers of richness to the album, showcasing Burna Boy's ability to collaborate with artists from different genres and backgrounds.

From a technical perspective, the mixing on Twice As Tall is exceptional. Each instrument is given its own space in the mix, creating a wide and immersive soundstage. The low end is punchy and well-defined, providing a solid foundation for the music, while the high frequencies are clear and airy, adding sparkle and sheen. The dynamic range is also well-managed, allowing the music to breathe and flow naturally. The album's overall sonic aesthetic is one of warmth and vibrancy, reflecting the energy and spirit of Africa.

The mixing and mastering of Twice As Tall played a crucial role in its success. The attention to detail in the production, from the careful selection of sounds to the precise placement of instruments in the mix, helped to create an album that is both sonically pleasing and emotionally resonant. The album's themes of resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride resonated with listeners around the world, making it a critical and commercial success. Twice As Tall won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021, cementing Burna Boy's status as a global superstar and further solidifying the album's legacy as a landmark achievement in African music.

Key Tracks and Their Mixing Magic

Let's break down some of the standout tracks and dive into what makes their mix so captivating. We’ll check out specific elements that contribute to the overall sonic experience. Think of it like dissecting a gourmet meal to understand each ingredient!

1. "Level Up (Twice As Tall)"

In "Level Up (Twice As Tall)," the impactful opening track sets the tone for the entire album, blending Burna Boy’s raw vocals with a powerful, anthemic sound. The mix is incredibly dynamic, allowing the emotional depth of the lyrics to shine through. The bassline is deep and resonant, providing a solid foundation for the track, while the percussion elements are crisp and precise, driving the rhythm forward. The use of layered harmonies adds a sense of grandeur, enhancing the song's overall message of resilience and triumph. The careful balance between the various elements in the mix ensures that no single element overpowers the others, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

The arrangement and instrumentation in "Level Up" are meticulously crafted, with each element serving a specific purpose in the overall sonic landscape. The use of traditional African instruments, such as the talking drum, adds a layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the track, while the incorporation of modern electronic elements gives it a contemporary edge. The interplay between these different sonic textures creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience, keeping the listener hooked from start to finish. The song's overall sonic aesthetic is one of power and determination, reflecting the spirit of overcoming adversity and rising above challenges.

One of the standout features of the mixing in "Level Up" is the clarity and separation of the individual elements. Each instrument and vocal is given its own space in the mix, allowing it to breathe and shine without getting lost in the mix. This attention to detail is particularly evident in the way the vocals are treated, with Burna Boy's voice sitting perfectly in the mix, commanding attention without being overwhelming. The use of subtle effects, such as reverb and delay, adds depth and dimension to the vocals, enhancing their emotional impact. The result is a mix that is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the essence of Burna Boy's artistry and message.

2. "Onyeka (Baby)"

"Onyeka (Baby)" showcases a lighter, more playful side of Burna Boy, and the mix reflects this. The percussion is more prominent, driving the rhythm with a catchy, danceable beat. The vocals are treated with a touch of reverb, giving them a warm and inviting feel. The use of melodic synths adds a layer of sweetness to the track, creating a feel-good vibe that is hard to resist. The song's overall sonic aesthetic is one of joy and celebration, reflecting the carefree spirit of young love and the simple pleasures of life.

The instrumentation in "Onyeka" is carefully chosen to create a vibrant and colorful soundscape. The use of traditional African instruments, such as the kalimba and the xylophone, adds a layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the track, while the incorporation of modern electronic elements gives it a contemporary edge. The interplay between these different sonic textures creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience, keeping the listener hooked from start to finish. The song's overall sonic aesthetic is one of joy and celebration, reflecting the carefree spirit of young love and the simple pleasures of life.

One of the standout features of the mixing in "Onyeka" is the clarity and separation of the individual elements. Each instrument and vocal is given its own space in the mix, allowing it to breathe and shine without getting lost in the mix. This attention to detail is particularly evident in the way the vocals are treated, with Burna Boy's voice sitting perfectly in the mix, commanding attention without being overwhelming. The use of subtle effects, such as reverb and delay, adds depth and dimension to the vocals, enhancing their emotional impact. The result is a mix that is both playful and polished, capturing the essence of Burna Boy's artistry and message.

3. "Monsters You Made (feat. Chris Martin)"

"Monsters You Made," featuring Chris Martin, tackles serious social issues, and the mix here is appropriately intense. The combination of Burna Boy’s Afrobeat sensibilities with Chris Martin's rock influence creates a powerful and thought-provoking track. The bass is heavy and distorted, adding a sense of urgency and aggression. The drums are hard-hitting and relentless, driving the rhythm forward with unwavering force. The vocals are treated with a touch of grit, giving them a raw and authentic feel. The overall sonic aesthetic is dark and brooding, reflecting the seriousness of the issues being addressed.

The instrumentation in "Monsters You Made" is carefully chosen to create a sense of unease and tension. The use of dissonant chords and unsettling sound effects adds to the song's overall sense of discomfort, while the incorporation of Chris Martin's soaring vocals provides a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The interplay between these different sonic textures creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience, keeping the listener hooked from start to finish. The song's overall sonic aesthetic is one of protest and defiance, reflecting the spirit of resistance against injustice and oppression.

One of the standout features of the mixing in "Monsters You Made" is the clarity and separation of the individual elements. Each instrument and vocal is given its own space in the mix, allowing it to breathe and shine without getting lost in the mix. This attention to detail is particularly evident in the way the vocals are treated, with Burna Boy's voice sitting perfectly in the mix, commanding attention without being overwhelming. The use of subtle effects, such as reverb and delay, adds depth and dimension to the vocals, enhancing their emotional impact. The result is a mix that is both powerful and poignant, capturing the essence of Burna Boy's artistry and message.

The Impact of the Album's Sound

The sonic excellence of Twice As Tall isn't just about technicalities; it significantly amplifies the album's message. The clear and balanced mix ensures that Burna Boy's lyrics and the emotional nuances of his delivery are never lost. This allows listeners to fully connect with the themes of the album, such as resilience, African pride, and the struggle against injustice.

The album's high production quality also contributes to its global appeal. By adhering to international standards of sound engineering, Twice As Tall was able to compete with mainstream releases from around the world. This helped to break down barriers and introduce Afrobeat to a wider audience, paving the way for other African artists to gain recognition on the global stage. The sonic excellence of Twice As Tall demonstrates the importance of investing in high-quality production, as it can have a profound impact on an album's success and cultural significance.

Twice As Tall won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021, and this recognition is a testament to the album's artistic and technical achievements. The album's sonic excellence played a crucial role in its Grammy win, as it demonstrated Burna Boy's commitment to quality and innovation. The album's success has inspired other African artists to raise their own standards of production, leading to a new wave of high-quality African music that is captivating audiences around the world.

Lessons for Aspiring Mixers

So, what can aspiring mixers learn from Twice As Tall? Here are a few takeaways:

1. Pay Attention to Detail: Every element in the mix matters. From the EQ of the kick drum to the subtle reverb on the vocals, every decision contributes to the overall sound.
2. Balance is Key: A great mix is all about balance. Make sure that no single element overpowers the others, and that each instrument and vocal has its own space in the mix.
3. Serve the Song: The most important thing is to serve the song. The mix should enhance the emotional impact of the music, not distract from it.
4. Know Your Gear: Understanding your tools is essential for achieving a professional-sounding mix. Experiment with different plugins and techniques to find what works best for you.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice: Mixing is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes, as this is how you will learn and grow as a mixer.

Final Thoughts

Twice As Tall isn't just an album; it's a masterclass in mixing. The attention to detail, the balance, and the emotional impact of the mix all contribute to its greatness. By studying this album, aspiring mixers can learn valuable lessons that will help them to elevate their own work. So, go back and listen to Twice As Tall with a critical ear, and see what you can discover. You might just be surprised at what you learn!

Hope you guys enjoyed this deep dive! Keep listening and keep creating! Peace out!