Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has unveiled her third studio album, Starrgirl, marking another phase in her musical evolution.
The 16-track project explores a mix of Afrobeats, R&B, pop and electronic sounds, while featuring collaborations with major international and African artistes, including Wizkid, Rema, ZAYN, Leon Thomas, kwn, Theodora and Danny Ocean.
After an initial listen, these five songs stand out as some of the strongest tracks on the album:
1. Heaven Baby ft. ZAYN
“Heaven Baby” immediately stands out for its romantic mood and softer production. Ayra Starr and ZAYN deliver complementary vocals, creating one of the album’s more intimate collaborations.
2. Gimme Dat ft. Wizkid
Ayra Starr and Wizkid bring their star power together on “Gimme Dat,” producing an infectious record that remains one of the album’s biggest highlights.
The song also adds to the anticipation surrounding Ayra’s growing international profile.
3. Where Do We Go
“Where Do We Go” showcases a more reflective side of Ayra Starr. Its atmospheric production combines Afropop elements with electronic influences, giving the track a smooth and contemporary sound.
4. Tornado
For listeners looking for energy, “Tornado” delivers. The upbeat production and catchy rhythm make it one of the project’s most danceable records.
The song had already generated buzz before the album’s release, further raising expectations for the full project.
5. Misunderstood
“Misunderstood” highlights Ayra Starr’s continued movement towards a more polished blend of pop and R&B. The track gives her room to showcase both her vocals and personality while exploring a more personal sound.
Our Verdict
Starrgirl presents Ayra Starr as an artiste willing to experiment beyond the sound that first established her. The album moves comfortably between Afrobeats, R&B, pop and electronic influences while retaining the youthful energy associated with her music.
First-listen top five: Heaven Baby, Gimme Dat, Where Do We Go, Tornado and Misunderstood.