Black Coffee’s New Album ‘Subconsciously’ Review

So what’s all the fuss with Black Coffee’s latest project ‘Subconsciously’?

Since his previous album release back in 2016, Black Coffee has had a host of high-profile collaborations. Which has helped to increase the global reach for the veteran South African Producer/DJ.

For those that don’t know Black Coffee is synonymous with being a pioneer for Afro House globally. Often as other musical genres search for inspiration Black Coffee’s uniquely Afro-influenced sound became the go-to. Further international recognition came in droves as Drake’s ‘Get It Together’ sampling his now legendary ‘Superman‘ ft Bucie.

So the expectation was high for his new album ‘Subconsciously‘. With a more mainstream audience and the pressure of now being a globally recognised producer. Tends to make delivering something that appeals to both your core demographic & a newly formed more commercial fanbase a difficult balance.

With that being said it seems not everyone is digging the latest release from the Legend. Judging by previous projects like ‘Piece of Me’. You would be right to assume that this project would be fire. But is it?

We checked out the new album, ‘Subconsciously’ to see if the fuss was justified.

At first appearance, the tracklist had a more commercial feel featuring artists such as Pharrell, David Guetta, Diplo, and Usher. Made the release more unpredictable but increased the sense of expectation.

“Soulful House with Usher should bang, right? So let’s see what this track is saying” was our initial thought. But does it? Let’s jump straight in and find out.

As expected Usher delivers with his feature on ‘LaLaLa’ and it bangs. An Afro House jam perfect for getting your groove on. We were expecting a more slow soulful house vibe as it was Usher but let’s remember, it’s flipping Usher and he can go on any beat and deliver.

The Jozzy feature on ’10 Missed Calls’ was needed. An artist we haven’t heard of on a Black Coffee production. The Pharrell Williams feature on the same track potentially wasn’t required, but we appreciate that he brought his A-game for Black Coffee’s unique sound.

‘Drive‘ gives us the David Guetta feature and for us, this tune is far too commercial and definitely not something we’re used to hearing from Black Coffee but with him breaking into the mainstream this was inevitable and in some sense predictable. The hope is by trying to appeal to a wider fanbase doesn’t dilute the legendary South African producer’s sound in the future.

The duration of the project is a solid hour, which feels set like and a play on his DJ roots. An altogether different step in comparison to his previous album ‘Piece of Me’, which is almost double the duration and easily digestible.

Although not all the features work. Black Coffee has delivered something tangibly different and a foundation to further build on his already global appeal.

There is something on this project for everyone which shows his diversity and proves Black Coffee is so much more than just an Afro or Soulful House producer, he can do it all.