“Master of Ballads: Dwin’s Call for Present Love”

Dwin, the Stoic Releases “Master of Ballads”

Dwin’s second solo album, “Master of Ballads,” published under his own label, St. Claire Records, showcases his musical growth. The album takes listeners on a poignant exploration of love and the resulting solitude, featuring 15 heartfelt ballads that capture the essence of longing for a lost relationship.

The diverse album blends folk, alt-pop, highlife, and Afropop music styles, primarily produced by Rhaffy, a long-time partner in Dwin’s creative journey, with additional contributions from Smasher, GRNDMSTR, and LMBSKN.

Kicking off with Be Well, the album opens with powerful drum beats and trombone elements, prompting a journey of rekindled passion for a past love. Initially sounding detached from shared experiences, Dwin ultimately clings to memories and promises made, expressing hope for rekindled affection with the line, “And now it’s bleak as hell / But it’ll all be well.”

Beside Me brings forth a raw emotional plea, where Dwin’s desperation is palpable, summarizing with, “Give me my lover or I’ll die.” In Running, featuring Lindsey Abudei, he reflects on happier moments, evoking memories of carefree days spent together.

Like a premonition in Darey Art Alade’s music, Dwin acknowledges the inevitable end of love, deciding to let passion fade rather than endure unnecessary turmoil. He expression his thoughts on the problematic dynamics in Ifunanyam, hinting at being stuck in a cycle of unresolved feelings for three years. Unlike typical narratives of infidelity, he portrays a man seeking fidelity and commitment.

In I Go Nowhere, Dwin reiterates his desire to remain loyal and focused on a singular relationship.

In Steady, he extols his partner with cliché love phrases, describing her as unparalleled. Collaborating with Ruka in Hard Education, they discuss the challenges of letting go of emotional ties.

Dwin’s Time Is Money stands as a modern take on the classic 1989 hit by Mike Okri, showcasing a resolve to move on from those unprepared for serious love. Despite his charm, he recognizes that genuine romance requires mutual effort.

In To You, gentle guitar music accompanies his yearning for a second chance, emphasizing that farewells signify the start of a new chapter. Subsequently, in Hold Me Now, he reassures himself of his partner’s love, mirroring sentiments expressed in Gkw (God Knows Where).

However, this depiction of love raises questions about its true nature. Is it a toxic dependency he’s grappling with, where waiting for a partner overshadows actual companionship?

In Shake, Dwin promises to be a source of comfort, but throughout the album, this idea often feels unfulfilled. Please Say Something marks a pivotal moment as he seeks clarity in his relationship, revealing his fears and uncertainty regarding his lover’s commitment.

Dwin’s exploration of modern romance in “Master of Ballads” resonates with many contemporary discussions about the complexities of dating in today’s digitally-driven world.

Concluding with Swan Song, the album encapsulates his journey through love, blending emotive vocals with somber beats, as he yearns for affirmations his partner has yet to vocalize. Dwin’s insistence on receiving love openly and continually throughout his journey sets a clear message: love must be expressed clearly and earnestly while there’s still time.