Broken Crayons Still Color
When I meditate upon the words, “Broken Crayons Still Color,” I instantly think of hope and encouragement. These words communicate the idea of perseverance. In June, Chase Forever released an Extended Play (EP), entitled “Broken Crayons Still Color.” This EP consisted of nine tracks that included eight songs and an intro. Broken Crayons Still Color is classified under African, but the EP includes R&B, Hip-hop, Techno Afro-pop, and Afrobeat elements.
In a conversation with Chase about his inspirations for this EP, Chase shared the following,
“I drew a lot of inspiration from the universe. It struck me that a lot of people I spoke to were in a dormant state or trying to figure out their lives. Things are just hard. We are in a tough time and climate, so this EP shines a lot of hope and motivation towards life. The crazy part of it all is when I was writing this I had no idea I was about to lose my mum, turns out the music I made consoles me myself.”
When asked about what he would like fans to take away from his work, Chase revealed that “I want fans to be inspired and stop living life for other people. I want fans to understand that everything will fall in place at the right time. I want it to uplift whoever is going through tough times.” With this insight about the EP, let us jump straight into this review!
Suffer
Starting with a familiar-sounding Hello, I was instantly intrigued. Intrigued by the question this song posed as well as by the familiar voice, which opened up this song. Suffer is a thought-provoking song that asks a question that has probably crossed all of our minds! This question of “if there is a heaven?” In this world filled with so much suffering and evil, one can only wonder if there is a heaven or hell. As I listen to Suffer, the voice which began the song continued to ring in my ear as I tried to grasp the meaning and depth of this song. From the production to the vocals, Suffer is a song that will force you to face life’s realities.
Blessings
Blessings serve as the intro to this project. Blessing has a whimsical charm as the narrator showers consumers will hope for blessings, grace, favour, anointing, and breakthrough for 2019… But ultimately these are things we wish for each day of our lives.
Obidoba
Listed as one of Chase’s personal favourites, Obidobia is just a vibe. Obidoba was the leading single of this EP. This song is full of positive vibes, encouragement, and wise words. This song is a great song to lift spirits and help maintain a positive outlook.
Favourite line: “I give you blessings, I wish you nothing but success my sister!”
Crazy World
“Everybody thinking they’re a star cause of likes. People sell their souls for some Instagram likes!” Yikes! What is more real than that? The crazy world is one of those songs you have to listen to several times to understand the depth of what the artist wants to convey. Truths accompanied on a tropical type beat will have you wondering what Crazy world we live in.
Shimi
Shimi translates into Leave me alone in Ga. Shimi has a techno type feel and vibe. This song is definitely on trend with Chase’s inspirations.
Rewind
Rewind is a jam. A chill song infused with highlife type vibes, this song will have you thinking about your relationship status and the purpose of forgiveness.
Shine on me
Shine on me can be classified as a motivational song. In listening to Shine on me, I reflected on many flaws and mistakes and was reminded that regardless of God Got Me Regardless! This song has an important message that everyone must hear!
Red Light
In my opinion, is one of the more danceable tunes on the EP, Red light will have you grooving as you bruk it down!
One day
One day is the last song on this EP. Staying true to the themes and inspirations, One day continues to preach the message of optimism and inspiration.
Broken Crayon Still Color speaks volumes as to who Chase is as an artist as well as the messages he hopes to convey. From my conversation with Chase, I felt as though I had a better understanding of Chase’s thoughts, inspirations, and take away for this EP. I enjoyed listening to every track on the EP. From production to vocals, Chase delivered a solid body of work for consumers.
After this EP fans can expect an album! Chase shared plans of moving back to Ghana, as he stated, “I realized the world loves the music more when it is homegrown.”
My biggest takeaway from this EP was that throughout struggles and life obstacles remember that Broken crayons still colour.
When asked his favourite songs on the EP, Chase listed the following: Obidoba, Rewind, Crazy World, Suffer and One Day. Chase shared that “every song has its moments tho.”
