- Source: Three (Patoranking album)
Three is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Patoranking. It was released on 28 August 2020 by Amari Musiq, and features guest appearances from Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Sauti Sol and King Promise. The album housed production from DJ Coublon, KillaShay, Mr. Kamera, Culan, Telz, Ctea, Jaydot, Dëra and Hysaint. The album serves as a follow-up to Wilmer (2019), and has been described as "his best album yet" by critics.
Background
Patoranking recorded Three during the COVID-19 lockdown, with the aim of creating music that could uplift listeners during difficult times. Reflecting on the album's inspiration, he said, "We can't just keep complaining about death... Let's get something to cheer the people up, give them some hope... and the only way I can do that is through my music." He emphasized that the album's themes of love, happiness, and life were meant to resonate with listeners and provide a sense of optimism amidst the global crisis.
He was heavily influenced by the pandemic while creating Three, shaping the album's themes around "love, happiness, and life" as a way to counterbalance the negativity surrounding the crisis. He explained that he wanted to move away from the more reflective tone of his previous works and create music that would help listeners have fun and stay hopeful during difficult times. While much of the album is lighthearted, it also tackles important social issues on tracks like "Black Girl Magic," "Lion in the Jungle," and "Love is the Answer," maintaining a balance between feel-good music and deeper, conscious messaging. For Patoranking, Three represents his desire to promote love and break down societal barriers through his art. themes of love, happiness, and life were meant to resonate with listeners and provide a sense of optimism amidst the global crisis.
Singles
The album's only single "Abule" was released on 30 July 2020. It was produced by Telz. The dancehall, highlife and Afropop song talks about his life in his hometown, hence the name "Abule," meaning "village" or "hood." Patoranking described the song as "a celebration of his Lagos neighborhood, Ebute Metta, and of hoods worldwide."
Critical reception
Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria rated Three a 7/10, calling it "potentially Patoranking's best album yet" for its cohesion and diverse Afro-pop sound, but noting it "lacks shock value."