The Invasion (album)
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The Invasion is the fifth studio album by Nigerian duo P-Square, released on July 29, 2011 by Square Records. It sold over 1 million copies in the first four days of its release. The album features guest appearances from Tiwa Savage, Naeto C, Waje, May D, Eva Alordiah, Muna, Akon and Rick Ross. It produced three singles—"Beautiful Onyinye", "Chop My Money" and "Forever".
Promotion
To promote and celebrate the release of their fifth studio album, the duo put together a concert dubbed "The Invasion Concert" which was held at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria on July 30, 2011. It featured additional performances from May D, Lynxxx, Eva Alordiah, Muna, 9ice, Ikechuwku, and Bovi.[citation needed]
Composition
Musical style
The Invasion is a well rounded multifaceted album that's composed of R&B, reggae, hip hop, europop and contemporary highlife sounds. "Beautiful Onyinye" and "Forever" are R&B records that cater to R&B lovers, while "Player" and "Jeje" cater to europop lovers. "She's Hot" and "Me and My Brother" are reggae ridims that explore the depths of the reggae music genre. "Shake It Down Low" caters to hip hop lovers who are fans of lyrical content and mesmerizing beats.
Lyrical themes
The album primarily focuses on love, wealth, success, and nightlife. On the records "Beautiful Onyinye", "Forever" and "She's Hot", the brothers expressed the love, affection, and emotional outburst they share with their significant others. On the "Chop My Money" and "Me and My Brother" records, the duo talked about their vast wealth and the blessings that have been bestowed upon them. The "Shake It Down Low" and "Do As I Do" records celebrate and explore the feelings and excitement of nightlife.
Singles
"Forever" was released as the first single from the album. In an interview with Factory 78 TV, the duo hinted to possibly releasing a video for the song. However, the duo released videos for "Chop My Money" and "Beautiful Onyinye" thereafter.[1] The reasons for not shooting a video for the song are still unclear.
"Chop My Money" was released as the album's second single. The song, which was produced by Fliptyce, features vocals from Akon and May D. P-Square recorded the song shortly after signing a partnership deal with Akon's Konvict Muzik.
"Beautiful Onyinye" was released as the third single from the album. The song features Rick Ross and was met with critical acclaim. The duo recorded the song shortly after signing partnership deals with Akon's Konvict Muzik and Universal Music Group.
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| 360nobs | 6.1/10[2] |
| Leadership | 9/10[3] |
Upon its release, The Invasion was met with mixed reviews from music critics. Many critics felt the album was recycled and lacked originality. Others praised the album for its lyrical content, sound, composure, and depth. The album was reviewed by Mix Rhythm, 360nobs, Leadership and Naijaura. The latter of the four assigned a score of 8.5 out of 10, while the former gave the album a 3.5 out of 5 adding that the album "was well packaged in terms of graphics, nice photo shots, lyrics and a captivating album art cover". 360nobs gave the album an overall score of 6.1 out of 10 while adding that "the invasion is not yet complete". Leadership newspaper gave a rating of 9 out of 10.
Accolades
| Year | Awards ceremony | Award description(s) | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | The Headies | Album of the Year | Won |
| Best R&B/Pop Album |
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Beautiful Onyinye" | P-Square | 4:52 |
| 2. | "Chop My Money" (featuring May D) | P-Square, May D | 4:32 |
| 3. | "Asamkpokoto" | P-Square | 4:30 |
| 4. | "Do As I Do" (featuring Tiwa Savage and May D) |
| 4:06 |
| 5. | "Forever" | P-Square | 4:29 |
| 6. | "Me and My Brother" | P-Square | 4:05 |
| 7. | "Jeje" (featuring Waje) |
| 4:49 |
| 8. | "Bunieya Enu" | P-Square | 4:44 |
| 9. | "Ole Buruku" | P-Square | 4:03 |
| 10. | "Player" | P-Square | 4:58 |
| 11. | "She's Hot" (featuring Naeto C) |
| 4:53 |
| 12. | "Fire" | P-Square | 4:19 |
| 13. | "Anything" (P-Square) | P-Square | 3:43 |
| 14. | "Shake It Down Low" (featuring Muna and Eva Alordiah) |
| 3:37 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15. | "Beautiful Onyinye" (featuring Rick Ross) |
| 4:52 |
| 16. | "Chop My Money" (featuring Akon and May D) |
| 4:32 |
| Total length: | 58:60 | ||
Personnel
- Peter Okoye - Main artist
- Paul Okoye - Main artist
- Tiwatope Savage - Featured artist
- Naetochukwu Chikwe - Featured artist
- Aliaune Damala Akon Thiam - Featured artist
- William Leonard Roberts II - Featured artist
- Munachi Abii - Featured artist
- Eva Alordiah - Featured artist
- Akinmayokun Awodumila - Featured artist
- Jude Engees Okoye - Video director
- Fliptyce - Record Producer
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide | July 29, 2011 | CD, Digital download | Square Records |
References
- ^ P-Square (2011). Factory78 - Jude Okoye, P-Square & MayD interview. (Afrobeats Festival... (youtube). London: Youtube. Event occurs at 14:35. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ^ "P Square – The Invasion …Nigerian Listening E.A.R. (Essential Album Rating)". 360nobs. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "Album Review: P-Square Back With A Bang". Leadership Nigeria. Retrieved 21 August 2013.