Don't try to put Moud’s piece in a box, either. It’s a beautiful melting pot of jazz, pop, and experimental instrumentation that takes you on a journey through time.

What intrigued me about the project was his approach to the album. It is a 9-track chronological study of his life from 1997-2015. Moments in time that made him the young man he is today. From the first track, “1167,” you’re drawn in by the gentle guitar strums and Moud’s beautiful delivery of the first few lyrics sung in what sounds like Arabic or perhaps Tigrinya. Amid the sounds, you get lost in his storytelling, bringing you into his world of beauty, uncertainty, confusion, and love.

Another favourite is the track “Bruce.” With deep falls and echos, ukulele strums, and booming drum rolls, it’s a melodic ride. His warmth emanates throughout, whether it’s via his lyrics or vocals. And even though the album may fall under a melancholy yet alluring space with its heavy slow to mid-tempo tracks, he ups the ante a bit with the danceable “Bow Moore Rd.” But it’s his opus of “12” that has my heart. Go listen to it for yourself. abdalla is an album worth every single spin and more.

ByBlacks Rating System:

BBBBB Outstanding

BBBB Extremely Good

BBB Good

BB Challenged

B Don't bother listening