Nearly a decade after his debut, Reekado Banks returns with The Game Needs You, his much-anticipated sophomore album. As expected, it is very much a Reekado Banks project smooth vocals, melodic sensibilities, and a consistent Afrobeats and amapiano-infused soundscape. The album is well-produced, showcasing polished beats and solid arrangements that underscore Reekado’s signature style. Tracks like “Oroma” stand out for their unique production choices and memorable hooks, with Terry Apala’s feature adding a distinct flavor. Similarly, “December (So Beautiful)”, produced by Don Jazzy, offers one of the album’s most beautiful moments, allowing Reekado’s voice to shine against a calm, soulful beat. These tracks highlight that Reekado still possesses undeniable talent and an ear for melody.
However, the overall feeling of The Game Needs You is one of stagnation rather than growth. Despite the well-crafted production, the album often sounds dated, locked in the mid-2010s era rather than reflecting the evolution of Afrobeats in 2025. The amapiano elements, while competently done, sometimes feel like a box-check rather than a fresh integration, with songs like “Freestyle” and “Jawo” lacking originality or distinctiveness. The presence of features such as Lil Kesh, whose prime was nearly a decade ago, only emphasizes the album’s throwback vibe, as heard on “Biliki”. This choice reinforces the sense that the album is playing it safe, comfortable in nostalgia rather than pushing into new sonic territory.
Lyrically, the album falls short of offering anything particularly memorable or bold. Most tracks hover around the basic level, serviceable but not striking. While songs like “Bro Bro” engage with themes of loyalty and gratitude towards day ones, the writing overall lacks the depth or creativity to elevate the album beyond a familiar formula. Reekado’s performance, though consistently smooth, doesn’t break new ground either. His vocal delivery remains one of the album’s strong suits, especially on tracks like “Dangerous” and “My Woman” (featuring a commanding verse from Phyno), but the emotional range and energy throughout are somewhat limited.
Beyond Reekado himself, the album’s features are a mixed bag. Phyno is a clear standout, delivering a verse on “My Woman” that grabs attention and injects energy into the track. Terry Apala’s contribution on “Oroma” is also noteworthy, lending authenticity and a distinctive touch to an already memorable song. On the other hand, some collaborations feel undercooked or fail to add meaningful dimension, such as Winny on “2WFL” or Lil Kesh on “Biliki”, whose presence seems more nostalgic than innovative.
The album’s sequencing and cohesion leave much to be desired. Rather than feeling like a carefully curated journey or concept, The Game Needs You comes across more as a collection of songs loosely grouped under a title. This lack of thematic or sonic unity makes it harder for the project to establish a compelling narrative or identity, which in turn affects its overall impact. Listeners may find themselves skipping tracks that don’t grab attention, rather than experiencing a fluid and engaging album from start to finish.
Still, production is one of the album’s strongest suits. The beats are polished, well-mixed, and professionally executed, lending the project an air of quality that many contemporaries struggle to match. The amapiano undertones, although predictable, are handled with finesse, and the balance between energetic rhythms and slower, melodic moments helps maintain listener interest. Songs like “Mukutu” bring a fresh, playful vibe with whispery hooks and infectious rhythms that break up the otherwise steady pace of the album.
It’s worth noting that the album seems to lean heavily on familiar formulas and sounds that have worked for Reekado in the past. While there’s comfort in this approach, it also highlights the absence of experimentation or risk-taking that could have propelled his artistry forward. At a time when Afrobeats is rapidly evolving and artists are blending genres, challenging conventions, and expanding their narratives, The Game Needs You feels anchored to a safer, more predictable lane.
In the end, this album is best appreciated by listeners who have followed Reekado Banks from the start and enjoy the smooth, melodic Afrobeats style he’s cultivated over the years. For newer fans or those seeking the cutting edge of 2025 Afrobeats, it may feel less impactful and lacking the innovation that defines the genre’s current wave.
The Game Needs You plays far too safe for a sophomore album arriving nine years after the debut. Rather than reimagining his sound for a new era, Reekado Banks leans on formulas that worked in 2015, delivering an album that feels trapped in the past. It nods politely to the present but never engages with it, and in doing so, makes itself irrelevant to the future.
Rating Breakdown:
• Sound & Production: 1.5/2
• Lyrics & Writing: 0.8/2
• Performance: 1.3/2
• Originality: 0.8/2
• Replay Value: 1.3/2
Overall Score: 5.7/10
