Joeboy’s Viva La Vida: A Gentle Rebellion Drenched in Soul and Sunshine
With Viva La Vida, Joeboy delivers an album that feels like a slow-burning sunrise – warm, introspective, and layered with subtle defiance. Translating to Live the Life, the project captures Joeboy stepping into a more mature phase of his artistry, shedding any expectations while embracing his own rhythm.
Known for his soft-spoken voice and romantic melodies, Joeboy uses this album to stretch beyond the “lover boy†box he’s often been placed in. Viva La Vida doesn’t scream for attention – it glides. It’s the sound of an artist who knows exactly who he is, choosing vulnerability over noise, and simplicity over spectacle.
Across the tracklist, Joeboy blends Afropop, soul, and mid-tempo grooves, giving us music that feels like a quiet rebellion – chill on the surface but rich with meaning underneath. If you came for just vibes, you’ll stay for the depth.
Read on as we provide, in detail, a review of Joeboy’s album, Viva La Vida.
Track by Track: Unpacking the Quiet Brilliance of Viva La Vida
Joeboy’s Viva La Vida isn’t just an album – it’s a mood, a mindset, and a matured version of the Afropop star we first met on his debut season and his sophomore album. Each track tells a piece of the story: of love, of freedom, of navigating life in his own lane.
From mellow grooves to sultry confessions, and from tender ballads to subtle brags, this body of work unfolds like a diary you didn’t know you needed to read. In this track-by-track breakdown, we dive into the sounds, emotions, and messages layered within each song, from the opening vibe to the final fadeout.
Let’s take the ride.
Innocent – Joeboy the Gentle Lover Returns
Joeboy opens Viva La Vida with Innocent, and it feels like a warm welcome into familiar territory. The track glides with mellow production and sultry vocals, bringing back the smooth, laid-back loverboy energy fans have come to love.
Lyrically, Joeboy claims he’s misunderstood – innocent in love despite the drama that often trails romance. It’s playful, yet sincere, and carries that signature ease he delivers so well. The tone is breezy, the melody catchy, and the vibe is perfect for setting the mood of the project. It’s a reminder: Joeboy might be soft-spoken, but he’s got a lot to say.
Abena – A Sultry Toast to His Muse
Abena slides in as the second track on Viva La Vida, and Joeboy doesn’t miss a beat. This one leans into a smooth dancehall-inspired groove, with a sensual rhythm that feels like a warm night breeze. It’s mellow, yet undeniably magnetic.
Joeboy sings to and about a lover who clearly has a hold on him, not in a toxic way, but in a soothing, grounding one. Abena is his peace, his muse, the girl who makes the noise disappear. His vocals float over the beat as he delivers praise, admiration, and an irresistible invitation to dance.
It’s charming, it’s catchy, and it adds a little sway to the emotional softness introduced in Innocent. The loverboy remains, but now he’s dancing too.
Streets Are Lonely – A Bittersweet Ballad of Isolation
Streets Are Lonely is where Viva La Vida takes a darker, more introspective turn. Joeboy pulls back the curtain on the emotional toll of modern love – and it’s not pretty. This track is soaked in melancholy, revealing a heart that’s been stretched thin by one-sided effort.
He paints a picture of a love that demands but doesn’t give, a relationship where he shows up fully only to be met with absence. The production is mellow and reflective, letting his vulnerable lyrics breathe. There’s pain here, but also acceptance – Joeboy isn’t begging anymore; he’s redirecting his energy to what serves him: his music.
It’s not just heartbreak he’s singing about – it’s disillusionment. Streets Are Lonely might just be one of the most emotionally honest tracks on the album, and it hits home in a quiet, unforgettable way.
Taxi Driver – Heartbreak with a Ride Home
Continuing in the same emotional lane as Streets Are Lonely, Taxi Driver dives even deeper into heartbreak, but this time with a touch of dramatic flair. Joeboy isn’t just heartbroken here – he’s exhausted, disillusioned, and pleading for an escape. The metaphor of the taxi driver becomes symbolic of his need to be taken anywhere but here, back to a place of peace, away from the chaos of love gone wrong.
There’s something achingly relatable about this track. He’s not lashing out; he’s retreating, accepting defeat, and asking for nothing more than to be dropped off far from the mess. His delivery is soulful, but understated – like someone who’s too tired to cry, just quietly broken.
Notably, Taxi Driver was part of the rollout leading up to the Viva La Vida album release. It came with a creative comic series teaser and later, a visually stunning official music video that captured the song’s wistful, dramatic tone. It’s one of those songs that lingers, especially for anyone who’s ever loved too hard and left with too little.
SMH (w. Tempoe) – Old Nollywood Energy, New School Vibes
SMH (Something Missing Here) brings a refreshing spark to Viva La Vida, as Joeboy links up with his longtime collaborator Tempoe for a track that feels both nostalgic and new. The production leans into classic Afrobeats textures, with an instrumental that could easily soundtrack a scene from old Nollywood – smoky rooms, stolen glances, dramatic heartbreak – yet it’s layered with modern finesse that gives it a timeless edge.
Joeboy sings about a love that feels just slightly incomplete – something is missing, and he can’t quite put his finger on it. The chorus lingers like a question he doesn’t want to answer, wrapped in sultry melodies and subtle percussion. Tempoe’s touch on the production is unmistakable – clean, groovy, and emotionally charged.
As a pre-release, this track played a major role in setting the tone for the album rollout. It’s a standout, not because it’s loud or flashy, but because it understands the assignment – give us heartbreak, give us rhythm, and let it all simmer under Joeboy’s effortlessly smooth vocals.
Magdalene – Groovy Vibes and Classic Afrobeats Energy
Following the lush tempo of SMH, Magdalene keeps the momentum alive with a burst of vibrant rhythm and feel-good energy. This track sees Joeboy back in his sweet spot – singing praises of a woman who’s clearly got him wrapped around her finger. Much like Abena, there’s a playful adoration in his tone, and it works effortlessly with the beat’s bouncy, afro-fusion texture.
The production is crisp and joyful, pairing classic Afrobeats percussion with light guitar riffs that make you want to dance without even realizing it. Joeboy’s vocal delivery is smooth and catchy, his melodies sliding easily over the rhythm as he paints a picture of love and admiration.
Magdalene is fun, flirty, and infectious – a reminder that Joeboy doesn’t need to overcomplicate things to create a hit. It’s a testament to how well he blends emotional themes with danceable beats, proving that prime Afrobeats is not only alive but thriving.
Sunset (featuring Elana Dara) – A Warm, Heartfelt Duet for the Lovers
Landing at the midpoint of Viva La Vida, Sunset feels like the golden hour of the album – a soft, tender shift from the groovy highs of previous tracks like SMH & Magdalene. Featuring Brazilian singer Elana Dara, this track is a glowing, heartwarming duet that celebrates the kind of love that feels peaceful and permanent.
There’s a calmness in the production – mellow guitars, dreamy chords, and slow, romantic pacing – that lets the chemistry between Joeboy and Elana shine. Their voices blend beautifully, trading verses and harmonies that express mutual admiration and emotional depth. It’s not just a love song – it’s a moment.
Sunset also marks the beginning of a new section of the album – one that leans into vulnerability and more feature-driven collaborations. It’s a smooth transition from dancefloor-ready bops to candlelit confessions, showing Joeboy’s range and ability to craft music for both the heart and the hips.
Adenuga (featuring Qing Madi) – A Standout Smash That Still Hits
Adenuga is that one track everyone knew was going to be a staple, and it delivered. As one of the pre-released singles leading up to Viva La Vida, it already had massive momentum, becoming a street anthem and earning major airplay across Nigeria.
The track thrives on its infectious Afrobeats rhythm, catchy hook, and undeniable chemistry between Joeboy and the ever-impressive Qing Madi. Her smooth, bold vocals add an extra layer of charm, elevating Adenuga from a good song to a certified banger. The title might reference wealth and power, but this song is all about energy, synergy, and vibe.
It’s the kind of track that brings people together – on the dancefloor, in the car, anywhere. Including it on the album was a no-brainer, and it serves as a reminder of Joeboy’s knack for creating timeless, easy-to-love tunes that still hit every time you press play.
Free of Charge (featuring Olamide) – A Heavyweight Collab with Instant Classic Vibes
Free of Charge feels like the crown jewel of Viva La Vida. When Joeboy teams up with Olamide, you already know it’s going to be a moment – and this one doesn’t miss. From the bounce of the beat to the confident, feel-good lyrics, the song radiates star power and polish.
Joeboy brings his signature melodic charm, while Olamide steps in like a boss with slick delivery, street-flavored charisma, and a verse that instantly elevates the energy. He floats on the beat effortlessly, complementing Joeboy without ever overpowering the vibe. It’s collaborations like this that show how good curation can make a strong song even stronger.
This track is bold, vibrant, and perfectly placed – arguably the biggest song on the album and one that fans will definitely have on repeat. It’s a celebration of success, self-worth, and living life with no apologies – all “free of chargeâ€.
Osadebe – A Soulful Moment, But Still Feels Like a Filler
Osadebe is one of those tracks that hits with emotional depth and sincerity. It’s Joeboy paying homage to legacy, embracing calm confidence, and channeling a soulful message that stands apart from the album’s more upbeat cuts.
However, while the song is undoubtedly soul-filled and meaningful, its inclusion on Viva La Vida feels a bit surprising – almost like a reflective interlude that doesn’t quite carry the momentum of the surrounding tracks. As a pre-release, it had its moment, but in the full context of the album, it leans more toward filler territory.
That said, it still offers something valuable – a moment of pause, a breath of introspection. Whether it needed to make the final cut? That’s up for debate. But Joeboy’s delivery remains heartfelt and consistent, which keeps it from fading completely into the background.
Hey Father – A Soulful Cry Wrapped in Groove
Following Osadebe, Hey Father arrives with clarity and emotional continuity, almost making the inclusion of the previous track feel intentional. This time, Joeboy blends soul with rhythm, delivering a prayerful, introspective tune that still keeps your head nodding.
It’s a heartfelt call to a higher power – a plea for guidance, protection, and light in times of personal turmoil. Even with its groove-laced production, there’s no missing the vulnerability in Joeboy’s voice. He sounds honest. Tired, even. But hopeful.
Hey Father is spiritual without being preachy, soulful without losing its catchiness. And in the context of Viva La Vida, it provides a strong emotional anchor. The message? Even the loverboy has moments when he needs saving.
Sinner – Confessions in Melody
As Viva La Vida nears its end, Sinner emerges as one of the most emotionally resonant tracks on the album. Joeboy leans fully into vulnerability here, delivering a soulful, reflective confession wrapped in soft instrumentation and heartfelt vocals.
It’s not just a love song – it’s an admission. A moment of reckoning. He owns up to his flaws, his contradictions, and the weight of past mistakes. The stripped-back production allows the emotion to take center stage, and Joeboy’s voice carries every ounce of sincerity.
Sinner is powerful because it’s honest – no theatrics, just raw feeling. It’s the kind of track that lingers, echoing long after the album ends. A quiet, beautiful standout that proves Joeboy’s strength lies not just in hit-making, but in heartfelt storytelling.
I’ll Be Okay (featuring Wizard Chan) – A Hopeful Goodbye
Joeboy closes Viva La Vida with I’ll Be Okay, a reflective, soul-soothing track that gracefully wraps up the emotional journey of the album. Featuring Wizard Chan, the rising artist known for his spiritual and introspective style, this collaboration feels intentional and timely.
After the rollercoaster of love, heartbreak, groove, and confession, I’ll Be Okay†offers a sense of closure, not just to a relationship, but to a personal chapter. Joeboy and Chan deliver a message of resilience and self-reassurance, with lyrics that speak to healing and holding on through life’s storms.
It’s mellow, uplifting, and deeply felt. A perfect outro that shifts the album’s focus from external affection to internal peace, signaling Joeboy’s evolution not just as a lover, but as a man on a journey toward wholeness.
Final Thoughts – A Balanced, Beautifully Human Album
Viva La Vida is Joeboy at his most vulnerable, confident, and creatively assured. It’s an album that doesn’t chase trends but instead leans fully into the artist’s emotional range, from playful and romantic to heartbroken and introspective.
This isn’t just a collection of love songs; it’s a story of love, loss, reflection, and healing. Joeboy masterfully weaves different sounds – from Afrobeats and dancehall to soulful ballads – without losing his signature softness and melodic charm. The features are well-chosen, each adding depth without overshadowing the core.
In all, Viva La Vida lives up to its name – “Live the Life“ – as Joeboy opens up a diary of real moments: sweet highs, painful lows, and everything in between. It’s mature, well-crafted, and shows that Joeboy is growing not just as an artist but as a storyteller with something to say.
Ratings
Delivery: 1.8/2
Lyricism: 1.9/2
Relatability: 1.8/2
Mixing and Production: 1.8/2
Replay Value: 1.7/2
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Joeboy Viva La Vidaa Album Review – Reviewed & Written by Peace Umanah
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