The Top 25 Albums Of 2021 (So Far): Genesis Owusu - 'Smiling With No Teeth'

As far as debut album's go, you probably couldn't ask for a more stellar effort than what Genesis Owusu has delivered with Smiling With No Teeth. 

Described as "delineating the nuanced complexities of mental health, as well as Owusu’s experience of living as a black man in a white society", Smiling With No Teeth sees Owusu (real name Kofi Owusu-Ansah) deliver one what is easily of the strongest albums of 2021. 

"Smiling With No Teeth is performing what the world wants to see, even if you don't have the capacity to do so honestly," he explained of the album. 

"Slathering honey on your demons to make them palatable to people who only want to know if you're OK if the answer is yes. That's the idea, turned into beautiful, youthful, ugly, timeless and strange music."

There's an earnest nature in Owusu's writing that you can't help but relate to (on Don't Need You - "Once I left your crazy ass, I took a therapy session / I won't be richest with the wealth, I'll be the richest in blessings" and The Other Black Dog "I want to be your flesh and bone / You'll take me to the grave") and it's a rare songwriter that can take heavy topics and construct them in a way that still has you wanted to get moving. 

An essential listen from one of the most promising acts on the scene right now.