''For Broken Ears'' is the debut

extended play An extended play record, usually referred to as an EP, is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record.

by Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer

Tems Temilade Openiyi (born 11 June 1995), known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer. She rose to prominence after she was featured on Wizkid's 2020 single "Essence," which reached the top ten of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 after the releas ...

. It was produced primarily by Tems, along with production from Spax, Omeiza and Tejiri Akpoghene, and was released on 25 September 2020 by Leading Vibes Limited. It spawned front several hits in 2022, including "Higher" which was sampled on Future's number one ''Billboard'' Hot 100 hit "

Wait for U "Wait for U" is a song by American rapper Future (rapper), Future, featuring vocals from Canadian rapper and singer Drake (musician), Drake and Nigerian singer Tems. It was sent to rhythmic contemporary, rhythmic contemporary radio as the second ...

" and "

Free Mind "Free Mind" is a song by Nigerian singer and record producer Tems. It was released through Leading Vibes Limited on 25 September 2020, as the third track from Tems's debut extended play, '' For Broken Ears''. Tems wrote and produced the song, al ...

" which debuted on the chart, gaining Tems her first solo appearance.

Background and release

Tems began working on the EP in 2019. All the tracks were written and produced by Tems, except for the lead single "

Damages At common law, damages are a remedy in the form of a monetary award to be paid to a claimant as compensation for loss or injury. To warrant the award, the claimant must show that a breach of duty has caused foreseeable loss. To be recognised at ...

" which was produced by Spax, and "Higher" produced by Tejiri Akpoghene. "The Key" was co-produced by Omeiza, who had worked on several previous songs with Tems. The lead single "Damages" was released on 18 September 2020, while the EP was released through Leading Vibes on 22 September 2020.

Critical reception

''For Broken Ears'' received generally positive reviews from music critics. ''

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'' praised the EP, calling it an "R&B record, with swirly synths and airy harmonies", while also noting that Tems's voice could be mistaken for that of an American or British singer. A review by ''Pulse Nigeria'' lauded it for the strong themes and tracks, especially "Damages" and "Ice T", while also adding its preferred track arrangement.

Background and release

Critical reception

Track listing

Charts

Weekly charts

References