By Mario Machaieie 
Tumelo Ruele’s Comeback Lacks The Spark
After a seven-year absence, Tumelo Ruele makes his comeback, but does the long wait live up to expectations? In his latest album, Tumelo delivers a mix of old-school house, modern tropes, and his signature laid-back sound. But while it offers some moments of nostalgia, the overall impact may leave you questioning if it’s the return we were expecting.
Let’s break it down using five key aspects: Production, Messaging, Mood, Cohesiveness, and Length, alongside an overall rating.
Checklist for Rating:
- Production: ★★★★☆
- Messaging: ★★★☆☆
- Mood: ★★★½☆
- Cohesiveness: ★★★☆☆
- Length: ★★★½☆
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
A decent effort, but not the groundbreaking return I was hoping for.
Tumelo’s latest effort is like catching up with an old friend—familiar, and comforting, but missing the excitement of new stories and fresh ideas. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression either. It’s like listening to Arise and Shine and Traces of Love all over again.
1. Production: Clean but Familiar
The album feels like it’s divided into two distinct halves, almost like flipping an A/B side of a cassette. The first half incorporates some modern house elements, like the 3-step beat and an out-of-place log drum. The production is solid, with clean mixing, but at times the vocals feel too “up-mixed,” overpowering the instrumentals. The second half takes us back to Tumelo’s earlier, more relaxed style—a sound reminiscent of his past work like.
Despite the modern tweaks, the album sounds like it could have been sealed in a time capsule, unearthed at a moment when the music industry might need a sonic reset. There are moments that feel slightly dated, as if they belong in a different era, but that could be part of its charm for fans longing for that old-school house feel.
Rating (Production): ★★★★☆ (4/5)
It’s polished, but at times too familiar, lacking that “new” edge that could have made it groundbreaking.
2. Messaging: A Tale of Love and Loss
The album opens with a hymn, setting the tone for an emotional journey rather than a club-ready experience. Lyrically, the album follows the well-trodden path of love—boy meets girl, falls for her, but the relationship ultimately dissolves. By track 5 (Uzozisola) and track 6 (Work It Out), the narrative is clear: Tumelo warns the love interest that she’ll regret leaving him. The themes of longing, heartbreak, and nostalgia run deep throughout.
It’s a universal story, but it doesn’t break any new ground. You’ll find yourself connecting with the themes if you’ve ever experienced similar heartache, but it might feel predictable for some listeners.
Rating (Messaging): ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
The messaging is relatable but doesn’t bring anything innovative to the table.
3. Mood: Laid-Back Vibes
“Work It Out” emerges as a standout track, evoking a sense of old-school house nostalgia. The album, as a whole, is more of a “background music” experience—perfect for playing while working, doing chores, or casually browsing in a shopping mall. It’s not designed to command attention or inspire listeners to Shazam the track. Instead, it lingers quietly in the background, contributing to the atmosphere without demanding to be the centerpiece.
It’s definitely not a party starter. If you’re looking for something with more energy, you might be disappointed. But if you’re in the mood for something more reflective and low-key, it hits the right notes.
Rating (Mood): ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)
While it’s soothing and nostalgic, it lacks a strong emotional punch.
4. Cohesiveness: A Tale of Two Halves
The cohesiveness of the album is intriguing, as it feels almost like two separate projects stitched together. The first half leans into modern house influences, with more upbeat, amapiano-inspired tracks, while the second half feels more rooted in Tumelo’s signature style—slower, more contemplative, and emotionally rich.
This split isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it might leave listeners feeling as if they’re navigating two different albums. It’s as though Tumelo wanted to please both longtime fans and newer audiences, but the balance isn’t quite perfect.
Rating (Cohesiveness): ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
The division between the two styles makes it feel slightly disjointed.
5. Length: Just Right, But a Bit Forgettable
At about 45 minutes, the album doesn’t overstay its welcome, but it also doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The tracks flow well into each other, and even when Spotify’s algorithm suggested Moment by Atjazz after the album ended, it felt like a natural extension of the vibe Tumelo had set up. However, this speaks more to the consistency of the genre rather than the memorability of Tumelo’s own work.
You’ll likely find yourself enjoying the album in the moment but not necessarily returning to it after your first few listens.
Rating (Length): ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)
It’s well-paced, but the songs don’t demand repeated plays.
Final Verdict:
In 2009, when Tumelo’s voice first caught our attention, it was a moment of connection—music that defined summers, grooves that were about more than just the beat. In his 2024 return, Tumelo gives us an album that’s good, but not quite great. The production is polished, but familiar. The messaging is heartfelt but predictable. The mood is soothing but doesn’t linger long after the music stops.
It’s a nice listen—one you might enjoy while folding laundry or relaxing on a Sunday afternoon—but it’s not the Tumelo that will dominate playlists or inspire much more than a nod of recognition. It’s comforting, but comfort isn’t always enough.
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
A decent effort, but not the groundbreaking return we were hoping for.
Listen to the album here.