Grace Fad – All I Want (EP Review)

All I Want is the new four-track extended play by Gospel artist, Grace Fad, real name Itunuoluwa Grace Fadiyimu.  With cross-continental ministry links in Nigeria and the UK, Grace Fad writes that she’s been ‘active in gospel music since 2012’.

The EP opens with its title track, an intimate piece that feels like eavesdropping on a private prayer. Grace Fad does not ask for material objects, focusing instead on a spiritual yearning to know and walk with the Lord. We hear her sing, ‘You’re my devotion’.

While her delivery is mildly soft, but pleasant, the production choices create a bit of a hurdle; the serene instrumentation often dwarfs her vocals. There’s also some difficulty in discerning some of her lyrics, and this has to do with her vocalization. Despite these balance issues, it remains a tranquil, listener-friendly vocal delivery.

The energy shifts with ‘The Name’, a track which moves away from the subdued nature of the opener. Following an introductory piano phrase, the vocals emerge with more depth and prominence. This track is a more adventurous affair, trading minimalism for a dynamic vocal display supported by the creative drive of thick drumming and a resonant bass line.

The track takes on a sweeter tone, though it paradoxically suffers from occasional vocal obscurity; regardless, the result is a beautiful composition. Shifting the focus specifically toward Jesus, Grace Fad highlights His supremacy, noting that His name stands above all others and carries the power to manifest change when invoked. She paints a portrait of an entity stronger than darkness and eternally faithful. A standout moment of creative vocal flair occurs when she sings, ‘healing flows like rivers’.

On ‘Purpose’, a song with a symphonic feel at the beginning, especially at the beginning, Grace Fad’s vocals are more in command. While this is promising, somehow the vocals sound subdued and restrained. The song delivers at times, but fails to reach its full potential. Lyrically, Grace Fad, having started the EP with God as the subject, and then Jesus, she now asks deep questions on man (us): what is his purpose, she asks. Why was he created? What is his identity?

A part a like in the song is when Grace Fad has gone from singing to a speechlike delivery.

Overall, there are things worth criticizing in the song, but I find myself hooked on something that redeems it. In other words, Grace Fad is a musician you write off and admire in the same song. 

On ‘Purpose’, the EP moves toward a symphonic opening that grants Grace Fad’s vocals a more commanding presence. Yet, there is a lingering tension here; despite the grander scale, her delivery feels curiously subdued and restrained. The track flickers with brilliance but never quite reaches its full potential. Having transitioned from God to Jesus as her subjects, Grace Fad now turns her gaze toward humanity, posing existential questions: What is our purpose? Why were we created? What defines our identity?

A highlight of the track occurs when Grace Fad shifts her technique, moving from traditional singing into a compelling, speech-like delivery.

Ultimately, while the song is open to valid criticism, it possesses a redeeming quality that keeps the listener hooked. Grace Fad proves to be a fascinating artist – one you find yourself writing off and admiring within the span of the same song.

‘Risen Forever’ serves as the EP’s closer. The track is built upon a foundation of understated guitar and piano strings layered over minimalist, yet notably thick bass and drumming. Grace Fad’s vocal approach here is one of gradual escalation; she begins with a soft, delicate touch before eventually soaring as the arrangement builds toward its conclusion. Lyrically, the EP returns to Jesus as a subject. Some of the remarkable lyrics speak to Jesus coming from death to life and conquering the grave.

SCORE/Excellent: The instrumentation across this EP remains largely subdued and minimalist, a choice that shifts the critical focus squarely onto Grace Fad’s lyrics and vocal performance. She possesses an inherently sweet tone, yet its impact is often diminished by a frustratingly low volume in the mix. Moving forward, she would benefit from a more intentional approach to her vocalization and how it interacts with the surrounding arrangements.

Lyrically, the EP’s thematic progression – moving from God to Jesus and man as well – is a triumph. This tripartite focus creates a compelling narrative arc, prompting the listener to reflect deeply on both spirituality and their own identity.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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