Ranking Every Davido Album From Worst To Best

It feels like just yesterday when a teenage Davido burst onto our screens with Back When, marking the beginning of a legendary career. Over the years, he has released some of the most iconic Davido albums, shaping the Afrobeats genre.

The 001 of Afrobeats has cemented himself as one of the industry’s most consistent hitmakers, delivering banger after banger with reckless abandon. Yet, the veteran shows no signs of slowing down—his fifth studio album, 5ive, is set for release on March 14, 2025.

As we anticipate 5ive, we take a dive into his discography, ranking Davido albums from worst to best. From Omo Baba Olowo: The Genesis to Timeless, we revisit the music that secured his place in the Hall of Fame of Nigerian music.

5. A Better Time (2020)

Worst Despite spurning smash hits like FEM, The Best, and Jowo, Davido’s third album, A Better Time, felt more like a compilation of potential hits than a cohesive body of work. In a year when his eternal rivals, Burna Boy and Wizkid, delivered groundbreaking albums with Twice as Tall and Made in Lagos, Davido failed to rise to the occasion. The album lacked a central theme as Davido relied on a hit-first approach that resulted in a 17-track album that delivered only a handful of satisfying records completely eclipsed by a majority of forgettable songs. The international features—Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, and Nas—felt like forced additions aimed at commercial success rather than seamless collaborations. No song encapsulates how terrible this album is more than Birthday Cake with Nas, a horrible record that fell flat despite the legendary rapper’s presence. Overall, A Better Time lacked quality, failed to leave a lasting impact, and was quickly forgotten. Good riddance.

4. Son of Mercy (2016) [EP]

In 2016, the Afrobeats to the World movement was in its infancy and Davido was one of the genre’s biggest names. With growing international demand and a lucrative recording contract with Sony Music in place, he released Son of Mercy, his major-label debut. In an attempt to appeal to an international audience still unfamiliar with the Nigerian Pop sound, Davido adopted a Western R&B/Pop sound which was a clear departure from his signature Afrobeats style. While songs like Gbagbe Oshi and Coolest Kid in Africa had their moments, the project ultimately lacked the X-factor needed to truly connect. Unfortunately, Son of Mercy failed to resonate with both his core fan base and the international audience he tried to impress, leaving the EP feeling inconsequential and—in Davido’s own words—sounding like shit.

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3. Omo Baba Olowo – The Genesis(2012)

Davido’s career is synonymous with hit songs and his debut album delivered a number of them. Records like Dami Duro, Ekuro, All of You, and Overseas laid the foundation for his incredible career and still continue to thrill longtime fans and new audiences to this day. The album showcases the relentless energy of a teenage but highly ambitious Davido who basks in the glory of newfound fame and fortune, resulting in a celebratory debut. While Omo Baba Olowo had its flaws—its songwriting left much to be desired and his vocals needed training—the album has aged well and remains both relevant and enjoyable. A testament to Davido’s undeniable ability to craft music that stands the test of time.

2. Timeless (2023)

After what seemed like a long hiatus following the unfortunate passing of his son, Davido made a strong comeback with Timeless, showing growth and maturity as he refined the flaws of his previous albums to deliver his most polished and seamless body of work yet. Songs like Unavailable, Kante, No Competition, and Feel became instant fan favourites while records like Na Money, Godfather, and LCND have all aged like fine wine. The album sells well two years after its release, solidifying its place as Davido’s most defining work.

1. A Good Time (2019)

A Good Time is easily Davido’s most complete and impressive album. As the name implies, Davido delivered on his promise of A Good Time while providing a vivid image of his journey to becoming one of Africa’s biggest pop stars. With songs like Blow My Mind, Risky, Sweet in the Middle, Disturbance, Big Picture, and D&G, the album delivered multiple hits while still feeling well-curated. A Good Time is the offering of an artist who has consistently fine-tuned his craft and removed the rough edges that once held his music back. The result is a fully clear vision for the future of his artistry, buoyant and undeniably infectious. A Good Time stands as one of Afrobeats’ finest albums and is a testament to Davido’s unwavering resolve to continue evolving. It is without doubt the best Davido album of all time.